Plans for Houston Live!

AeroTexas plans to participate in the 2009 Houston Live event. The event is pretty much free-form - so there's no specific departure or destinations, but the goal is to spend some time in Houston ARTCC airspace, or ZHU (see map).

As I plan for this event I think there are several options for AeroTexas members. The most basic is simply a one leg flight inside Houston airspace. I'm thinking the best plan for this option is to fly from San Antonio to Houston (either KIAH or KHOU will probably guarantee coverage all the way to ground). A second option is to either depart ZHU and land in another airspace, such as KAUS-KDFW, or depart from outside and return to ZHU, such as Memphis to Austin or Houston.

If you really want to mix things up, I would recommend a triangle. Flight triangles are a lot of fun and allow for different experiences in different centers. One possibility is Corpus - Lake Charles - Alliance (KAFW) - Corpus. All of the airports are relatively small, but have long enough runways for large jets. This means you usually won't have to deal with ground and tower comms - just pick up your clearance from Center before departing. Smaller airports I think are just easier to deal with all the way around - and it gives you the opportunity to consider a non-precision approach should conditions prevail upon your instrument skills. And if not - then you'll likely get a visual approach from a harried Center controller. If it gets too crazyn then you can just cancel IFR below 18000 and make your way in however you want!

Still another option would be to fly Bravo local - you could do KHOU-KGLS-KBPT-KIAH, for instance. All of these routes are valid and acceptable for the fly-in and any curve balls you can throw to ATC will keep things interesting for you and controllers.

Don't forget - this Saturday, August 22nd Houston ARTCC controllers will gather in Houston and they will be plugged into the scopes for 3 hours of LIVE controlling. Staffed from Delivery to Center, pilots will enjoy professional and courteous Lone Star hospitality as Houston controllers guide them safely home. No sign ups, no timetables, no worries, just come fly the friendly skies of Houston ARTCC (ZHU). The event will be in effect from 2200Z to 0100Z (5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.)