CT Airport Tiedown or Hangar

[jlwild]

OK all you Connecticut 170 pilots, where would you recommend I tiedown or hangar my plane from Aug 1 to Oct 31 while in New Haven, CT

After the 170 Convention, the end of July in Benton Harbor/Jt. Joseph, MI, the wife and I plan to fly the plane to New Haven and spend time with our three grandchildren. In general, I am familiar with the area from prior driving visits, but now need recommendations on where to park the plane. I could start making "cold calls" based on AirNav info, but thought folks on the forum may have some insider info.

Post a reply on the forum, others may want the same info. Or, send me an email to jlwild at suddenlink.net

Thanks in advance

[doug8082a]

Hey Jim, Tying down outside should be fine, just be sure to have a cockpit cover to protect you from the rain and what-not if you are going to be there for three months. You're getting close to NYC so hangar rents will be proportionaly higher as a rule.

Are you actually staying in New Haven or in one of the surrounding towns? I haven't been into HVN in a few years, so I can't speak to the current facilities, but I can say:
- I would avoid Bridgeport (BDR) as it can get kinda crazy (and probably more expensive). Also , there's an FAA training center there. I've heard of a couple folks arriving to have their planes "ticketed" by a novice FAA trainee for a perceived violation.
- Waterbury/Oxford (OXC) is a nice place, but don't know if that is too far from your destination
- Meridan(MMK) is decent... same question as OXC above re: destination

Hope that helps,

[jlwild]

Doug,

Thanks for the input. I will be staying in a suburb of New Haven called Westville, within blocks of the Yale Football stadium. Closest airports in order of distance are New Haven (HVN), Meriden (MMK) and Waterbury/Oxford (OXC). I have only talked to the FBO folks at HVN and they said no problem for reasonably priced outside tiedown . My worry was being right on the coast. I have also heard rumors that the Meriden airport is located near powerplant stacks that tend to coat exposed planes with particulate matter . However, have not been able to confirm if that is true.

At first glance it appears HVN and OXC are best bets. So, will bite the bullet and give the FBO's a call.

Also I appreciate the input on Bridgeport (BDR) as FAA training facility. For your info, and others, a very close friend was just "ticketed" at Phoenix Deer Valley, AZ, (DVY) another FAA training facility. FAA inspector made them stay over night for a mechanics inspection of the plane based on a perceived problem (oil leak). Mechanic was so mad at FAA inspector after inspection with clean bill of health on the plane he did not charge my friends for two hours work on the weekend. Suggest others avoid this airport.

[GAHorn]

Hey, JIM!
I have a cockpit-cover I'll rent you for your trip. It'll cost you a hamburger at Fredricksburg!