Day 11: Van Horn - Lordsburgh - Buckeye - Las Vegas

As most of todays route included mountainous areas we had to ensure the best weather to arrive at our destination in Las Vegas, otherwise we would have to spend another day in the "Big Smoke" of Van Horn. Another bright and early start (5.30am) to check the weather for the route especially winds aloft as we were planning an altitude of 8,500ft for obstacle clearance and general height in the mountainous areas.

In the pitch black and cold of the Texas desert morning the Econo-hotel owner kindly dropped us back to the airport. Once again we are the only two people at Van Horn airport, so after all the weather checks, ringing for a weather brief and waiting for dawn we finally got on our way.

Our little N8071X.

The views leaving Van Horn were spectacular with the numerous whispy white cirrus clouds lazing over the mountains and due to the early start the journey for the most part was very smooth (another reason for the early start!). As usual once airborne we requested Flight Following, this firstly allows our aircraft to be visual on their computer screens so they can update us of any other air traffic that crosses our route (radar based) and secondly allows ease of transition from the quieter areas of American airspace into the much busier areas of airspace like Las Vegas.

Our first airport en route to refuel was Lordsburgh (New Mexico) a quiet enough airport with one runway where we also stocked up on oil. The lady who was monitoring the unicom there asked us to sign the visitors book, we were the only people who had stopped there from Ireland in a while! Was a very quick stop all in all, just grabbed some fluids and then we were on our way.

The second port of call for fuel was Buckeye (Arizona) airport where we met a retired commercial pilot who was eager to chat about all his flying years. The heat of the day was definitely building and in this particular airport we had to self-fuel which zaps plenty of energy. In fairness though this was only the second time we had to self-fuel so we couldn't really complain. Most airports have a fuel truck, so I grounded the aircraft and dragged the huge fuel pump to both tanks to fuel up with the Nevada sun beating down on me. Even in those few minutes I could feel my skin burning even with the suncream on!! This was the moment that the retired pilot decided to introduce himself to Daire. His first comment to Daire; "aren't you training her in well to refuel your plane"! Daire then proceeded to explain that I was a pilot and his response to which I am still getting over was so Daire must be the flight instructor and me the student. Honestly, give me patience!!!!!!!!!! Daire thankfully explained that we were both commercial pilots while I gritted my teeth, kept smiling and refuelling!! After Daire pushing the aircraft back to the ramp and me steering we headed off again!

For the final part of our route we followed the Colorado River as it wound its way through the mountains till it met Lake Mead. From Lake Mead the radios and flying became much more work as the airspace got increasingly busier and the flying bumpier. So concentration from that point was 200% each!

The radios were not stop directions for all the traffic in the area which included some 737's, Airbuses, Lear jets and little old us in our PA-28 (100kt single engine). Every couple of minutes we were given new headings to follow, new altitudes to fly at and new radio approach frequencies while the many infamous sky scraper hotels along the Las Vegas strip were in the distance and growing bigger as we flew nearer.

We flew into the North Las Vegas airport, which was about 10 miles north of the strip so the next thing was to identify where the airfield was (now at about 3,500ft) and identify our runway. The entire experience of today was fantastic when we landed we both had to catch our breath. We still have yet to fly out which will be just as busy as getting in! That excitement awaits us!

Las Vegas strip at 3,500ft, approximately 6 miles south of North Las Vegas Airport.

The welcome mat was out for us....

We booked into the New York, New York hotel along the strip got showered and changed went for dinner and met up with Daire's friend Cathal from Athlone. He flew into Las Vegas on Monday evening and a friend was supposed to be here with him for the week but his plans changed so Cathal will be here another couple of days on his own once we leave on Saturday. We had the most amazing dinner last night am still thinking about it and more than likely still digesting it. The portions were huge and the steaks were melt in your mouth. (Dad you would have loved those steaks, pure heaven!).

New York Hotel, Las Vegas.

After a few drinks with Cathal the Black Jack began and both the lads came out on the winning side. I even won a few hands too. About 1am I had to hit the hay, such a long and fabulous day was behind us.

Money here we come..................