"Al Gilson" wrote in message
...
We're going to spend a few days in Las Vegas and have reserved a C-172 for
a few hours for some aerial sightseeing. After we get checked out to fly
by the FBO, any suggestions on what/where we should go? Any ideas, tips,
suggestions, concerns? We are thinking about flying over Hoover Dam and
maybe over to the Grand Canyon. We have the Las Vegas sectional and
Terminal chart plus the Grand Canyon chart.

Thanks.

I'm sure you are going to get some advice from the checkout pilot about
flying the lake, dam, and canyon. You might ask him/her what the busy times
of day are to avoid the swarm of rotary wings.
If you are comfortable (and current) a night departure from North Las
Vegas via the Showboat departure route will give you a fabulous night view
of Las Vegas from about 2,00 feet AGL. Check the TAC. An acquaintance of
mine told me he once requested and received clearance and vectors to
directly overfly the city for a "photo opportunity" at a lower altitude.
Hey, all they can do is deny the request. Be advised, there are some tall
things poking up out of the brick and mortar and glitzy lights. Look real
close at the TAC.
Northeast of Las Vegas is the spectacular Virgin River Gorge. Head for
the Mormom Mesa VOR (MMM). When you get there, shift to the east and fly IFR
(I Follow the Roads) up Interstate I-15 toward St. George. If you stay over
the highway, you fly between the two wilderness areas -- but note the mean
terrain altitude is higher on the St. George side. Any urge to fly below the
the peaks should start on that side.