Reference article in today's Review Journal regarding the nations forthcoming air traffic controller shortage. How does McCarran stack up in relation to this article. Cajun: I believe you could provide us with some insight here????

Gee Wendell, do you think I could get my old job back? (former controller fired in the 1981 strike).
McCarrin had 20 minute delays last week and I told my wife that they weren't very busy at all for that kind of traffic to justify that delay period. I suggested to her and the passengers that teh FAA had flow control in place and were limiting the number of planes in the air.

I was right on. Yesterday I read that O'hare airport is causing nationwide delays due to too many flights being scheduled at the same time. That time period is 8 to 9 am or prime time as we used to call it.

PS: Wendell per my trip report, I really liked the layout of the orleans. I understand you like to stay there. I had forgotten about the mexican restuarant in there and we had already had lunch.

I also forgot to rub the croc's belly for good luck. No wonder I didn't win, Serves me right.

Chris - you know, you may have hit on an excellent idea, I think if I were a qualifed Air Traffic Controller, I would let the "powers that be" know that there are those of us who would like to return to work - and that could certainly help the projected shortage. As far as the Orleans is concerned, I like it better than the Strip because (1) it is not as crowded (2) the rooms are usually bigger and better (3) the rates are better, (4) I love their hot tub (5)they have nice restaurants, including buffet and their Mexican restaurant is excellent (6) Their shuttle buses run about every half hour and you are only 10 minutes from center strip (7) Their personnel have always been friendly and helpful (8) there is also free shuttle to the Gold Coast which is across from the RIO and Palms - The Gold Coast also has excellent restaurants and buffet. - In short the Orleans is our "home" while in Las Vegas. I definately prefer it over the 7 hotels I have stayed in - am curious to see if all remains the same since Boyd bought out Coast. Wendell

Another problem at LAS is the heat vs weight of aircraft vs obstructions (mountains)

On a very hot and busy day, you can find some narrow body jets on long routes that have to take off in the opposite direction of traffic because their climb rate (based on single engine climb) wont clear the mountains.

You might see a 757, then a few 737s, then some more jets all gathering up at the wrong end. They are just waiting for a hole to open up so they can take off going the opposite direction. And if you have ever watched air traffic at that airport, you know it is rare to get a pause long enough for 6 or 7 jets to take off and clear the approach lanes. Sometimes the controllers will make a whole for them. Sometimes the planes will sit for 90 minutes or more.