[mdiederi]

How the did this turn into a Chicago vs Vegas thread?

Anyway, the FAA has no restrictions in the LVT area but it is right next to a "300 feet of clearance below a flight altitude of 3,020 feet" restricted airport circling area. What they need from the FAA is the FAA's blessing, which actually seems to be more political than logistical and a complicated formality that takes about 120 days to complete for something this tall. They also need the blessing from the Director of McCarran International. Bob Stupak was the political arch enemy of the Director at the airport back when he started building the Strat, so that's where they ran into trouble, not to mention their lack of funds. Also, Stratosphere Tower is within the city limits and their permitting requirements are different than the county, and don't obey the airport's opinion as strictly as the county does. The Airport totally rejected the entire Stratosphere project for political reasons, but the city gave Stupak the permits anyway. They were already planning to go the 1,800 feet, but Stupak didn't have the money to do it. New 1,800 foot plans were introduced after it was complete and had a new owner, but while they were trying to figure out how to pay for it 9/11 shot down those plans. Or at least that's how I understand the history of that.