Count me in for the HEF fly-in. I'm also parked on the west ramp, along with Steve.
I learned to fly at HEF since my first lesson, so I haven't known any way to get in & out of here other than the ADIZ procedures. I've managed not to get my own personal F-16 escort yet, so here's how I handle the ADIZ:
1. Review the ADIZ information available on AOPA's website:
http://www.aopa.org/adiz/adiz.html
Specifically, the "ADIZ flight plan filing instructions":
http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2007/070823adizfiling.pdf
And the "ADIZ flight plan entry/exit points":
http://www.aopa.org/images/whatsnew/newsitems/2005/notams/adiz.pdf
This page also provides you with the ATC contact frequencies to use for each gate.
As Dr Bill mentioned, the ADIZ is comprised of "gates", which are radial ranges off the DCA VOR.
I always find it easiest to enter the ADIZ from the south-west using the FLUKY Gate.
2. When you file your flight plan I would call the Leesburg Flight Service Station directly. Their number is:
866-225-7410
These folks deal with ADIZ flight plans all the time and I've always found them to be very helpful.
When I call, I ask for a standard brief, then tell them I'd like to file an outbound or inbound ADIZ flight plan (an ADIZ flight plan is NOT a search & rescue flight plan. If you want one of those as well, just let the briefer know.).
TIP 1: When they ask you for your altitude, they're looking for something below the CLASS B airspace. I usually use 2500MSL.
TIP 2: As a general rule, your ADIZ flight plan remains in the system for 2-hours after your stated time of arrival or departure, so I always try to err on the side of arriving a bit later than my planned time.
Now for getting to HEF!
3. I fly towards CJR (Culpepper), and when I have it in site I follow the railroad tracks towards HWY (Warrenton), make my radio call to Potomac Approach on 127.325, say my position, and tell them I'm landing HEF Manassas.
http://skyvector.com/#33-23-3-1463-1460
As Steve mentioned, you'll get your designated squawk code and wait for ATC to tell you transponder observed, cleared on coarse.
If I don't hear this from ATC before reaching HWY, I call them up & ask them if I'm cleared to proceed on course.
If they don't tell me transponder observed and cleared to proceed on course by the time I overfly HWY (I actually fly just north of the airport), I start a left 360. Like Steve said, you'll want to make sure you remain clear of the CLASS B airspace. 2500MSL or below should be good.
TIP 1: I always try to get flight following when I come in. This really helps reduce my workload and gives me some peace of mind because I'm already in contact with ATC with a discrete squawk code.
TIP 2: When you call up HEF, tell them you'll be parking the east ramp. The unofficial reporting point is called "The Bends" which is a noticeable bend in the railroad tracks shortly after passing HWY. If landing 34L/R I fly south of the railroad tracks (make sure you remain clear of the MOA to the south), and for 16L/R I fly north of the tracks.
This all might sound like a lot, but it's really not bad at all, and like Paul said, it ruins everyone's day when there's an ADIZ infraction, so everyone goes out of their way to help folks avoid any problems.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to reply here or message me directly.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that can make it out this way!
- Jason
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