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FAASTeam
FAASTeam Notice
Type: General Information
Notice Date: Monday, July 19, 2021
Notice Number: NOTC1848
Pilots Planning a Flight Into Las Vegas Area
This notice expired on
Tuesday, October 12, 2021

PILOTS:  PLANNING A FLIGHT TO THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY SOON? Don't spoil your trip with a pilot deviation.  Know before you go:

The Las Vegas Metroplex  

New airspace procedures have been established for aircraft arriving and departing the Las Vegas, NV area to enable more efficient handling of traffic. North Las Vegas (VGT), Henderson Executive Airport (HND), as well as Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) have updated their arrival and departure procedures.  Study these PRIOR TO departing.  Expect to fly the procedure as published––do not expect radar vectors.  If your clearance includes the phraseology descend or climb “VIA”  you must abide by the waypoint altitudes published on the procedure (unless otherwise cleared or instructed). When you hear "Climb or Descend VIA" think Verify Intermediate Altitudes. Lastly, pay close attention to directional arrows that specify the course to be flown on the procedure.

More information on the Las Vegas Metroplex here: https://www.faa.gov/TV/?mediaId=2153

Runway Safety

There has been a significant number of surface events (as well as airborne pilot deviations). It is especially important to study your airport diagram, know where you are on the field, know where you are going, and understand and comply with your clearance. Familiarize yourself with airport hotspots, signage and markings https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/pilots/resources/

Remain clear of runways and movement areas if you haven’t been cleared. Be on the lookout for the VGT and HND From the Flight Deck videos coming soon on the FAA’s YouTube channel.   https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/videos/

Here is the Henderson Executive Airport video:  https://youtu.be/9czJjRMnARA

Planning a local flight?

The Las Vegas Valley airspace considerations are:   Las Vegas International and Nellis Air Force Base Class B airspace, North Las Vegas and Henderson Executive Airport Class D airspace, in addition to a variety of Special Use Airspace to the north. Keep your flight safe by maintaining situational awareness with respect to terrain and airspace, along with complying with air traffic control clearances and instructions. 

Flying over Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon Special Flight Rules Area is a complex set of flight rules.  Flight Free Zones below 8,000' and 14,000' MSL.  Specific altitudes, frequencies and altimeter settings for each sector on the chart. Familiarize yourself with the flight rules that are published for this airspace under 14 CFR § 93 Subpart U, and the notes on the Grand Canyon VFR Aeronautical Chart.(https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/vfrcharts/grandcanyon/). 

If it's summer, the temperatures will be high. That means density altitude will be a factor, so be sure to recognize (and calculate) your aircraft’s limitations, as well as your own.  Gusty winds and thunderstorms are a factor, too.  Preflight planning to include a check of the forecast weather is essential.

FAA Pilots' Page:  https://www.faa.gov/pilots/

Stay connected at:   https://faasafety.gov/