SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

Tucson International Airport

2007-03-21T05:48:03Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Tucson International Airport|
location=Tucson, Arizona|
iata=KTUS|
icao=TUS|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.tucsonairport.org/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=TUS&ll=32.117766,-110.935135&spn=0.061671,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}


Tucson International Airport (TUS/KTUS) is a medium-sized airport with 3 runways. The airport is oriented from southeast to northwest along the two main runways 11L/R and 29R/L. A cross runway, 21/3, is located at the northern end of the airport, and is used mainly by GA and bizjets, occasionally by airliners if the winds are strong out of the southwest. The terminal is located midfield along the northeast side, and most of the GA, maintenance, and military facilites are clustered around the northwest end. The airport is quite a distance away from the center of the city, but there are a number of good-quality motels and a few name-brand restaurants nearby.

TUS is located 4 miles south of Interstate Highway 10 and 4 miles east of Interstate Highway 19. If driving from Phoenix, stay on Interstate 10 and take exit 263A - Kino Pkwy South, then follow signs for the airport. The airport entrance is at Tucson Blvd. and Valencia Road, and that is the point of reference for the following spotting descriptions.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Flightline Drive===
To the right of the main terminal is the Control Tower and Exceutive Terminal.
A loop road (turn to the right) overlooks the main runways. All movements can be logged from here and photography is possible although it faces South, making mornings and evenings the best times.

===West Apron===
Leave the terminal heading West on Valencia Road then turn left 1/4 mile at the stop light. (NB Not the entrance to the ANG base). This is Park Avenue which goes round under the approach to the West Apron. Do not park between the signs on Park. Passing the stored airliners, a left turn leads to the apron which gives views of the runways, the main one being a bit distant. All movements can be seen from here and there are limited photographic opportunities with the sun at your back.

===Main Terminal===
On the departures level there is a small food court which overlooks the runways.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

==Facilities and Transportation==

Coolidge Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:40:32Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Coolidge Municipal Airport|
location=Coolidge, Arizona|
iata=P08|
icao=|
aptype=General|
website=www.coolidgeaz.com/index.asp?NID=22|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=coolidge,+az&ll=32.954304,-111.454668&spn=0.100109,0.198441&t=h|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Coolidge is located southeast of Phoenix, between Mesa and Tucson. There are several routes to reach Coolidge. perhaps the easiest route from Phoenix is exiting Interstate 10 at Exit 185 and driving east on State Route 387. Once in Coolidge, in the center of town, turn at Coolidge Avenue and drive east. The airport is 6 to 7 miles east on this narrow road, and is marked by a sign.

==Official Spotting Locations==

The airport road leads around the runway and ends at a large hangar. Aircraft can usually be found inside this hangar, different visits have yielded everything from an immaculate Lockheed Lodestar (N631LS) to a pair of Yak 52s. An ex-ATI DC-8, and ex-United and ex-Casino Express B737s were all scrapped here in the early 2000s. Recently, International Air Response has located their flyable aircraft here, and recent visits have noted their ex-Delta DC-7 N4887E (still wearing the immaculate Crown livery) along with C-130s N117TG and N118TG. The airport is unfenced and open to visitors; please check in with pilots or mechanics if they are around. Common sense is the rule here.

Coolidge Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:33:24Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:]]
{{categorywithregion|||}}

{{infobox|fullname=|
location=|
iata=|
icao=|
aptype=|
website=|
mapurl=|
mapsource=|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

==Facilities and Transportation==

Chandler Memorial Airfield

2006-02-01T04:31:32Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Chandler Memorial Airfield|
location=Chandler, Arizona|
iata=34AZ|
icao=|
aptype=General|
website=www.users.qwest.net/~rostp/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=chandler,+az&ll=33.251573,-111.906095&spn=0.024943,0.04961&t=h|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 10 miles south of PHX on Interstate 10. Exit on Queen Creek Road and turn left, drive east on Queen Creek Road to the first traffic light. Turn right and stay to the right, on the dirt road, not on the paved road (which leads to an Intel plant). Follow the dirt road south, then west to the airport buildings and aircraft.

==Official Spotting Locations==

The airport is unfenced and open to visitors. Many old propliners lie derelict around the few buildings that exist. In the past, visitors were asked to check in with the primary tenant, International Air Response. But recently, IAR has begun to move out of the airport. It is unknown at this time what will remain of the derelict propliners and other buildings and equipment at the airport. One story circulating is that the owner of the airfield, the Gila River Indian Community, will develop the airport into a functional general aviation facility. However, a there is a strong opposition to this plan, and the website link is to the latest news regarding the situation.

Chandler Memorial Airfield

2006-02-01T04:30:56Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Chandler Memorial Airfield|
location=Chandler, Arizona|
iata=34AZ|
icao=|
aptype=General|
website=www.users.qwest.net/~rostp/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=chandler,+az&ll=33.251573,-111.906095&spn=0.024943,0.04961&t=h|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 10 miles south of PHX on Interstate 10. Exit on Queen Creek Road and turn left, drive east on Queen Creek Road to the first traffic light. Turn right and stay to the right, on the dirt road, not on the paved road (which leads to an Intel plant). Follow the dirt road south, then west to the airport buildings and aircraft.

==Official Spotting Locations==

The airport is unfenced and open to visitors. Many old propliners lie derelict around the few buildings that exist. In the past, visitors were asked to check in with the primary tenant, International Air Response. But recently, IAR has begun to move out of the airport. It is unknown at this time what will remain of the derelict propliners and other buildings and equipment at the airport. One story circulating is that the owner of the airfield, the Gila River Indian Community, will develop the airport into a functional general aviation facility. However, a there is a strong opposition to this plan, and the "airport link" provided here is to the latest news regarding the situation.

Chandler Memorial Airfield

2006-02-01T04:28:57Z

Jetnash:

Chandler Memorial Airfield

2006-02-01T04:15:07Z

Jetnash:

Phoenix Deer Valley Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:14:13Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Deer Valley Municipal Airport|
location=Phoenix, Arizona|
iata=DVT|
icao=KDVT|
aptype=General|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/deervalley/index.html|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=phoenix,+az&ll=33.68921,-112.089343&spn=0.024817,0.04961|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 15 miles north of PHX on Interstate 17, exit at Deer Valley Road and drive east.

==Official Spotting Locations==

Mostly everything can be seen from the terminal (simply walk inside and out onto a rampside waiting area) or the parking lots surrounding the gen. aviation terminal. There are perimeter roads extending both east and west from the GA terminal which offer additional views of aircraft on the GA ramps. Honeywell's facility can be seen by driving west on Deer Valley Road.

Phoenix Deer Valley Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:11:56Z

Jetnash:

Scottsdale Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:10:39Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Scottsdale Municipal Airport|
location=Scottsdale, Arizona|
iata=SDL|
icao=KSDL|
aptype=General|
website=www.ci.scottsdale.az.us/airport/default.asp?catID=6&linkID=149&lType=1|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=scottsdale,+az&ll=33.622946,-111.908627&spn=0.024836,0.04961|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

For the bizjet enthusiast, Scottsdale Airport is located 15 miles north of PHX. Take the Loop 101 north and exit Cactus Road. Drive west on Cactus to Scottsdale Road and turn right. Drive north on Scottsdale Road to the airport entrance at Butherus Drive.

==Official Spotting Locations==

From the airport entrance, continue east on Butherus until you reach the general aviation terminal. A quick drive both directions from the terminal will reveal nooks & crannies in which bizjets can be read off. Once complete, turn around back to Scottsdale Road. Drive south on Scottsdale Road to Redfield Road and turn left. Drive east on Redfield Road. The streets leading north off of Redfield bring you very close to the southeast perimeter (76th Place in particular) - and offer great viewing of aircraft parked across the runway.

Scottsdale is best visited in the wintertime, and on Fridays, when bizjet activity is more prevalent.

Scottsdale Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:10:03Z

Jetnash:

Scottsdale Municipal Airport

2006-02-01T04:02:45Z

Jetnash:

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

2006-02-01T04:01:06Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Williams Gateway Airport|
location=Mesa, Arizona|
iata=IWA|
icao=KIWA|
aptype=Commercial|
website=www.flywga.org/|
mapurl=www.google.com/local?f=q&hl=en&q=queen+creek,+az&ll=33.30478,-111.650448&spn=0.049855,0.09922&t=h|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 25 miles southeast of PHX on US Highway 60. Exit at Power Road and drive south.

==Official Spotting Locations==

The airport entrance is at Ray Road, turn left to enter. A drive along this entrance road will lead past the flightline to the hangar areas. Typically parked here are the Pipers flown by the Mesa Airlines Pilot School, transient civil and military aircraft (military especially on Friday afternoons), the US Marshalls Service all white MD-80s, and the USAF T-38s that rotate in and out of the Boeing facility. After you pass the terminal, the roadway angles to the right, passing the ATSI A-4s, Native Air's air rescue helicopters and PC-12, a large quonset hut containing the resident F-104 and T-33, and ending with a large hangar housing Intel's corporate shuttle EMB-135s. Winding southward along the divided roadway, a left turn past the apron leads to the control tower and cargo area. This area is still under development and is used by the US Forest Service Aerial Firefighting team during the early summer months. Boeing uses Gateway as a hot-weather test site, and during the summer months anything up to B747-400s have been seen here.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

==Facilities and Transportation==

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

2006-02-01T03:58:31Z

Jetnash:

Mesa Falcon Field

2006-02-01T03:57:13Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Mesa Falcon Field|
location=Mesa, Arizona|
iata=FFZ|
icao=KFFZ|
aptype=General|
website=www.ci.mesa.az.us/airport/default.asp|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=falcon+field,+mesa,+az&ll=33.461377,-111.722374&spn=0.024883,0.03562|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Falcon Field is located approximately 20 miles east of PHX. Take either the Loop 202 or US 60; exit at Greenfield Road and follow the signs.

==Official Spotting Locations==

The Confederate Air Force museum is on the southwest corner of the airfield, with preserved DC-6 XA-TDR. Access is open at the airport to the hangar/GA areas, use discretion. Many of the residents are tied down under T-hangars, others are scattered about on the ramp. Marsh's compound of Trackers is further along to the northeast. The large Boeing complex (helicopters) is north of the runway, although some views of their ramp can be seen from the tower/GA area.

A few aircraft are stored across the runway along the northern perimeter. These can be seen from Greenfield Road, and the few driveways leading to the east of Greenfield.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

==Facilities and Transportation==

Mesa Falcon Field

2006-02-01T03:52:20Z

Jetnash:

Phoenix Goodyear Airport

2006-02-01T03:37:19Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Goodyear Airport|
location=Goodyear, Arizona|
iata=GYR|
icao=KGYR|
aptype=Commercial|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/goodyear/index.html|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=goodyear,+arizona&ll=33.423239,-112.370009&spn=0.024894,0.04961&t=h|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 20 miles west of PHX on Interstate 10. Exit at Litchfield Road and turn left. Drive south on Litchfield Road approximately 1.5 miles and the airport entrance will be on your right.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===General Aviation Terminal & Ramp===

Starting at the airport entrance, drive west. The large hangars on the left are owned by TIMCO and carry out airliner maintenance & scrapping. They are also in charge of the airplane storage. In the past, they were typically unfriendly towards spotters and did not allow any access or photography. There is a small guard shack between the two hangars that you should probably avoid. By staying inside your car, and slowly driving to the west, you will be able to see & read off the aircraft present near the hangars.

At the end of this street is the small but modern Goodyear terminal. Any transient bizjets will be parked here. A request inside to walk to the control tower (which is located south & beyond the TIMCO hangars) may yield in permission granted, you will be asked to not enter the TIMCO property and to remain close to the pavement edge.

From the terminal parking lot, a good view can be seen of the stored aircraft across the runway. Given an early morning with little heat haze, a number of these aircraft can be read off from here.

To the right of the terminal, and north of the TIMCO area, is the Lufthansa pilot training academy. Their light aircraft are tied down on the weekends, and are very active during the week.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side of Airfield - View of TIMCO Main Ramp===

Turning around and exiting the airport back on Litchfield Road, turn right. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right again. Drive west on this highway. A view of the TIMCO ramp area can be seen on your right, a quick stop on the roadway edge can yield some numbers. Continuing west along this highway, more stored aircraft on the western perimeter can be read off. There are a few rural dirt roads on the right that lead northerly to the perimeter, near where the stored aircraft are parked. These are worth exploring as they bring you right up to the perimeter fence. A blast shield is located at the engine runup area, and photographs of aircraft on this ramp can be taken from the south perimeter fence. After completing this, turn around and drive back to the airport entrance on Litchfield Road.

===West Side of Airfield - Desert Storage Area===

To the north of the airport, intersecting Litchfield Road, is Western Avenue. Driving along Western Avenue to the west, a view can be seen of Goodyear's ramp area, the northern threshold of the runway, and finally the stored aircraft on the western perimeter. Turn left on the first street after the stored aircraft. This unused street (Bullard Avenue) roughly parallels the stored aircraft to the west, and eventually dead-ends. You can park your car and venture on foot to the perimeter fence to read off more aircraft, even taking a photograph or two of the stored aircraft (mostly record shots). Security/police from inside have been known to question you if they see you (as you are in a very remote area) but usually they are kind to our hobby and let you continue, especially if you keep your distance from the fenceline.

==Locations to Avoid==

Avoid close contact with the TIMCO offices and guard shacks. Do not enter TIMCO's property.

==Regular Traffic==

No regular traffic serves Goodyear, but airliner maintenance and storage provide random movements of up to five per day. The runway is 3-21, and landing traffic can be photographed from either end.

==Facilities and Transportation==

A car is required to visit Goodyear. The small general aviation terminal provides basic facilities.

Phoenix Goodyear Airport

2006-02-01T03:33:19Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=|
location=|
iata=|
icao=|
aptype=|
website=|
mapurl=|
mapsource=|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

Located 20 miles west of PHX on Interstate 10. Exit at Litchfield Road and turn left. Drive south on Litchfield Road approximately 1.5 miles and the airport entrance will be on your right.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===General Aviation Terminal & Ramp===

Starting at the airport entrance, drive west. The large hangars on the left are owned by TIMCO and carry out airliner maintenance & scrapping. They are also in charge of the airplane storage. In the past, they were typically unfriendly towards spotters and did not allow any access or photography. There is a small guard shack between the two hangars that you should probably avoid. By staying inside your car, and slowly driving to the west, you will be able to see & read off the aircraft present near the hangars.

At the end of this street is the small but modern Goodyear terminal. Any transient bizjets will be parked here. A request inside to walk to the control tower (which is located south & beyond the TIMCO hangars) may yield in permission granted, you will be asked to not enter the TIMCO property and to remain close to the pavement edge.

From the terminal parking lot, a good view can be seen of the stored aircraft across the runway. Given an early morning with little heat haze, a number of these aircraft can be read off from here.

To the right of the terminal, and north of the TIMCO area, is the Lufthansa pilot training academy. Their light aircraft are tied down on the weekends, and are very active during the week.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side of Airfield - View of TIMCO Main Ramp===

Turning around and exiting the airport back on Litchfield Road, turn right. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right again. Drive west on this highway. A view of the TIMCO ramp area can be seen on your right, a quick stop on the roadway edge can yield some numbers. Continuing west along this highway, more stored aircraft on the western perimeter can be read off. There are a few rural dirt roads on the right that lead northerly to the perimeter, near where the stored aircraft are parked. These are worth exploring as they bring you right up to the perimeter fence. A blast shield is located at the engine runup area, and photographs of aircraft on this ramp can be taken from the south perimeter fence. After completing this, turn around and drive back to the airport entrance on Litchfield Road.

===West Side of Airfield - Desert Storage Area===

To the north of the airport, intersecting Litchfield Road, is Western Avenue. Driving along Western Avenue to the west, a view can be seen of Goodyear's ramp area, the northern threshold of the runway, and finally the stored aircraft on the western perimeter. Turn left on the first street after the stored aircraft. This unused street (Bullard Avenue) roughly parallels the stored aircraft to the west, and eventually dead-ends. You can park your car and venture on foot to the perimeter fence to read off more aircraft, even taking a photograph or two of the stored aircraft (mostly record shots). Security/police from inside have been known to question you if they see you (as you are in a very remote area) but usually they are kind to our hobby and let you continue, especially if you keep your distance from the fenceline.

==Locations to Avoid==

Avoid close contact with the TIMCO offices and guard shacks. Do not enter TIMCO's property.

==Regular Traffic==

No regular traffic serves Goodyear, but airliner maintenance and storage provide random movements of up to five per day. The runway is 3-21, and landing traffic can be photographed from either end.

==Facilities and Transportation==

A car is required to visit Goodyear. The small general aviation terminal provides basic facilities.

Phoenix Goodyear Airport

2006-02-01T03:22:01Z

Jetnash:

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

2006-02-01T03:20:17Z

Jetnash:

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|
location=Phoenix, Arizona|
iata=PHX|
icao=KPHX|
aptype=Commercial|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?q=PHX&spn=0.060764,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=North 118.7, South 120.9|
atcground=North 119.75, South 132.55|
atcclearance=118.1|
atcapproach=North 119.2, 120.7, 128.65; South 123.7, 124.1, 126.8|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=121.2|
atcunicom=}}



Phoenix Sky Harbor is located east of downtown Phoenix just north of Interstate 10. The airport has a single access roadway, "Sky Harbor Boulevard", that runs east-west through the central terminal area. The airport has three parallel runways: 8-26 on the north side (north complex), and 7L-25R/7R-25L on the south side (south complex). Generally photography and spotting are welcomed at the airport and the local authorities are friendly to visitors.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Terminal 4 garage===

The Terminal 4 rooftop garage can offer good views of the east end of the airport, including both runways. Levels 7 and 8 are preferred for photography. The north side faces the US Airways hub operation as well as runway 8/26. Afternoon landing shots can be taken with a 300-500mm lens. The south side faces the Southwest hub operation. Photography of either ramp is variable depending on the sun (the US Airways side is best photographed in winter, Southwest on summer evenings). During the summer, before sunset, photography is possible of aircraft queuing up to depart runway 25L (south runway); again, a 300mm lens is needed.

===Terminal 3 garage===

This garage offers views of both runways as well as the midfield taxiway crossovers (Taxiways Sierra and Tango). Level 4 is preferred, as Level 5 is enclosed by a wire fence and Level 6 is the top and exposed to the sun. The east end of the garage faces the crossover taxiways, and photography is best in the afternoon. A new control tower is being constructed (opening 2007) which has obstructed some of the view. The corners of the parking garage are best for photography, however, beware of shadows falling across aircraft from the control tower and antenna. Since most departing traffic uses the south runway, a good mix of traffic will use the crossover. Both north and south gate areas of Terminal 3 can be photographed from the garage as well.

===Terminal 2 garage===

The 2-story parking garage at Terminal 2 is a great location to photograph/spot aircraft on the north runway. Aircraft taxiing on the parallel taxiway are within 50-150mm lens range. Winter sun is good for this location. Go to the top of the parking garage and photograph over the roadway and fenceline (you need to find a gap in the light poles - yes there are some!!). The old mound near the fenceline corner, closer to the taxiway, is still there, but a new tall chain link fence was constructed during 2004 which prevents photography over the fence.

==Other Spotting Locations==

These spots all require a car to access.

===Old Tower Road===

Head west and exit the airport on 24th Street. Turn left (south) on 24th Street and turn left on Old Tower Road. Park in the dirt lot next to the street (you must drive over a curb to do this - the street is posted no parking) or at the Best Western south of I-10 and walk back. This spot is good for landing shots on 7R in morning hours, all year.

===Cutter Aviation===

Continue east on Old Tower Road. Cutter Aviation has an observation deck, located under the old ATC tower. The deck may or may not be open - contact Cutter before spotting or photography. Landing shots can be taken of runway 7R, but need a 300-500mm lens. Cutter does not allow photography of aircraft on their ramp.

===South Cargo===

Continue east of Cutter on Old Tower Road. Before reaching the Air National Guard base, views of aircraft parked on the South Cargo ramp can be seen through the fence. Ramp clutter may be an issue for photography.

===Left Seat Restaurant===

Located on Air Lane between 24th Street and 32nd Street, north of the airport. Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch (0600-1400 M-F), the Left Seat restaurant offers good views of traffic on runway 8/26. A rooftop spotting deck is open during business hours, although it faces south and into the sun.

===Air Lane===

On Air Lane, between 40th Street and State Highway 153, there is a asphalt parking lot with a small tree. This spot offers views of the north runway, although it faces south and into the sun much of the year. Photographs of landings on Runway 26 are possible on summer evenings when the sunset is to the northwest. This spot offers no shade and no facilities, but it is preferred by the local police as a place to spot.

===East Economy Lot area===

A new parking garage is located in the airport's east economy parking lot. This garage may offer good opportunities to photograph landing aircraft on the south runways during summer evenings.

===40th Street/Salt River Bank===

Leave the airport via the east exit, and head south on State Highway 153. Turn right on University Ave, where the freeway ends, and right on 40th Street. Take 40th Street north until it ends. Park at the end of the road, or drive up the dirt embankment. On top of the dirt embankment, the threshold of runways 25L and 25R can be seen to the north, and landing shots taken for aircraft landing 25L/R in winter sunlight. Departing aircraft from 7L may also be photographed with a 300mm lens in the morning.

==Locations to Avoid==

The dirt hill north of the Terminal 2 garage, next to the fenceline, is no longer usable due to a new fence built in 2004.

Avoid all employee parking lots as they are secured by card access and are guarded. This includes the East Employee parking lot.

==Regular Traffic==

Landings normally use the North (8/26) and South (7R/25L) runways. Departures normally use the center (7L/25R) runway. The airport normally operates east during the morning (landing 7R and 8, departing 7L) and west from mid-morning through the evening (landing 25L and 26, departing 25R).

==Facilities and Transportation==
All terminals and remote parking lots are connected by shuttle busses.

Valley Metro runs two bus lines through Sky Harbor. The Red Line goes west to downtown and east to Downtown Tempe, where numerous bars, restaurants, and US Airways headquarters are located (including the US Airways/America West company store).

==Local Resources==

[http://www.cactuswings.com/ Cactus Wings]

[http://www.visitingphx.com/ Visiting PHX]

[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixskyharborintlairport/ Phoenix Sky Harbor Yahoo Group]

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

2006-02-01T03:18:37Z

Jetnash: /* Other Spotting Locations */

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|
location=Phoenix, Arizona|
iata=PHX|
icao=KPHX|
aptype=Commercial|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?q=PHX&spn=0.060764,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=North 118.7, South 120.9|
atcground=North 119.75, South 132.55|
atcclearance=118.1|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=121.2|
atcunicom=}}



Phoenix Sky Harbor is located east of downtown Phoenix just north of Interstate 10. The airport has a single access roadway, "Sky Harbor Boulevard", that runs east-west through the central terminal area. The airport has three parallel runways: 8-26 on the north side (north complex), and 7L-25R/7R-25L on the south side (south complex). Generally photography and spotting are welcomed at the airport and the local authorities are friendly to visitors.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Terminal 4 garage===

The Terminal 4 rooftop garage can offer good views of the east end of the airport, including both runways. Levels 7 and 8 are preferred for photography. The north side faces the US Airways hub operation as well as runway 8/26. Afternoon landing shots can be taken with a 300-500mm lens. The south side faces the Southwest hub operation. Photography of either ramp is variable depending on the sun (the US Airways side is best photographed in winter, Southwest on summer evenings). During the summer, before sunset, photography is possible of aircraft queuing up to depart runway 25L (south runway); again, a 300mm lens is needed.

===Terminal 3 garage===

This garage offers views of both runways as well as the midfield taxiway crossovers (Taxiways Sierra and Tango). Level 4 is preferred, as Level 5 is enclosed by a wire fence and Level 6 is the top and exposed to the sun. The east end of the garage faces the crossover taxiways, and photography is best in the afternoon. A new control tower is being constructed (opening 2007) which has obstructed some of the view. The corners of the parking garage are best for photography, however, beware of shadows falling across aircraft from the control tower and antenna. Since most departing traffic uses the south runway, a good mix of traffic will use the crossover. Both north and south gate areas of Terminal 3 can be photographed from the garage as well.

===Terminal 2 garage===

The 2-story parking garage at Terminal 2 is a great location to photograph/spot aircraft on the north runway. Aircraft taxiing on the parallel taxiway are within 50-150mm lens range. Winter sun is good for this location. Go to the top of the parking garage and photograph over the roadway and fenceline (you need to find a gap in the light poles - yes there are some!!). The old mound near the fenceline corner, closer to the taxiway, is still there, but a new tall chain link fence was constructed during 2004 which prevents photography over the fence.

==Other Spotting Locations==

These spots all require a car to access.

===Old Tower Road===

Head west and exit the airport on 24th Street. Turn left (south) on 24th Street and turn left on Old Tower Road. Park in the dirt lot next to the street (you must drive over a curb to do this - the street is posted no parking) or at the Best Western south of I-10 and walk back. This spot is good for landing shots on 7R in morning hours, all year.

===Cutter Aviation===

Continue east on Old Tower Road. Cutter Aviation has an observation deck, located under the old ATC tower. The deck may or may not be open - contact Cutter before spotting or photography. Landing shots can be taken of runway 7R, but need a 300-500mm lens. Cutter does not allow photography of aircraft on their ramp.

===South Cargo===

Continue east of Cutter on Old Tower Road. Before reaching the Air National Guard base, views of aircraft parked on the South Cargo ramp can be seen through the fence. Ramp clutter may be an issue for photography.

===Left Seat Restaurant===

Located on Air Lane between 24th Street and 32nd Street, north of the airport. Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch (0600-1400 M-F), the Left Seat restaurant offers good views of traffic on runway 8/26. A rooftop spotting deck is open during business hours, although it faces south and into the sun.

===Air Lane===

On Air Lane, between 40th Street and State Highway 153, there is a asphalt parking lot with a small tree. This spot offers views of the north runway, although it faces south and into the sun much of the year. Photographs of landings on Runway 26 are possible on summer evenings when the sunset is to the northwest. This spot offers no shade and no facilities, but it is preferred by the local police as a place to spot.

===East Economy Lot area===

A new parking garage is located in the airport's east economy parking lot. This garage may offer good opportunities to photograph landing aircraft on the south runways during summer evenings.

===40th Street/Salt River Bank===

Leave the airport via the east exit, and head south on State Highway 153. Turn right on University Ave, where the freeway ends, and right on 40th Street. Take 40th Street north until it ends. Park at the end of the road, or drive up the dirt embankment. On top of the dirt embankment, the threshold of runways 25L and 25R can be seen to the north, and landing shots taken for aircraft landing 25L/R in winter sunlight. Departing aircraft from 7L may also be photographed with a 300mm lens in the morning.

==Locations to Avoid==

The dirt hill north of the Terminal 2 garage, next to the fenceline, is no longer usable due to a new fence built in 2004.

Avoid all employee parking lots as they are secured by card access and are guarded. This includes the East Employee parking lot.

==Regular Traffic==

Landings normally use the North (8/26) and South (7R/25L) runways. Departures normally use the center (7L/25R) runway. The airport normally operates east during the morning (landing 7R and 8, departing 7L) and west from mid-morning through the evening (landing 25L and 26, departing 25R).

==Facilities and Transportation==
All terminals and remote parking lots are connected by shuttle busses.

Valley Metro runs two bus lines through Sky Harbor. The Red Line goes west to downtown and east to Downtown Tempe, where numerous bars, restaurants, and US Airways headquarters are located (including the US Airways/America West company store).

==Local Resources==

[http://www.cactuswings.com/ Cactus Wings]

[http://www.visitingphx.com/ Visiting PHX]

[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixskyharborintlairport/ Phoenix Sky Harbor Yahoo Group]

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

2006-02-01T03:09:15Z

Jetnash: /* Official Spotting Locations */

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|
location=Phoenix, Arizona|
iata=PHX|
icao=KPHX|
aptype=Commercial|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?q=PHX&spn=0.060764,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=North 118.7, South 120.9|
atcground=North 119.75, South 132.55|
atcclearance=118.1|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=121.2|
atcunicom=}}



Phoenix Sky Harbor is located east of downtown Phoenix just north of Interstate 10. The airport has a single access roadway, "Sky Harbor Boulevard", that runs east-west through the central terminal area. The airport has three parallel runways: 8-26 on the north side (north complex), and 7L-25R/7R-25L on the south side (south complex). Generally photography and spotting are welcomed at the airport and the local authorities are friendly to visitors.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Terminal 4 garage===

The Terminal 4 rooftop garage can offer good views of the east end of the airport, including both runways. Levels 7 and 8 are preferred for photography. The north side faces the US Airways hub operation as well as runway 8/26. Afternoon landing shots can be taken with a 300-500mm lens. The south side faces the Southwest hub operation. Photography of either ramp is variable depending on the sun (the US Airways side is best photographed in winter, Southwest on summer evenings). During the summer, before sunset, photography is possible of aircraft queuing up to depart runway 25L (south runway); again, a 300mm lens is needed.

===Terminal 3 garage===

This garage offers views of both runways as well as the midfield taxiway crossovers (Taxiways Sierra and Tango). Level 4 is preferred, as Level 5 is enclosed by a wire fence and Level 6 is the top and exposed to the sun. The east end of the garage faces the crossover taxiways, and photography is best in the afternoon. A new control tower is being constructed (opening 2007) which has obstructed some of the view. The corners of the parking garage are best for photography, however, beware of shadows falling across aircraft from the control tower and antenna. Since most departing traffic uses the south runway, a good mix of traffic will use the crossover. Both north and south gate areas of Terminal 3 can be photographed from the garage as well.

===Terminal 2 garage===

The 2-story parking garage at Terminal 2 is a great location to photograph/spot aircraft on the north runway. Aircraft taxiing on the parallel taxiway are within 50-150mm lens range. Winter sun is good for this location. Go to the top of the parking garage and photograph over the roadway and fenceline (you need to find a gap in the light poles - yes there are some!!). The old mound near the fenceline corner, closer to the taxiway, is still there, but a new tall chain link fence was constructed during 2004 which prevents photography over the fence.

==Other Spotting Locations==

These spots all require a car to access.

===Old Tower Road===

Head west and exit the airport on 24th Street. Turn left (south) on 24th Street and turn left on Old Tower Road. Park in the dirt lot next to the street (you must drive over a curb to do this - the street is posted no parking) or at the Best Western south of I-10 and walk back. This spot is good for landing shots on 7R in morning hours, all year.

===Cutter Aviation===

Continue east on Old Tower Road. Cutter Aviation has an observation deck, located under the old ATC tower. The deck may or may not be open - contact Cutter before spotting or photography. Landing shots can be taken of runway 7R, but need a 300-500mm lens.

===South Cargo===

Continue east of Cutter on Old Tower Road. Before reaching the Air National Guard base, views of aircraft parked on the South Cargo ramp can be seen through the fence. Ramp clutter may be an issue for photography.

===Left Seat Restaurant===

Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch, the Left Seat restaurant (on Air Lane between 24th Street and 40th Street) offers good views of traffic on runway 8/26. The outdoor deck has been closed for security considerations.

===Air Lane===

On Air Lane, between 40th Street and SH 153, there is a asphalt parking lot with a small tree. This spot offers views of the north runway. Photographs of landings on Runway 26 are possible in the summer. This spot offers no shade and no facilities. Police pass by this area but we have no reports of people asked to leave.

===East Economy Lot area===

====America West Hangar====

Look for signs to the America West Hangar. Take the road north until it ends. This spot is suitable for winter landing shots on runway 26, but do not linger as America West Security and Phoenix Police patrol this area. Do not park in the East Employee lot as this is secured with card access.

====Taxiway R====

There is a road next to Taxiway R, on the east side of Terminal 4. Close-in photography of taxiing aircraft is possible during morning hours. Parking is extremely limited in this area, located between the America West and Southwest hangars. Police will probably ask you to leave this spot if you linger.

===40th Street===

Leave the airport via the east exit, and head south on SH 153. Turn right on University Ave, where the freeway ends, and right on 40th Street. Take 40th Street north until it ends. Park at the end of the road, or drive up the dirt embankment. On top of the dirt embankment, the threshold of runways 25L and 25R can be seen, and landing shots taken for aircraft landing 25L/R in winter sunlight. Police may ask you to leave this area if you are noticed.

==Locations to Avoid==

The dirt hill north of the Terminal 2 garage, next to the fenceline, is no longer usable due to a new fence built in 2004.

Avoid all employee parking lots as they are secured by card access and are guarded. This includes the East Employee parking lot.

==Regular Traffic==

Landings normally use the North (8/26) and South (7R/25L) runways. Departures normally use the center (7L/25R) runway. The airport normally operates east during the morning (landing 7R and 8, departing 7L) and west from mid-morning through the evening (landing 25L and 26, departing 25R).

==Facilities and Transportation==
All terminals and remote parking lots are connected by shuttle busses.

Valley Metro runs two bus lines through Sky Harbor. The Red Line goes west to downtown and east to Downtown Tempe, where numerous bars, restaurants, and US Airways headquarters are located (including the US Airways/America West company store).

==Local Resources==

[http://www.cactuswings.com/ Cactus Wings]

[http://www.visitingphx.com/ Visiting PHX]

[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixskyharborintlairport/ Phoenix Sky Harbor Yahoo Group]

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

2006-02-01T03:08:45Z

Jetnash: /* Official Spotting Locations */

[[Category:Arizona]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Arizona}}

{{infobox|fullname=Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|
location=Phoenix, Arizona|
iata=PHX|
icao=KPHX|
aptype=Commercial|
website=phoenix.gov/AVIATION/|
mapurl=maps.google.com/maps?q=PHX&spn=0.060764,0.118721&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=North 118.7, South 120.9|
atcground=North 119.75, South 132.55|
atcclearance=118.1|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=121.2|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

Phoenix Sky Harbor is located east of downtown Phoenix just north of Interstate 10. The airport has a single access roadway, "Sky Harbor Boulevard", that runs east-west through the central terminal area. The airport has three parallel runways: 8-26 on the north side (north complex), and 7L-25R/7R-25L on the south side (south complex). Generally photography and spotting are welcomed at the airport and the local authorities are friendly to visitors.

===Terminal 4 garage===

The Terminal 4 rooftop garage can offer good views of the east end of the airport, including both runways. Levels 7 and 8 are preferred for photography. The north side faces the US Airways hub operation as well as runway 8/26. Afternoon landing shots can be taken with a 300-500mm lens. The south side faces the Southwest hub operation. Photography of either ramp is variable depending on the sun (the US Airways side is best photographed in winter, Southwest on summer evenings). During the summer, before sunset, photography is possible of aircraft queuing up to depart runway 25L (south runway); again, a 300mm lens is needed.

===Terminal 3 garage===

This garage offers views of both runways as well as the midfield taxiway crossovers (Taxiways Sierra and Tango). Level 4 is preferred, as Level 5 is enclosed by a wire fence and Level 6 is the top and exposed to the sun. The east end of the garage faces the crossover taxiways, and photography is best in the afternoon. A new control tower is being constructed (opening 2007) which has obstructed some of the view. The corners of the parking garage are best for photography, however, beware of shadows falling across aircraft from the control tower and antenna. Since most departing traffic uses the south runway, a good mix of traffic will use the crossover. Both north and south gate areas of Terminal 3 can be photographed from the garage as well.

===Terminal 2 garage===

The 2-story parking garage at Terminal 2 is a great location to photograph/spot aircraft on the north runway. Aircraft taxiing on the parallel taxiway are within 50-150mm lens range. Winter sun is good for this location. Go to the top of the parking garage and photograph over the roadway and fenceline (you need to find a gap in the light poles - yes there are some!!). The old mound near the fenceline corner, closer to the taxiway, is still there, but a new tall chain link fence was constructed during 2004 which prevents photography over the fence.

==Other Spotting Locations==

These spots all require a car to access.

===Old Tower Road===

Head west and exit the airport on 24th Street. Turn left (south) on 24th Street and turn left on Old Tower Road. Park in the dirt lot next to the street (you must drive over a curb to do this - the street is posted no parking) or at the Best Western south of I-10 and walk back. This spot is good for landing shots on 7R in morning hours, all year.

===Cutter Aviation===

Continue east on Old Tower Road. Cutter Aviation has an observation deck, located under the old ATC tower. The deck may or may not be open - contact Cutter before spotting or photography. Landing shots can be taken of runway 7R, but need a 300-500mm lens.

===South Cargo===

Continue east of Cutter on Old Tower Road. Before reaching the Air National Guard base, views of aircraft parked on the South Cargo ramp can be seen through the fence. Ramp clutter may be an issue for photography.

===Left Seat Restaurant===

Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch, the Left Seat restaurant (on Air Lane between 24th Street and 40th Street) offers good views of traffic on runway 8/26. The outdoor deck has been closed for security considerations.

===Air Lane===

On Air Lane, between 40th Street and SH 153, there is a asphalt parking lot with a small tree. This spot offers views of the north runway. Photographs of landings on Runway 26 are possible in the summer. This spot offers no shade and no facilities. Police pass by this area but we have no reports of people asked to leave.

===East Economy Lot area===

====America West Hangar====

Look for signs to the America West Hangar. Take the road north until it ends. This spot is suitable for winter landing shots on runway 26, but do not linger as America West Security and Phoenix Police patrol this area. Do not park in the East Employee lot as this is secured with card access.

====Taxiway R====

There is a road next to Taxiway R, on the east side of Terminal 4. Close-in photography of taxiing aircraft is possible during morning hours. Parking is extremely limited in this area, located between the America West and Southwest hangars. Police will probably ask you to leave this spot if you linger.

===40th Street===

Leave the airport via the east exit, and head south on SH 153. Turn right on University Ave, where the freeway ends, and right on 40th Street. Take 40th Street north until it ends. Park at the end of the road, or drive up the dirt embankment. On top of the dirt embankment, the threshold of runways 25L and 25R can be seen, and landing shots taken for aircraft landing 25L/R in winter sunlight. Police may ask you to leave this area if you are noticed.

==Locations to Avoid==

The dirt hill north of the Terminal 2 garage, next to the fenceline, is no longer usable due to a new fence built in 2004.

Avoid all employee parking lots as they are secured by card access and are guarded. This includes the East Employee parking lot.

==Regular Traffic==

Landings normally use the North (8/26) and South (7R/25L) runways. Departures normally use the center (7L/25R) runway. The airport normally operates east during the morning (landing 7R and 8, departing 7L) and west from mid-morning through the evening (landing 25L and 26, departing 25R).

==Facilities and Transportation==
All terminals and remote parking lots are connected by shuttle busses.

Valley Metro runs two bus lines through Sky Harbor. The Red Line goes west to downtown and east to Downtown Tempe, where numerous bars, restaurants, and US Airways headquarters are located (including the US Airways/America West company store).

==Local Resources==

[http://www.cactuswings.com/ Cactus Wings]

[http://www.visitingphx.com/ Visiting PHX]

[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixskyharborintlairport/ Phoenix Sky Harbor Yahoo Group]