Question for pilots?

Question

when it comes to transient parking, do airports always mark them the same way? do the transient spots always have "transient" written on the pavement, or do the privately owned spots always say "private"? how would i know which ones are transient and which ones aren't? also, if i fly somewhere and the transient spots are all taken, am I s.o.l. and need to fly else-where to find parking?

Answer 1

Like the previous answers, there is not a uniformed way to identify transient parking.  

If you fly into a control airport - one with ground control ask them, they will often tell you where transient parking is located.

If you fly into a non-towered airport (but they have a unicom) check with who monitors unicom, if they answer they often can assist you in finding parking.

Like the previous answer - FBO often have parking and will direct you to a space.  There is usually a charge for over nite parking (but this is waved sometimes if you buy fuel from them), some airport (bigger ones will charge for a few hours of parking - but these cases are rare).

Some airport (the smarter ones, the friendly ones) will actually mark a few spots with the words Transient or Visitor.

If you have access to a pilot guide check your destination airport - they should tell you were you can park.  Or if you can not find it, call the airport office in the guide or business and ask them.  If you do not have a pilots guide try the link below you can look up any airport by state and get information on it.

If worse comes to worse and you can not find out any information, just park - consider leaving a note on your dash - saying your a visitor with a cell phone or contact number.

Fly safe.

Answer 2

Many FBOs have parking spots right in front, in which case it's sort of obvious which ones you can use.  Many times, a ramp person will come out and marshal you into the spot that he/she wants you to park in.  If there's no one there to help you, just find an open tie-down spot somewhere and park.

Worst case, you park in the wrong place and they tell you to move your plane.

Answer 3

Generally there'll be parking.  Check www.airnav.com or AOPA for the FBO's on the field.  If you're really worried (for example, try to get a spot in Augusta, GA during the Masters), call the FBO.

Answer 4

There's no standard for marking parking as either transient or private.

If the airport has an FBO, they can provide you with a parking area, though they may charge a fee. Otherwise, find an open spot and tie down. If there are no spaces, maybe you can tie down on the grass, though I would get permission first (I usually carry my own tie downs).

I've flown into many airports, but I've never had to leave and fly to another airport bacause of a lack of parking.