Originally Posted by CalIahFo

CM,
For the airports I have been into:
SNA: challenging departure and arrival, especially when SoCal is on fire! The departure requires a large power reduction at 1500 feet while your nose is pointed up and you are only about 30% above stall speed.
SXM: not particularly difficult barring any weather problems.
DCA: you are right about the river visual being a challenge, multiple turns at low altitude while configured. And if you get too far off course you can get shot at by the air defenses in the capitol.