Sunday at the Grand Canyon in style on a sleek Citation Bravo
May 19, 2014, 10:50 pm
#1
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Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Sunday at the Grand Canyon in style on a sleek Citation Bravo
Mrs. SFO777 and I, SFO777Jr and a good family friend were off Sunday for a day trip to the Grand Canyon. It's a perfect trip for a private charter, allowing us to fly directly to the rim of the Canyon at Grand Canyon Airport. Fifteen minutes from our home is Denver's convenient south suburban Centennial Airport (APA). No upgrade today but a very comfortable Cessna Citation Bravo.
Denver Centennial APA to Grand Canyon GCN
Cessna Citation Bravo
9:20AM-9:55AM MST
May 18, 2014
A few minutes after we boarded, we were ready to go for the 85 minute flight. A short taxi to runway 17L.
And we're off...
Time to play Flight Attendant and open the bar.
And set up our fruit, cheese and breakfast meat platter.
Still lots of snow in the mountains.
Beginning our approach.
With some spectacular scenery below.
Our approach to GCN.
Welcome to the Grand Canyon!
But first a pit stop at least for Mrs. SFO.
While the guys had a more rustic loo.
For our tour today, I selected All Star Grand Canyon tours, based on their website and favorable TripAdvisor rating. Turned out to be a great choice and I can't recommend them enough. Our guide Jason was waiting at the FBO and escorted us out to a waiting Ford Explorer.
Which was stocked with an amazing selection of fruit, snacks and beverages.
Looks like we're not going hungry today!
Up Next: The spectacular Grand Canyon close up.
Denver Centennial APA to Grand Canyon GCN
Cessna Citation Bravo
9:20AM-9:55AM MST
May 18, 2014
A few minutes after we boarded, we were ready to go for the 85 minute flight. A short taxi to runway 17L.
And we're off...
Time to play Flight Attendant and open the bar.
And set up our fruit, cheese and breakfast meat platter.
Still lots of snow in the mountains.
Beginning our approach.
With some spectacular scenery below.
Our approach to GCN.
Welcome to the Grand Canyon!
But first a pit stop at least for Mrs. SFO.
While the guys had a more rustic loo.
For our tour today, I selected All Star Grand Canyon tours, based on their website and favorable TripAdvisor rating. Turned out to be a great choice and I can't recommend them enough. Our guide Jason was waiting at the FBO and escorted us out to a waiting Ford Explorer.
Which was stocked with an amazing selection of fruit, snacks and beverages.
Looks like we're not going hungry today!
Up Next: The spectacular Grand Canyon close up.
May 19, 2014, 11:03 pm
#2
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And we're off for our 6 hours tour of the Grand Canyon.
Thru the town of Tusayan.
Toward the park entrance.
Our first stop today was Mather Point Lookout. Awesome!
Next up: Vista stop #2
Thru the town of Tusayan.
Toward the park entrance.
Our first stop today was Mather Point Lookout. Awesome!
Next up: Vista stop #2
May 19, 2014, 11:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
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I'll be the first to comment this time!
Another fantastic report. Looks like you had good weather on the trip so far.
A question - when flying "private", are there levels of catering that are offered through the service provider? Or is it strictly BYOB?
I have flown private through my company, although I am no where near high enough on the corporate ladder to request any specific catering levels. We usually bring "Subway" as the Pilatus flies without food.
Another fantastic report. Looks like you had good weather on the trip so far.
A question - when flying "private", are there levels of catering that are offered through the service provider? Or is it strictly BYOB?
I have flown private through my company, although I am no where near high enough on the corporate ladder to request any specific catering levels. We usually bring "Subway" as the Pilatus flies without food.
May 20, 2014, 5:30 am
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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I'll be the first to comment this time!
Another fantastic report. Looks like you had good weather on the trip so far.
A question - when flying "private", are there levels of catering that are offered through the service provider? Or is it strictly BYOB?
I have flown private through my company, although I am no where near high enough on the corporate ladder to request any specific catering levels. We usually bring "Subway" as the Pilatus flies without food.
Another fantastic report. Looks like you had good weather on the trip so far.
A question - when flying "private", are there levels of catering that are offered through the service provider? Or is it strictly BYOB?
I have flown private through my company, although I am no where near high enough on the corporate ladder to request any specific catering levels. We usually bring "Subway" as the Pilatus flies without food.
Thanks MAX199.
Thank you offerendum.
Thanks very much Digital01.
May 20, 2014, 12:50 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LON
Programs: AS MVPG, Marriott Titanium, UA Silver
Posts: 1,350
I was going to ask why no stop at The Perfect Landing, but then I saw the breakfast spread on the plane.
I used to live in the Tech Center and was pretty close to the Centennial flight path. Miss that place!
I used to live in the Tech Center and was pretty close to the Centennial flight path. Miss that place!
May 20, 2014, 1:58 pm
#13
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Join Date: Jul 2002
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When I went to the Grand Canyon it was in a 2007 Ford Escape. Looks like I've been outdone by SFO777 yet again 
Seriously, enjoyable report as always sir ^
Seriously, enjoyable report as always sir ^
May 20, 2014, 8:21 pm
#15
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Back on E. Rim Drive...
... about 10 minutes east is Grandview Point.
OK, this dude is crazy.
Our third and favorite view stop was Lipan Point.
Our next stop was Desert View Watchtower and a gourmet picnic lunch.
And then time to head back toward Tusayan. An unfortunate accident along the way... most likely trying to avoid some wildlife.
More beautiful views from a roadside stop.
And finally to Grand Canyon Village for a stop at the El Tovar Hotel, made famous by Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation.
While the gang stopped for a drink at the El Tovar bar, I headed for the train station to check our the Williams Flyer, a vintage train which travels between Williams AZ (about 60 miles away) and the Grand Canyon.
More great views from the canyon right beside the El Tovar.
And the nearby Hopi House souvenir shop.
... about 10 minutes east is Grandview Point.
OK, this dude is crazy.
Our third and favorite view stop was Lipan Point.
Our next stop was Desert View Watchtower and a gourmet picnic lunch.
And then time to head back toward Tusayan. An unfortunate accident along the way... most likely trying to avoid some wildlife.
More beautiful views from a roadside stop.
And finally to Grand Canyon Village for a stop at the El Tovar Hotel, made famous by Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation.
While the gang stopped for a drink at the El Tovar bar, I headed for the train station to check our the Williams Flyer, a vintage train which travels between Williams AZ (about 60 miles away) and the Grand Canyon.
More great views from the canyon right beside the El Tovar.
And the nearby Hopi House souvenir shop.