If you follow my Active Rain Blog, you probably know there are pilots in my household. So for us, being around airports large and small isn't an unusual experience. My better half is a former Public Affairs Officer, that among other things, was involved in organising and participating in a number of air shows over the years. They were always very well attended and that goes to show how much interest there is in aviation. With an estimate that less than 2% of the US population are pilots, he helped a lot of people get on the other side of the airport fence and he hopes he helped inspire a few careers along the way.

It's easy to see that level of interest here in Las Vegas. Day or night there's never been a time we've passed the parking lot on Sunset Rd., the runway side of McCarran, when there weren't people there watching the planes.

Attendance at the Nellis AFB Aviation Nation, featuring our hometown Las Vegas Thunderbirds USAF Demonstration Team is another indicator. Hundreds of thousands attend the annual 2 day air show on the base and thousands more watch from around it.

Aviation really starts at the smaller airports that are called General Aviation, suited for corporate, charter, and private aircraft, and often flight instruction. Henderson Executive Airport is a fine one with it's modern terminal building and flight school from Cactus Aviation currently scheduled to open in mid 2009. Maverick Airlines, a sister company of Las Vegas tour operator Maverick Helicopters, has also opened at Henderson Executive in the corporate office park that's springing up around the airport. Maverick offers tours and charter on their fleet of 18 passenger Beechcraft 1900D aircraft.

Also opened on the 2nd floor of the terminal building is Landings Restaurant. They are open for breakfast and lunch and are currently offering fine dining dinner on weekends. Of course they have the '$100 Hamburger', pilot speak for flying off to have lunch. They also have upgrades like their $200 Hamburger, and their house specialty The Million Dollar Burger that's topped with their popular secret ingredient....peanut butter! Of course they offer a wide variety of sandwiches and sides as well as a typical breakfast menu, but don't let those big dollar burger names fool you, it's reasonable priced.

Then there's the view at no extra charge. A variety of arriving and departing aircraft, fixed and rotary wing, along with some celebrities from time to time can be seen from the bird's eye view of the second floor. There's also an outdoor patio that not only has views of the runway, but of the Las Vegas Strip to the north. As you can see, the interior is decorated with all things aircraft, from pictures on the walls to models hanging from the ceiling.

Henderson Executive is conveniently located just off St. Rose Parkway with access to Interstate 15. It's also convenient to the executive homes found in nearby Seven Hills, Anthem and Madeira Canyon, and Toll Brothers Inspirada. Green Valley Ranch and MacDonald Highlands are just a short drive, as is Southern Highlands that is just across the I 15 from the new M Resort. It's no surprise Henderson Executive recently hosted 'Aircraft Experience', a show for corporate aircraft and luxury cars from Porsche.

Even if you're not into aircraft, it may be worth a business stop. Landings has plentiful natural lighting, and there's free WI-FI service throughout the terminal building. If you're in that part of town it could be a good place to stop for a bite or a beverage, review with clients or check your email.

If you are interested in relocating to the Las Vegas area or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!