What would you pay to fly into Havasu?

[17 10 Flat]

I will be hitting the road in a few hours. Flew into PHX Thursday night. Tonight in Corona CA then Vegas M-th nights. It takes about $150 for fuel in the Denali round trip. and yes that is with seat belts buckled before any of you Karens ask. The driving was fun at first but not so much now that I have been many times over the years. But the question is how much I’d be willing to pay. Not really sure what that amount is at, $500 that is bout the starting point to Hawaii travel. I think that I am just going to change my lifestyle to just not have to go to these places out side of Havasu as much.

Karen and Karl approve of this post.

 

[530RL]

My office is in my hangar at LGB off of 26L. From work to my house door is 1.5 hours. It was and still is a commitment. Being able to spend the afternoon at my pool in LHC and back for a commitment to my boys the same day - priceless.


View attachment 1339438

If you add it all up, cost of the plane, insurance, hangar, and all the other costs you are looking at a minimum of 1000 bucks for a round trip.

Yes it is completely worth it, but it isn’t for someone trying to think economically.

 

[530RL]

I flew for Mesa Airlines from 1993-1998. We operated into Havasu from LAX then up to Bullhead City using a B1900 flying as United Express. The route was contracted through United Airlines and part of EAS (Essential Air Service) subsidized by the Government. Also Bullhead City to Havasu and Phoenix operating as America West Express contracted with America West Airlines. Mesa also had a maintenance hanger in Bullhead City that serviced about 20 of the airplanes cycling in and out of the Phoenix and LAX markets. Around 1997 the EAS program funding was being cut the routes were no longer profitable and United Airlines did not renew the contract with Mesa to provide air service in many of these markets thus scheduled air service in Havasu and Bullhead City was dropped. Same with the America West code share in the Phoenix market.

In 2000 EAS was capped at 200 per seat subsidy to any airport where there was at least a mid size airport within 210 miles.

With both phoenix and Vegas under 210 miles the EAS subsidy doesn’t really help much. Especially if it is primarily leisure travelers and only a couple days a week.

 

[seanroberts]

How long have you been flying? My partner has a couple 310’s they use for mutli training, very cool planes ans really nice setup for flying into havasu from SoCal. If you’re up at KCCB stop in and say hello

I’ve been flying about 18 years, I’ll have to do that when I’m out that way. I actually got my private multi at Cable, love that airport. I’ve got a buddy that’s looking at doing his certificate and wants me to fly for him, I’ve got over 2,000 hours of multi including turbine time. I’ve thought about moving up to a cabin class plane, time will tell. The 310 is just a great platform and does most missions.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I flew for Mesa Airlines from 1993-1998. We operated into Havasu from LAX then up to Bullhead City using a B1900 flying as United Express. The route was contracted through United Airlines and part of EAS (Essential Air Service) subsidized by the Government. Also Bullhead City to Havasu and Phoenix operating as America West Express contracted with America West Airlines. Mesa also had a maintenance hanger in Bullhead City that serviced about 20 of the airplanes cycling in and out of the Phoenix and LAX markets. Around 1997 the EAS program funding was being cut the routes were no longer profitable and United Airlines did not renew the contract with Mesa to provide air service in many of these markets thus scheduled air service in Havasu and Bullhead City was dropped. Same with the America West code share in the Phoenix market.

Man, those were the days for Mesa, all those brand new 1900's and Larry Risley still in charge.

Did you go through the training program in Farmington or were you hired off the street?

 

[Not So Fast]

Havasu like it is today compared to 20 years ago, I wouldnt give you a dime to fly here, place is beyond over crowded and it sucks!!!!!!!!

 

[SkyDirtWaterguy]

Man, those were the days for Mesa, all those brand new 1900's and Larry Risley still in charge.

Did you go through the training program in Farmington or were you hired off the street?

Those were the days for sure! Lol. 6-8 legs a day. No autopilot. New hires making $850/month. Definitely a stepping stone to build time in hopes of a better future. I was hired off the street. I grew up around Cable Airport. My Dad had airplanes there growing up. Drove the gas truck at Cable while in High School. Started flying lessons at CableAir when I was 16 and was a CFI there from 1989-1993. Mesa 1993-1998. Delta 1998-present.

 

[Spudsbud]

$200RT max

$200 wouldnt cover the plane taxiing let omly flying......

 

[79 HUSTLER]

Havasu like it is today compared to 20 years ago, I wouldnt give you a dime to fly here, place is beyond over crowded and it sucks!!!!!!!!

So pack your shit up and hit the road?? Pretty simple.

 

[hallett21]

Havasu like it is today compared to 20 years ago, I wouldnt give you a dime to fly here, place is beyond over crowded and it sucks!!!!!!!!

Meaning the MTV days and girls gone wild?

 

[paradise]

To be honest I’m super sketch about shared aircraft, it would have to be the right people for me to even think about partnerships or a flight club concept. However the flight club model does exist for a reason. The fact that I’m even exploring those concepts tells me I’m not ready to own a plane

Especially when you’re talking about turbocharged engines and constant speed props (plural for the planes you’re looking at ). I had a partner in my T206HD and he was a very accomplished pro pilot. Even still there’s challenges about differences in maintenance opinions, operating parameters, etc. How are you gonna handle the guy that’s cheap and is trying to save $10 in fuel by running it LOP on a Lycoming when your SOP states ROP?

Makes it a challenge for sure. I think you would basically need to run it like a 135 where there is no question about maintenance and operations.

 

[HB2Havasu]

Back in the late 80's early 90's there was a direct flight from LAX to Havasu and a flight from John Wayne to Bullhead then to Havasu. Didn't last long.

The demographics and populations have drastically changed in those areas since the 1980's. Havasu probably had less than 10,000 fulltime residents back then. Today it's probably closer to 65K.

 

[Bobby V]

The demographics and populations have drastically changed in those areas since the 1980's. Havasu probably had less than 10,000 fulltime residents back then. Today it's probably closer to 65K.

1990 Census says 24k. Not sure how many were full time. On the flights I took it was mostly people that were going to party for a long weekend. I remember showing up the LAX satellite terminal and everyone was excited to go party in Havasu. Found out they over booked and we weren’t on the list. So we ended up driving. Turns out there was a issue with the plane and they cancelled the flight.

 

[SJP]

If you add it all up, cost of the plane, insurance, hangar, and all the other costs you are looking at a minimum of 1000 bucks for a round trip.

Yes it is completely worth it, but it isn’t for someone trying to think economically.

Spot on. Like boating if you added up the cost per hour it makes zero sense. I joke with my Dad that I was absent from school the day they covered - if it flies, floats, or fucks - RENT IT.

 

[whiteworks]

Spot on. Like boating if you added up the cost per hour it makes zero sense. I joke with my Dad that I was absent from school the day they covered - if it flies, floats, or fucks - RENT IT.

From what I’m seeing keeping boats and woman is a solid financial move compared to planes, you could even throw in a few divorces and blower motors and still come out all right vs. playing with planes

 

[530RL]

Spot on. Like boating if you added up the cost per hour it makes zero sense. I joke with my Dad that I was absent from school the day they covered - if it flies, floats, or fucks - RENT IT.

We are not here for a long time, but for a good time.

 

[Slick]

For three people one way.

 

[SJP]

View attachment 1343935 For three people one way.

1K a person round trip sounds about right.

 

[RiverDave]

View attachment 1343935 For three people one way.

That's about what I was thinking.. 500 a seat each way.

RD

 

[angiebaby]

Yep. Me too.

 

[DUNEFLYER]

My plane itself runs about 250.00hr for actual expense's. My flight to Havi is right at 1hr each way.
If I was being fair to myself I would say the plane costs 500.00 to round trip Havi. Not allowing anything for the pilot.
However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.
Cheaper than driving my suburban….

 

[angiebaby]

My plane itself runs about 250.00hr for actual expense's. My flight to Havi is right at 1hr each way.
If I was being fair to myself I would say the plane costs 500.00 to round trip Havi. Not allowing anything for the pilot.
However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.
Cheaper than driving my suburban….

What about things like maintenance and insurance? Hangar storage? 4 seater, I assume?

 

[rrrr]

However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.

This is a requirement for airplane ownership.

 

[ibelio]

you only get three in a four place plane/ remember the pilot

 

[DWC]

My plane itself runs about 250.00hr for actual expense's. My flight to Havi is right at 1hr each way.
If I was being fair to myself I would say the plane costs 500.00 to round trip Havi. Not allowing anything for the pilot.
However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.
Cheaper than driving my suburban….

As someone who would love to go the plane route, I really prefer the $220 vs $500.. I’d definitely use that number talking to my wife.
I wonder what the fully loaded cost for a SUV vs plane would be.

 

[DUNEFLYER]

What about things like maintenance and insurance? Hangar storage? 4 seater, I assume?

250hr is all in for approx 100 hours per year of use if you own everything. Mine is a 6 seater that fits 4 adults comfortably with all the luggage and fuel you need before someone has to pee.

 

[SKIDMARC]

JSX has a terminal in Burbank also. For people north of LA, it would be a really easy location to fly out of.

I’d it’s is JSX it will be 450 to 600 round trip.

 

[whiteworks]

This is my new favorite airplane, this thing is just amazing. It’s at the lone star air museum in Texas. If I hit the lotto I’d be rolling this when appropriate. SoCal to havasu at 250MPH with your crew. I’m guessing it costs $250 just to start LOL

 

[shintoooo]

$399 Roundtrip specials to Havasu from So-Cal area. Limited time only.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

$399 Roundtrip specials to Havasu from So-Cal area. Limited time only.

View attachment 1344012

If the passenger brings her own air bags I'm sure there will be a hefty discount on carpet fees?

 

[RiverDave]

My plane itself runs about 250.00hr for actual expense's. My flight to Havi is right at 1hr each way.
If I was being fair to myself I would say the plane costs 500.00 to round trip Havi. Not allowing anything for the pilot.
However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.
Cheaper than driving my suburban….

Depending on the plans I will let ya fly me for less..

 

[Sleek-Jet]

My plane itself runs about 250.00hr for actual expense's. My flight to Havi is right at 1hr each way.
If I was being fair to myself I would say the plane costs 500.00 to round trip Havi. Not allowing anything for the pilot.
However I lie to myself all the time so it really only costs me about 220.00 round trip for the 36 gals of fuel I will use.
Cheaper than driving my suburban….

Airplane owner math.... I can teach a graduate course in that subject...

 

[Not So Fast]

So pack your shit up and hit the road?? Pretty simple.

Aint so simple Pal, too friggin old to go thru that again so I'Il tough it out if thats ok with you
NSF

 

[Bobby V]

My buddy posted this pic of of us on FB from 1981. We had 2 planes and landed on the island back then. One of the pilots flew commercial airplanes. He is retired now.

 

[Orange Juice]

I wonder what the fully loaded cost for a SUV vs plane would be.

Both take about the same amount of time, unless you live in a hangar. At least for the first 3-4 hours of the drive.

I looked up taking a Lyft to Havasu from north Phoenix and it came up $285. I'm sure that would change on a Friday afternoon.