PIE recommendations

[wab003]

All you FL COGers...

Taking my 82 yr old mother to PIE to fly an L-39 fighter trainer the end of this week. (that's right, SHE's going to fly it... :-O) Any suggestions on the best FBO to use @ PIE and accommodations close to the airport? Expect the FBO will have some local connections but it can't hurt to go in pre-briefed. We're supposed to be there one or possibly two evenings. Might as well not bother w/ a car if not essential. Any local seafood suggestions?

This trip ought to be a doozy... perhaps some video coming later.

 

[nruzic]

Re: PIE recommendations

Wow Bill this is great please pas on my congrats to your mother in advance for teh adventure. My mom whose a little older often flies the Commander to the MID WEST all I use is a simple stool to get her on to the wing.

There are many hotels near PIE - sorry I know Albert Whitted field in teh downtown area but not PIE so can't help. Avanair seems the best option for the lowest fuel price. SheltAir is a FL FBO chain and Signature I'm sure you know.

 

[dstraka]

Re: PIE recommendations

Hi Bill,

I'm not familiar with that side of the state, so I can't offer any advice. Sounds like an exciting trip.

 

[idcairns]

Re: PIE recommendations

Bill, recently I went to Albert Whitted as it was a no brainer and the Vinoy Rennaisance hotel is a walk for you or a very very short taxi ride for mom. It is a wonderful old Grand Dame hotel.

Don't know about PIE, looked expensive.

L-39 is fun. Friend of mine has one and I can go with him any time for the cost of the fuel burned. $100 gals/hour Hope mom enjoys.

 

[wab003]

Re: PIE recommendations

Thx gents.

Ian, I want to ride w/ your guy. even @ $500 - $600/hr, MUCH more cost effective than the Mig-Flug folks. (of course, no commercial insurance expense, profit motive, etc.)

 

[idcairns]

Re: PIE recommendations

Bill,
Can probably arrange that! He regularly takes his 70+ year old mom out for a spin, and I mean that literally. She loves it.

 

[wab003]

Re: PIE recommendations

My mama would be in heaven!

 

[wab003]

Re: PIE recommendations

Well, that was a freakin' amazing event. Me mama did me proud. Half a dozen loops and a like number of rolls (a couple of which she performed w/ the instructor pilot "hands off"). Even a "tail slide" (don't see many of those in high performance jets). She said it was a welcome relief when "Bitchin Betty'" finally stopped bleating "Angle! Angle!" at her. Nice high speed low pass to finish it off. Not quite knife edge but close enough. Have to process some pix and will post a few in the next few days.

At a fuel burn varying between 150 gph and 300 gph, "sharing" the fuel bill is pricey, but if the opportunity arises, seize it!

Now for some useful info,... if you go into PIE, by all means use Avantair as an FBO. (immediately adjacent to Coast Guard ramp. PLenty of 135's and choppers coming and going) Can't recommend them highly enough. The entire staff (two desk and three line) came out to the ramp to greet us and take care of any needs. Suzanne and her very able assistant had already printed directions for a half dozen restaurants we might find interesting (tried a couple and they were spectacular); had a car sent over just in case we needed one (hadn't requested but the daily rate was good so it was much more convenient to use theirs); set up "crew rooms" for us at a great rate including free wi-fi and b'fast; offered to run out and bring lunch back for us while we were taking care of the preflight; waived any ramp fees for tiedown. Only minor drawback is no direct fuel but Sheltair drives over to take care of any needs. (desk staff took care of all arrangements) No delays. Entire staff bent over backwards to be helpful. Will absolutely use them any time we are at PIE. Two thumbs up experience.

 

[wab003]

Re: PIE recommendations

OK, here are a couple to get started. Ejection seat briefing and getting ready to light the fires.