Chicago Lakefront

[wiguy]

A few days ago I flew to NW Indiana to meet a guy. I parked at the Lansing, IL airport, nice runways, underutilized. The buildings are a little old, but there is a restaurant right on the field. We went there for a bite to eat.

I usually give a few 100’ clearance on any Class B airspace, then at least 1/2 mile laterally. On the way back a stadium TFR was showing red, not sure if it really was active yet. I was following another plane, he went through it, I stayed outside. Don’t need anyone calling me up to fuss.

I’ve given up talking to Chicago approach, just listen on a few frequencies. This is a flight that really shines, takes an almost 3 hour trip down to 45 minutes, actually less. It’s always much more fun too.

 

[rringgold]

Nice view Joe! We’re you just south of the remnants of Miegs field?

 

[wiguy]

I looked at Google maps and then some of my previous pictures. The old Meigs Field is just south of the main city center area, a park now. I was there on foot years ago, never flew in. I seem to always take pictures when I see the ‘Sears’ tower(renamed) than what the old airport has become. I have flown right across the lake, mostly solo, but don’t always care for that 30 miles in the center. That’s a whole discussion of itself.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meigs_Field

The one thing I will say in defense of shutting down Meigs field, unlikely to expect it to hold out, as a benefit for relatively few pilots. Of course it was a great location. As I recall, the way it closed, middle of the night bulldozers or whatever, caused some issues.

 

[mrcshbs]

What a beautiful view!! wow

 

[brhoad]

I flew out of Meigs field a great deal in the early eighties (on MS Flight Simulator 1.0)
It was the default field as I recall.
Learned VOR Navigation before ever getting in a real aircraft!

 

[Stash]

If I recall the restaurant/bar at Lansing is called Shannons Landing? At least it was when I used to fly in there in the early 90s

 

[gmascelli]

Beautiful view!

 

[mrolih]

Don't be afraid of Chicago Approach, usually very accommodating, at least on the south side. They like to know where you are and where you're going. Be aware that the MDW class C is expanding over the lake this summer.

Flying out of KLOT I've headed NE and just call MDW tower. They'll usually give you the Eisenhower Expressway route or have you fly right over the center of Midway on a 090 heading. Pretty cool.

 

[Dober]

Chicago controllers are something else. Doing an approach into Lansing, right before IAF, they ghosted me. Didn’t respond, radios weren’t broke, on the right freq. One other time they tried to get me to change my flight plan and get me to run out of fuel if I would’ve just went with it.

 

[N4843W]

I have flown that route a ton of times, and also flown into MDW many times for Wings of Mercy patients. I have never had problems with Chicago Approach. I would never fly up the Lakefront without being with Approach because believe it or not, some folks don't use VFR Advisories, (ahem ....) in a very high traffic area with folks doing a lot of sight seeing about 90 degrees left or right of their flight path!. I have relatives in Lansing, so been there many times. Definitely underutilized by great runways both N/S and E/W. The FBO has been through two great airport dogs since I have been flying in and out of there.