Postcards

Go while it's still easy

My wife and I had been promising ourselves for years to place our own patches of rubber onto the Meigs Field runway prior to Chicago's planned closure of the airport on February 10, 2002. The political bout over this small airport has received national attention and rightly so (see " What Fate Meigs?" June 2000 Pilot). After visiting Meigs, it seems a shame to lose such a valuable reliever airport in this age of clogged runways, record airline delays, and air-rage incidents at Chicago's larger airports, which are located far from the city's center. Regardless of the political shenanigans surrounding the airport, we were recently able to fulfill our promise to visit Meigs and enjoy some of downtown Chicago's best attractions.

The arrival at Meigs is easy when approaching from the east. The floor of Chicago's Class B airspace is 3,000 feet over the airport, so arrivals from the east are largely unaffected. Flying in from the other compass points will require a little more preflight planning to either negotiate or avoid the Class B airspace. Chicago's controllers are some of the best in the nation and are usually accommodating to transient aircraft heading to Meigs. Aircraft landing there should obtain the automated terminal information system (ATIS) and call Signature Flight Support, the field's only FBO, prior to landing.

Meigs Tower had us enter the pattern from the east on a left base leg for Runway 18. What loomed ahead was one of the most spectacular sights we've seen from an airplane. (Microsoft's Flight Simulator, in which the default airport is Meigs Field, doesn't do this approach enough justice.) We were face to face with some of the tallest buildings in the world and had a panoramic view of one of the prettiest and most recognizable cityscapes. On short final to Runway 18, the Adler Planetarium slides under the left wing and the Shedd Aquarium is off the right. Soldier Field, home of "da Bearsss," is also just a stone's throw away.

Clearing the runway, the Signature van was waiting to marshal us to a parking spot (the reason for radioing ahead, I realized). The ramp was jammed to capacity with airplanes ranging in size up to Falcon jets, thanks to a convention at nearby McCormick Place. On other days, Meigs is far sleepier. The van driver immediately chocked all three wheels and tied down the airplane — it's known as the Windy City, remember? He then drove us to the terminal, placed our bags in a waiting cab, and we were off to enjoy the city just minutes after landing. Unfortunately, the good service at Signature comes at a price. The landing and parking fees start at $12 for a single- engine airplane. There is also a $20 handling fee if you don't purchase fuel. If you do purchase fuel you must buy a certain amount based on type of airplane. We paid — hold on to your wallets — $3.61 per gallon of avgas! Signature's pricing varies based on aircraft size and the day of the week.

Day-trippers can find plenty of inexpensive, family-type activities within walking distance of Meigs. A quick stroll will take you to the newly renovated Adler Planetarium to learn about the universe and how it was created. Among the new attractions at the Adler is the world's first interactive computer graphics theater. The Shedd Aquarium, the world's largest indoor aquarium, features a pair of recently acquired beluga whales. The Field Museum's latest attraction is Sue, the skeletal remains of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Admission to each of these attractions is less than $10 for adults and less for children.

If you venture more than walking distance from Meigs, taxis are relatively inexpensive when compared to other big cities. Rides to most of the nearby hotels and other attractions from Meigs will range in price from $5 to $10. The Navy Pier makes an easy getaway for the whole family. Restaurants, shops, tour boats, an IMAX theater, and even a 15-story Ferris wheel are some of the attractions on this 50-acre spit of land jutting out into Lake Michigan.

If the view of the Chicago cityscape from the airplane wasn't enough, take a ride up the elevators of either the Sears Tower or the John Hancock Center. To get a taste of authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, head to Gino's East (multiple locations), where one slice will fill you up for most of the day. Bring a marker pen because you can leave your signature on this Chicago landmark. Of course Chicago has world-class dining from the trendy chain restaurants to obscure international cuisine. There is also a vibrant nightlife to attract younger crowds. We grabbed a couple of pints at the Fado Irish Pub at 100 West Grand Avenue.

If you're like us, you'll end up spending more time than you originally thought in Chicago. If so, expect to pay $250 or more per night at one of the better hotels in the downtown area. Also check for weekend discounts. Overall, Chicago is a clean, scenic, and fun city with lots of activities for everyone. Despite the fees, Meigs Field makes all of this so easily accessible to general aviation pilots that it would be a crime to miss out on it. The clock is ticking. Go while you still can.