SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

2009-07-11T21:28:39Z

Greg:

{{categorybox|North America|United States|Maryland}}

{{infobox|fullname=Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport|
location=Linthicum, Maryland|
iata=BWI|
icao=KBWI|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.bwiairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=BWI&ll=39.177383,-76.673155&spn=0.056698,0.129158&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=119.4 257.8|
atcground=121.9|
atcclearance=118.05|
atcapproach=119.0(020-100) 119.7(131-180) 124.55(101-130) 128.7(181-019)|
atcdeparture=119.0(020-100) 119.7(131-180) 124.55(101-130) 128.7(181-019)|
atcatis=115.1 127.8|
atcunicom=122.95}}

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is located in Linthicum, Maryland, near Baltimore. This airport is Southwest Airlines' major east-coast hub, with a brand-new terminal opening for that airline on the west side of the airport. There is also some scattered international service and military charters at this airport.

==Official Spotting Locations==
NOTE: IF YOU WILL BE TAKING PHOTOS FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPOTTING AREAS, YOU MAY WISH TO CONTACT THE BWI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER FIRST AT 410-859-7992

===Dixon Spotting Park===
The Dixon Spotting Park is located at the end of runway 33L on Dorsey Road at the south side of the airport. The park is open to the public. There is a parking lot and benches at this park. Be sure not to walk out of the park along Dorsey Road or on the grass area around the approach lights. This is illegal.

===Terminal Spotting Area===
There is also a designated spotting area inside the airport terminal between terminals B and C, where there is free ATC listening provided as well the nose section of a B737-200. With its nose wheel lowered, the exhibit creates the illusion of a plane frozen in a glidepath toward a simulated runway centerstripe aligned on the floor below. The perception is reinforced by flashing centerline lights. Stand under it and see what you think :)

==Other Spotting Locations==
There is a golf driving range across the grass field from the Dixon Spotting Park. This range offers great views of the other side of the aircraft arriving and departing from runway 33L. The parking lot at Old Mill High School, on Patriot Lane off of Old Mill Boulevard, is good for 33L arrivals, as is the Target parking lot on Nolpark Court off of Crain Highway South. There is also the Midfield Cargo Center at the airport; Mathison Way off of Aviation Boulevard runs about half of the length of runway 15R and is directly alongside it. Be careful taking photos here, you may be approached by authorities. Also do not trespass on the BWI Airport Fire Station at the end of Mathison Way. This is a secure area. The BWI parking garage also offers good views, but requires a large lens. Be careful of authorities here as well. Inside the airport terminal there are also several restaurants with great ramp views. If you would like to use the Signature Flight Support parking lot on Aaronson Drive off of Aviation Boulevard, it is recommended to go inside and ask for permission first.

==Locations to Avoid==
Do not use anything around the Northrop Grumman facility; security may notice and police may be called. Overall, just remember, if you don't think it's okay to be somewhere, leave!

==Regular Traffic==
Domestic airlines serving BWI are AirTran, American/American Eagle, America West, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, United, and USAirways. International airlines are Aeromexico to Cancun (B737), Air Canada to Toronto (DHC8, CRJ), Air Jamaica to Montego Bay (A321), British Airways to London Heathrow (B763/B772), Icelandair to Reykjavik (B752), Mexicana to Mexico City (A318), North American to Accra (B763), and USA3000 to the Caribbean (A320). Military charters are operated by American Trans Air (L101), Air Transport International (DC86), North American (B752), Omni Air International (B752, DC10), and World Airways (DC10, MD11). Cargo carriers are Airborne Express, DHL, Emery Worldwide, Federal Express, Kitty Hawk, Menlo Worldwide, and UPS.

==Facilities and Transportation==
There are several hotels in the direct area of BWI, as well as a large amount of parking with shuttles to the terminal. There are also all the amenities you would expect at any airport; see the customer service center or the BWI website for more information. Amtrak, Marc, and Metro trains also run from the Amtrak station on the northwest side of the airport to Washington DC, New York, and other east coast destinations.

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports
*[http://www.dctower.net/ DCTower.net] - Flight info, weather, photos, forums, and much more for BWI, DCA & IAD

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2009-07-11T21:27:10Z

Greg:

{{categorybox|North America|United States|Texas}}

{{infobox|fullname=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|
location=DFW Airport, Texas|
iata=DFW|
icao=KDFW|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.dfwairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DFW&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=124.15(West) 126.55(East) 127.5(East backup) 134.9(West)|
atcground=121.65(East) 121.8(East backup) 121.85(West)|
atcclearance=128.25|
atcapproach=119.875(West Arrivals) 125.025(East Arrivals) 133.525(East Arrivals) 133.625(West Arrivals)|
atcdeparture=118.55(East Departures) 124.825(North Departures) 125.125(South Departures) 126.475(West Departures)|
atcatis=123.775 (Arrival ATIS) 135.925 (Departure ATIS)|
atcunicom=122.95}}



==Official Spotting Locations==
===Founder's Plaza===

''"Over the years, Founders' Plaza has become a favorite spot for families, aviation enthusiasts and Airport employees. The Observation Area offers magnificent views of many types of aircraft as they take off and land. In addition, the plaza provides convenient parking, picnic tables, telescopes, historic information, a commemorative monument and a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications from the FAA tower."''

The original Founder's Plaza adjacent to runway 35C has been closed. As of September of 2008, a new Founder's Plaza has been erected, which sits on the northwest side of the airport. Lots of good action can be seen here, of course, more AA/Eagle than you'd ever think is possible, but also this is where most of the international cargo and airline heavies arrive. Best in the afternoon/late evening.

Directions:

Exit at Highway 114 on to Texan Trail and head south towards the
Airport. Founders’ Plaza is at Texan Trail and N. Airfield Drive.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot===

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

===Skylink Train===

The Skylink train, which is inside security, makes a full loop 50' above the ramp. This train has great views, and if you have about 15 minutes, it's well worth the ride to see all the terminals at DFW.

===The Club at DFW===

If you like the view from the train, you can get off at Terminal D and go to "The Club at DFW." This is a lounge run by Priority Pass, but they have a "pay per visit" fee and there's a coupon in "DFW People" magazine for like $25 per access. This magazine is located throughout the airport and in the parking ares too. The club has a view of gates D20-D30, including lots of AA heavies, and it facing runways 18R and 18L with a view of the cargo area and AA hangar areas too. It's a great view if you have money to burn! They have snacks and drinks for the thirsty spotter.

===Airport Westin===

Outside the airport is the Airport Westin on Highway 114. It is on short final to runway 17L and has a swimming pool area on top of the hotel. It has a great view. The area you are looking at from there incidentally is the area that the Delta L1011 crashed.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

DFW is served by all American Airlines aircraft types except the A300 and all American Eagle types except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), North American 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, including lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, and Korean Air Cargo. Also you can see Air France 747s, Southern Air 747s, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:
*United narrowbodies up to 757
*United Express Embraer 170s
*Northwest DC9 and A320s
*Pinnacle CRJs
*USAirways 737s and A320s
*USAirways Express on Mesa CRJ900
*Mesa Beech 1900Ds
*Midwest 717s
*Continental 737s
*Continental Express ERJs
*Delta 737-300 through 767-300
*Delta Connection all types up through Shuttle America EMB170s

==Facilities and Transportation==
To get to any spotting locations you'll have to drive. Cabs are available but the minimum charge for a cab is $12. I've rented a car for as cheap as $16, so it's worth it to get a deal on a rental.

==External Links==
*[http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107949255388270936306.00045148dd40019930e38&t=h&z=13 Google Map with spotting locations]
*[http://www.dfwtower.com/ DFW Tower.com] - Flight info, weather, photos, forums, and much more for DFW

Washington Dulles International Airport

2009-07-11T21:26:26Z

Greg:

{{categorybox|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

Dulles International is one of three major airports serving the Washington D.C. area (the other two being [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA/KDCA)]] and [[Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI/KBWI)]]). It is by far the largest of the three, and serves as the main international gateway for the U.S. capital city. The airport serves as an international hub for United, and, until the airline went out of business, also served as the hub for ill-fated Independence Air. The airfield has three main runways: 1L/19R, 1R/19L, and 12/30.

==Official Spotting Locations==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===Udvar-Hazy Center Observation Tower===
The observation and viewing tower at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center provides fairly decent views of aircraft approaching the 1's, and departing the 19's, as the tower sits between the approach paths of the 1's.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.

While good for viewing, you can get much better shots of arriving airplanes from the parking lot in front of the museum.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===Udvar-Hazy Center Parking Lot===
The parking lot for the Udvar-Hazy Center is considered by many to be better than the observation tower itself, especially for 1R landings. From the entrance to the parking lot, proceed past the museum and park at the far end of the lot. Other spots may have more trees to contend with. Parking is $15/day; museum admission itself is free. Restrooms and food are available in the museum.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existent. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Landmark Aviation. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

*'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, 757-200s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Operated by Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-135/145/145XRs.
**'''Continental Connection''': Operated by CommutAir using Dash 8-200s.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800s, 757-200s.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700 or 900s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319/A320s.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
**'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''US Airways Express''': CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.
*'''Virgin America''': A320

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': A330-200s, and 777-200/300/300ERs.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300ER.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates a B777-200.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200s, 747-400s, and occasionally 767-300s.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Iberia''': A340-300, and occasionally A340-600s.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using A330-200s.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates 747-400s.
*'''Lufthansa''': A330-300s, A340-300s and B747-400s.
*'''Qatar Airways''': B777-300ER
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300 or A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express (now DHL)''': 767-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-200, A300, A310, DC-10.
*'''UPS''': DC-8, B757, A300.
*'''Volga-Dnepr''': AN-124

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Daily C-160, A310.
*'''RAF''': C-130, VC-10.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports
*[http://www.dctower.net/ DCTower.net] - Flight info, weather, photos, forums, and much more for DCA & IAD

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

2009-07-11T21:25:48Z

Greg: add link

{{categorybox|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|
location=Arlington, Virginia|
iata=DCA|
icao=KDCA|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.mwaa.com/national/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DCA&ll=38.851239,-77.041841&spn=0.028480,0.064579&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=119.1|
atcground=121.7|
atcclearance=128.25|
atcapproach=119.85 (West) 124.2 (East)|
atcdeparture=118.95 (West) 125.65 (East)|
atcatis=132.65|
atcunicom=122.95}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Gravely Point===
Spotters are blessed with an amazing vantage point just north of the airport, called Gravely Point. The south end of the park is about a quarter mile from the threshold of runway 19. This offers great shots of both departures and arrivals. The arrivals come in very low, so I recommend ear plugs for those who have sensitive ears. The park has its own free parking and you will be largely undisturbed, as this people have been taking pictures from there for years. Many times you will be standing among several tourists and sports players just watching the airport activity.

===Walking Paths===
There is a path going from Gravely Point to the south side of the airport and beyond that hugs the airport boundary. The path goes 200ft behind runway 15 (regional traffic runway) at its closest point, but a jet-blast/prop-wash wall blocks any good shots. At another point, the path goes up onto a bridge, which offers a good view of runways 15 and 19. There is another bridge farther south towards the US Airways gates of the new terminal. You will need a good lens to get decent shots here, due to the distance. You can make your way from the path up to the top of the parking garages for a different angle. This offers a good shot of the terminal.
At the south end of the airport, while still on the walking path, you can get a nice view of the GA terminal, though you will have to contend with cars in a parking lot.

''Be aware that the walking path does have a good deal of other people using it, to include bikers, skaters and other pedestrians.''

This is not so much of a problem until you get on the bridges, where there is limited space for the path.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
Most jet traffic uses the main runway 1-19. Landings to the south follow the Potomac river and make a 40° turn over the George Mason bridge. This unusual arrival procedure is similar to Kai-Tak's infamous IGS 13 approach but without heavy jets. Prohibited airspace north of the airport containing the White House and Capitol mandates this procedure. The Washington Monument also would be a hindrance to safe navigation. Commuter planes may often use the smaller runways 4-22 and 15-33. General Aviation and non scheduled charters were not allowed into Reagan National when the airport reopened after the 9/11 attacks. Beginning in October 2005 some general aviation aircraft have been allowed to return. They must have passenger manifests submitted 24 hours in advance. Pilots must be fingerprinted and undergo background checks. The plane, passengers and flight crew must be screened at a designated gateway airport and an armed marshall must be onboard. Due to the complex requirements general aviation traffic remains a rarity. Sports team charters on commercial airliners continue to use [[KIAD|Dulles]] because of these restrictions.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==

*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports
*[http://www.dctower.net/ DCTower.net] - Flight info, weather, photos, forums, and much more for DCA & IAD