How is Parkwest different from other flying services?
While other tour organizers sprout up from time to time (sometimes even claiming to be us!) Parkwest is the original in the western US, with over nine years' experience guiding tours. We take our research seriously, rather than just inventing tour routes on a desktop somewhere. This means evaluating airports, flying alternative tour routes, and even inspecting hotel rooms, first-hand. Go with the oldest and the best, and you won't be disappointed.
We cherish our National Parks and protected lands, and we plan tours to help clients experience their beauty and serenity to the fullest-- from the cockpit and on the ground. No other area in the world can boast our incredible scenery, nor provide the opportunity to overfly it. We've spent years researching the most beautiful routes, and it was worth it. Clients who have traveled the world over tell us that our flying routes are among the most spectacular they've encountered.
We provide quality activities and education on the ground--and pilots and spouses alike have raved about them! We add value to your trip by providing tours with Park Rangers and local guides. And yes, we sprinkle in some free time for you to enjoy the area all to yourself.
We stay at historic lodges in our National Parks, not run-of-the-mill tourist motels. We also provide meals that highlight local flavors and are a cut above the rest. The National Park lodging and transportation logistics are difficult, but we handle the hassle months in advance so you don't have to.
Could we stay at less expensive places and provide fewer amenities on our trips? You bet. But you would miss that sunrise stroll at Grand Canyon, the meteor shower from Death Valley's Furnace Creek, and sampling a hearty buffalo steak in a charming "locals" restaurant. Believe us, these are experiences you'll cherish forever.
Who can participate in these tours?
All pilots and their guest(s) can fly as part of these tours. If you will be using our aircraft, you must have a US pilot's license issued by the FAA; we will need copies of your pilot's license, medical certificate, and current Flight Review endorsement. Foreign-licensed pilots please click here to see information on receiving a US pilot's license. Can kids come--yes! if they like to fly and would enjoy visiting some of America's most beloved National Parks, then bring them along! Contact us for special child pricing. One word of caution: please get your reservations in early so that we can ensure appropriate accommodations and rental aircraft.
How big are the tour groups?
A "full" tour is considered to be 7 planes, including the guide plane, or 14 people, including 2 guides. Because the groups are small it's important to get your reservation in early.
How much flying experience do I need?
A minimum of 100 hours of flying experience is recommended. If you will be renting an aircraft, you should attain a minimum of 3 hours in the make and model aircraft we will be providing you, in the thirty days prior to the tour. All pilots should be comfortable with cross-country flying, including pilotage and radio navigation techniques.
Do I need an instrument rating?
No, an instrument rating is not required. All flying (except possibly on the Midnight Sun Tour) is done in good VFR conditions. An instrument rating and instrument proficiency is required for the Midnight Sun Tour.
What about aircraft rental?
If you need an airplane, Parkwest can arrange one through our sister company, Colorado Flight Center, or another local FBO or flight school. All tours are designed to accommodate a 160-hp 172, however, many clients elect to fly more powerful aircraft. Aircraft rental costs are extra and will depend on the type of aircraft you choose to rent. |
What about navigation?
All of our aircraft are equipped with GPS receivers, which are integral to the trip navigation. Additionally, Parkwest will provide you with all necessary charts, the flight plan, and airport data.
Can I bring my own plane?
Yes! Pilots and guests may fly their own plane to Grand Junction or Tucson and on the tour. Remember, a GPS receiver is required to fly this tour. If your aircraft is already equipped with a GPS receiver, we will provide all the information necessary to properly program the unit. If your aircraft is not equipped with a GPS, we can arrange for a portable unit to be provided on a rental basis.
We often get asked about the suitability of a particular aircraft. We have had a wide variety of singles, light twins, turboprops, experimental, light-sport, and vintage aircraft along on tour. If you have a particular question or concern about your aircraft, just let us know. We can answer your questions and quite often refer you to a past customer who has flown your type of aircraft on tour.
Some airports on these trips do not provide tie-down facilities. If you bring your own aircraft, make sure you bring bring tie-down ropes and stakes. Also, please review the airport links for your tour to verify that the runways are appropriate for your aircraft.
How do we get to Grand Junction?
Grand Junction is served with commercial air service via Denver (United and Frontier Airlines), Salt Lake City (Delta Airlines), Phoenix (America West Airlines), and Dallas (American Airlines.) Amtrak also provides passenger rail service daily. If you are driving, Grand Junction is easily accessible via I-70. If you are flying your own aircraft, click here for our suggested routes.
How long is each flight?
The average flight for these tours is between 2-1/2 and 3 hours long.
What is the impact of the Western Wildfires?
The Western U.S. has experienced some severe fire seasons the past few years. The impact of these fires on general aviation is reduced visibility and some Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). However, the Parkwest tour leaders monitor the situation daily and before each flight during each tour to ensure that the tour route does not encroach on any TFRs and that visibility remains "good VFR." In general, the smoke may reduce visibility to about 50 miles, from our normal 100+ mile visibility. These conditions are generally localized, and will probably occur only on isolated days during the tour. For the locations of all current large fire incidents, see the National Fire News.
How can weather affect my trip?
Flying weather in the West is generally good; clear skies and unlimited visibility are the rule rather than the exception. Summertime spawns thunderstorms over the mountains, especially in the afternoons. For this reason, flights on these tours are scheduled almost exclusively for the mornings, with afternoons reserved for non-flying activities.
As with all flights, these tours are subject to weather conditions. "Free days" are built in to the tour itineraries so you can enjoy the National Parks, but also in case weather conditions force a delay in the itinerary. "Free days" will be used to make up lost weather days whenever possible.
Each morning (on flight days) the guides will acquire and distribute all available weather information. The guides will discuss the forecast weather with all pilots and make a go/no-go decision for that day's flight. If appropriate, the scheduled flight will be revised to a different destination. If a flight is cancelled or revised, the trip itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. If necessary, the tour will skip a destination or "free day" in order to get back as closely as possible to the original itinerary.
Parkwest Air Tours can make no refunds due to weather interruptions.
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