Things You'll Need:
- Aviation Training Supplies
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Step 1
The first thing you will need to do is to find a training facility and an instructor pilot. The airspace covering the Las Vegas McCarran airport is classified as Class Bravo, which tends to be quite busy and congested, and the air traffic controllers there are not helpful to new student pilots flying around in their airspace. Look for an instructor in a smaller outer lying airport such as Henderson, North Las Vegas, or Boulder City. All have airports much more conducive to flight training and are all within a 30 minutes drive of McCarran.
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Step 2
Even though the desert sky may seem vast and open, there are many areas that you will need to avoid flying in the area of Las Vegas. Nellis Air Force base is located north of the city and you must get permission to enter their airspace. Also there are various military operation areas (MOAs) that are restricted to general aviation pilots as well. The Grand Canyon is covered by a special flight rules area, or SFRA that restricts the flying done there as well. Be sure to consult appropriate aeronautical charts to avoid these areas.
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Step 3
The area of Las Vegas is surrounded on 3 sides by a semi-circular chain of low mountains. The area within the mountains is sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas Valley. The terrain around these areas is roughly 5,500 ft high in some areas. Be sure to note the exact location and height of the mountainous terrain in the area you will be flying in.
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Step 4
Las Vegas is known worldwide as a popular travel destination and therefore the air traffic in the McCarran airport area tends to peak during special events and holidays. If you are a local, you can be aware of when there are conventions or something going on in town and be sure to avoid flight training during those times and days. Weekends can also be especially congested in the sky.
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Step 5
The elevation of Las Vegas McCarran is approximately 2,200 ft. Combine this fact with the hot temperatures experienced there in the summer and you get what is called a high density altitude, which is a performance factor that can negatively affect aircraft. Make sure to discuss this environmental factor with your flight instructor when training around the Las Vegas area.
