Fly-in Eateries:

FLIGHT DECK RESTAURANT - Little Rock at Adams Field - This month we visited the Flight Deck Restaurant in Little Rock at Adams Field.  This restaurant has been a popular ‘eating place’ of pilots for twenty-one years.  It isn’t hard to find.  Little Rock National (LIT, Adams Field, to us old timers) is located in central Arkansas.  It might prove a little more difficult to visit than your local grass strip restaurant.  That is good, however.  For those of us who regularly fly out of uncontrolled fields, going to Little Rock and using tower frequencies is good practice for us.  If you land on 18/36 it is a simple taxi over to the Central’s FBO, you will find some good eatin’.  The hours are 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and closed on Sunday. 

At the Flight Deck Restaurant you will find, what they call, “the Greatest Hamburger in Aviation History”, a Chili Burger, Salad Burger, the Flight Deck Delight, or just “plane” ole’ food.  Varity is available at the Flight Deck Restaurant. On Friday’s it is the fish special.  That is the favorite of everyone.  Don’t overlook Little Rock’s Flight Deck Restaurant on your next search for the $100 Hamburger.  The prices are reasonable and the service is very good, even during the busy lunch time.  Consider having a meeting in one of their two conference rooms.  Catering is also available when you call in advance.  To contact them call 501-975-9315 or 800 888-8583, Ext. 315.

MATHER LODGE & RESTAURANT - Petit Jean Mountain - Lots of activity can be found on top of Petit Jean Mountain in west central Arkansas.  You can land your plane on a nice 5853’ asphalt runway. The elevation is 923’, use 122.9 as CTAF (check notams for MPJ in case of construction closures).  The best way to get to  Mather Lodge is by calling 501 727-5431.  They will send a shuttle out to take you to the Lodge.  There is a $3.00 per person or $5.00 minimum charge for the service.  Once at the Mather Lodge Restaurant the menu has a fine selection.  The prices are reasonable.  If more than a meal is what you want, you will find cabins for rent, recration hall, pavilion, pool (seasonal), boat rental, and museum.   The view while you dine is very nice.  You have a west view of the Arkansas river valley with mountains Nebo, Magazine visible.  Providing it is not a smog day in Arkansas. 

The Museum of Automobiles is open all year.  The charge is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children (under 6 get in free).  If you are going to just the museum, call 501 727-5427 (be sure and tell Hazel, Ralph said hello!), the Museum staff will send someone over to pick you up and return you to the airport for free. 

There is no shuttle service between the different places on the mountain.  Rental cars are not available.  You can get transportation to the lodge for a charge or to the museum at no charge.

Do you have a favorite place to eat?  If so, email to Ralph@fly-low.com