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United States Pilots Association |
Last weekend, Paul, JC, Rose, and I flew down to New Orleans to visit USPA member Joe Phelan and his family who live in Lafitte, LA. With Mardi Gras time upon us, I thought you might like an update on what we found.
Lakefront Airport (KNEW) is open for business, although on a limited basis. Only runway 36L-18R is open, and only from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, and only VFR. There are no instrument approaches, no tower or ground control, no ATIS or ASOS, and no runway lights. The CTAF is 119.9 to announce your position in and near the traffic pattern. New Orleans approach will cancel your IFR when you have KNEW in sight, and then it’s like landing at any other non-towered airport. Pick up your clearance on departure from approach before entering Class B Airspace.
The runway was in good condition, with some wavy pavement, and the taxiways we used were fine. Millionaire is set up for business in a large modular building, and fuel is $4.49 for 100 LL, with $9.50 overnight ramp fee. There’s a sign thanking you for your business, and I’m sure they’re glad for any they can get. It looks like landing in a war zone, as all the airport hangars and other buildings are damaged and/or gone. There were a few planes on the ramp, but nothing like you would normally see this time of year.
There are a few places open for business near the airport, but mostly it’s a desolate scene of mile after mile of empty, badly damaged houses and businesses and cars. Weird and awful! The French Quarter was not flooded, and it’s open for business. But there were sure weren’t many tourists there. The downtown buildings are standing tall, but unlighted and unoccupied. They’re setting up viewing stands for Mardi Gras parades, although they’ll be limited in number from past years. The Super Dome has a new roof, but it sits in an empty city with no one on the streets.
If you want to go to Mardi Gras, they’ll greatly appreciate your business. Check NOTAMs before going, plan for a day VFR arrival and departure, and make sure you have transportation and a place to stay. And, most of all, HAVE FUN!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association