"rps" wrote in message
oups.com...

So, it appears my choices are KPDX and KVUO unless I want to drive
farther from KHIO. The advantage of KPDX is the availability of ground
transportation services.

KPDX is an international airport, so you'll have to deal with that. The
transportation including lightrail which will take you right downtown is
abundant, but from the Flightcraft area you might need a cab just to get to
the station unless you don't mind walking.

Another option to consider is KTTD, which is Class D and closer than HIO, in
Troutdale.

It's a 20-minute drive to downtown--30 minutes during rush hour instead of
45-60 of swearing at yuppie idiots coming from HIO and the scenery is much
better. The only issue you might run into from TTD is a car rental, but
rental cars/cabs are out there quite a bit and if you call Gorge Winds
Aviation (503) 665-2628, they'll be able to give you advise or possibly make
arrangements for you. (I'm not an employee, but can you tell I'm familiar
with it?) The owner of Gorge Winds is Marv, which is on the north side, and
he has the tiedown space and fuel operation too, and it's a very cleanly-run
and professional business. There's a "public terminal" on the south side as
well, but no FBO/fuel that I know of.

Plus, when you're at KTTD the Columbia River Gorge is just outside the
pattern (spectacular view!) and Mt. St. Helens is only about 1.5 round trip
in a Cessna. Of the three Portland airports, KTTD is the most convenient,
and Hillsboro is second but it's a longer and slower drive into Portland
during the day.

e-mail me if you have any other questions about the area. g a t t at
j u g g e r b o t dot c o m

-c