Flying to Chicago - advice please!

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Lou
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Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by Lou »

In a couple of weeks we're planning a trip to Chicago to see one of our daughters. Was planning to go into KPWK. Then, we're heading up to Osh for a couple of days at the beginning of Airventure before heading back. Very excited about the trip.

Any ideas, suggestions welcome!
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Derek
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by Derek »

Late reply - hope you had a great trip! I fly into midway when I go to Chicago - works great and reasonable prices given the airport size.
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Colin
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by Colin »

I landed Gary, Indiana. MUCH cheaper. Gorgeous FBO that was hugely helpful for the overnight. Quick Lyft ride into the city.
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GLDAS
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by GLDAS »

Clow (1C5) in Bolingbrook is easy and uncontrolled. Plus there's a Diamond Service Center on the field. With Uber and Lyft, life has gotten much easier operating in suburban airports. I assume you're clearing customs before landing in the Chicago area. If not, then PWK or DPA would be your best bet w/ customs on the field.

If you're set on PWK, then I'd recommend Hawthorne. If you're AOPA members, the fuel is discounted 10%.
https://www.hawthorne.aero/main/fbo-location-details/3

Enjoy the trip. Chicago is a great place to visit, all the breathless reports of violence in certain wards notwithstanding.

-dan
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Lou
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by Lou »

Thanks to all for the comments. I'm glad I asked - seems like PWK may not be the best idea, and this helps a great deal. We plan to clear customs and overnight in Fargo, ND, so 1C5 may be the best for us. Very excited to see Chicago and then, of course, AirVenture.

Yes, "breathless reports" of everything seems to be the flavor of the day. The best journalism of the day is usually DAN. :)
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by carym »

Lou,
When my son was going to school in Chicago I flew into KPWK all the time. Good FBO and no problem getting in and out of the area. I have gone to 1C5 and KMDW (as well as others) in the Chicago area, and I feel like KPWK was the most convenient (for my purposes). While KMDW will put you close to downtown, and it is not overly expensive for a "large" airport, I was almost blown off the taxiway while in line for departure behind several 737's . They can create quite a draft when they spool up their engines.
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Re: Flying to Chicago - advice please!

Post by beetlebug »

I've flown into Chicago area twice this year. Both times I flew into KDPA and they were great both times. It's probably a little too far if you want to visit downtown though.
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