Flying into DCA

[TRBojet]

We have a trip to DC scheduled this month. We've always gone into Dulles but I think our company wants to see about going into Reagan. What's the latest about GA aircraft flying into DCA? We're Part 91 if that makes a difference. Thanks for any insight.

 

[TMMT]

Fortunately the last time I was thru Disneyland on the Potomac was pre-9/11

But if I'm not mistaken the TSA has an application process for those wishing to operate into DCA.

Here is AOPA's write up on it...

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/air_traffic/dca.html

And from the TSA itself...

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/general_aviation/dca_access.shtm

 

[CA1900]

After watching the TSA dog-and-pony show in action in KBDL, I'd strongly recommend just flying into KIAD and driving. You'll have to do a full security screening of passengers and crew at one of the designated gateway airports, and you'll have to haul an armed security escort on your airplane. When you factor in the security screening, they really aren't going to save much if any time over the ~35-minute drive into Washington.

 

[con-pilot]

It does take longer, unless you're based in a Gateway City, to get downtown DC by using DCA. IAD is quicker, portal to portal. Not to mention the extra cost of stopping for no good reason en-route.

This comes from the experience another flight department had in the same city we were based, after two times they just gave up and used IAD.

However, if you are based in a Gateway city, it might be quicker using DCA than using IAD.

 

[BoilerUP]

Absolutely no reason for the continued TSA dog-and-pony show at DCA, more than a decade after 9/11 where absolutely no business aircraft were used at weapons.

Almost as stupid are the restrictions to the small "DC 3" airports close-in like Hyde & Potomac...

 

[TRBojet]

Thanks for all the responses. We're not based at a gateway city so we would have an unnecessary stop. Plus an armed security officer?? I think we're going to IAD.

 

[con-pilot]

Thanks for all the responses. We're not based at a gateway city so we would have an unnecessary stop. Plus an armed security officer?? I think we're going to IAD.

Yup, whose job it is to shoot yer boss if he or she goes toward the cockpit.

 

[VA AV8R]

It's really not an option for GA the way things are run now. It's already been said - time wasted plus aggravation factor dealing with the government Neanderthals will make your boss wonder why you didn't tell him no from the word go.

 

[GCAP]

On a more positive note.
We use DCA about 10 times each year. Once you have set up the procedures for your flight department, it is a very easy and smooth process.
The corporate jet exists as a time saving tool. The use of DCA vs. IAD saves my owner at least an hour (30 min travel each way) each trip. It's a no brainer for those who believe time is money.

 

[con-pilot]

On a more positive note.
We use DCA about 10 times each year. Once you have set up the procedures for your flight department, it is a very easy and smooth process.
The corporate jet exists as a time saving tool. The use of DCA vs. IAD saves my owner at least an hour (30 min travel each way) each trip. It's a no brainer for those who believe time is money.

Do you live in a Gateway city? If so I can understand why you still use DCA. We would have as well, if it was not for the stop at a Gateway city, that stop alone used up any time that would be saved by going into DCA.