Augusta

[FL350]

Don't know what you are planning on flying but if you can, got to DNL rather than AGS. Reservations are easier and it is not nearly as busy. Even if you have to make a fuel stop, I think it is easier than dealing with AGS.

 

[501261]

Hotels within a 75 mile radius are pretty much be gone by now. A couple of years ago I had an early morning departure, and ended up getting couple rooms on ebay at the local Motel 6 or some other roach trap for about $250 a nite!

The good news is rental cars are readily available so just take one and get out of dodge. Columbia, Atlanta, or Hilton Head (if you got time) are where we usually stay.

Also, if you can stand the short runway, DNL gets a lot less traffic even though it's much closer.They even put up a temporary control tower.

Remember to check the notams and get the preferred routing and E-stmp info.

 

[2000flyer]

Obviously rule 1, have a reservation. You'll need to confirm the reseration 8-24 hours in advance and your CONFIRMATION number goes in the remarks section of your flight plan. Parking goes quick. Have a back up planned should ATIS advise drop and go procedures. Daniel, Thompson and Aiken (SC) are good alternates to AGS traffic. (psst...fuel is cheaper at DNL/HQU/AIK ) Also, AGS will implement landing fees as well. Not sure about the other airports.

Hotels? Good luck. Like 501261 and G200 said, might want to look at dropping the pax and going somewhere else if you're going to be there for a few days. Hotels are typical rip-off during Masters. The worst motel in town will be well over $200/night.

The FBO at AGS has extra personnel during the week, but be patient with them. Imagine 50 acres of ramp space wing tip to wing tip. Speaking of which...WATCH YOU'RE WING TIPS!!! Watched a B200 do a "winglet mod" on the blast fence a few years back. It didn't work out too good.

On your day of arrival, check the FAA command site for any delays or reroutes. This is the only time of year the STARs are in effect at AGS.

Main thing is to be very patient and the whole process will be painless.

BTW - No admittance to Augusta National without a badge. However, those wanting gifts, there is a shop at the entrance off Washington Road. Obviously not the selection from the Pro Shop, but worth while anyway.

FOUR!!!

2000Flyer

 

[2000flyer]

I wonder why my post today was placed in the middle of the list and not the end???

Hmmmmmm

 

[jagmagic]

Going done to Augusta for the Masters, any one have any prior experience going down there any hints would be great. Also does any one know when the MBAA is this year?

jagmagic

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Going done to Augusta for the Masters, any one have any prior experience going down there any hints would be great. Also does any one know when the MBAA is this year?

jagmagic

here's a hint:

get your hotels 2 years in advance!

if you have not, start looking in Savannah or Atlanta.

better yet, drop and go and bring your fuel with you!

its just your average clusterf**k

 

[jagmagic]

yeah I can see, that been to other big events I guess this one is not any different

 

[G100driver]

If you are friends with the right guys on this board they are very willing to lend a hand!

 

[jagmagic]

I would appreciate any help that anyone has to offer.

 

[FLYN2FAST4YOU]

Im going there also and cant find a damn hotel room within a 100 mile radius. Im just going to rent a car and drive to Columbia. What a cluster..

 

[ElCid88]

Another thing that might help to know is that when you make your STMP reservations you need to have it electronically filled out a few minutes before the earliest time possible ( I think it is 72 hours prior). You might even have to be up in the middle of the night to get this done. It can be pretty frustrating sometimes. As soon as the time comes up on the clock, hit enter/send. Even then someone else might have been quicker on the "trigger". The FBO at KAGS leaves a lot to be desired as well, but you will most likely run into some old friend that you haven't seen in a long time.

 

[2000flyer]

Another thing that might help to know is that when you make your STMP reservations you need to have it electronically filled out a few minutes before the earliest time possible ( I think it is 72 hours prior). You might even have to be up in the middle of the night to get this done. It can be pretty frustrating sometimes. As soon as the time comes up on the clock, hit enter/send. Even then someone else might have been quicker on the "trigger". The FBO at KAGS leaves a lot to be desired as well, but you will most likely run into some old friend that you haven't seen in a long time.

If you use a flight planning service like GDC, just call them and ask that they make you a reserveration in and out. They will work the system and watch for openings to get you as close a possible to your requested time. It's worth the $5 fee a hundred times over!!

If you end up spending the day, be sure to walk next door and see Maria from Landmark. They have a nice light breakfast and lunch for all the crews. You'll probably be in a long line at a restaurant in town.

There isn't much to do in Augusta while waiting. All the area golf courses jack their rates during Masters so unless you already have a tee time and deep pockets, I'd forget about golf.

If you're looking to get away from the FBO to just get out and get some exercise or fresh air, take a walk around Phinizy Swamp on the east side of the airport. Just a bunch of nature trails but no hustle and bustle of the FBO. I'd bet you'll see a snake or two and their should be a few gators in the back ponds. If you're aircraft will hold a bicycle, go for a ride on the levee. It runs about 10 miles into Augusta and another 10 north of town.

 

[ElCid88]

As usual I have been doing it the hard way. GDC sounds like the way to go. Thanks.

 

[cheyflyer]

Does anyone have a link to GDC?

Thanks,

cf

 

[G100driver]

www.mygdc.com

But you need to be a member. Their primary purpose at this site is to support their AFIS ect. The reservations are because customers wanted them to be more like Universal. You might also try Universal as they are set up to work with you on a one time basis.

 

[TXGold]

The place is a Zoo and a total pain in the ass. Right down to the Governor's daughter(how she got the job we'll never know) at the front desk.

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=32210&highlight=Augusta
http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=32210&highlight=Augus

 

[AA717driver]

FOUR!!!

2000Flyer

"FOUR" WTF?!!!

It's "fore". And you call yourself a "corporate pilot". Shame on you... TC

 

[2000flyer]

"FOUR" WTF?!!!

It's "fore". And you call yourself a "corporate pilot". Shame on you... TC

My apologies. That was after a day at the IOC and a few rounds in the lounge. I had TERPS, PANOPS and ICAO on the brain...not FORE!