Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Region: Missouri

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
Location	St. Louis, Missouri
IATA code	STL
ICAO code	KSTL
Airport type	Commercial
Website	http://www.lambert-stlouis.com
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower	118.5 (South), 120.05 (North)
Ground	121.9 (Inbound), 121.65 (Outbound)
Clearance	119.5
Approach	132.125 (N/E), 133.55 (S/W)
Departure	119.15 (N/E), 128.1 (S/W)
ATIS	125.025
Departure	122.95

Official Spotting Locations

STL no longer has any "official" spotting locations. In the past, there have been viewing areas located at the end of the 12s and the 30s. As of September 2010 the gravel lot which used to be at the eastern end of the 30s is now behind a fence.

Planespotting Policy

The following is paraphrased from a phone call which occurred on Friday, September 3, 2010 between a SpottersWiki contributer JLJ4774 and Jeff Lea, Public Information Manager for Lambert-St. Louis airport:

Mr. Lea confirmed that STL airport does not have an official policy or stance toward non-media photography or "planespotting". The airport does not encourage or advocate planespotting, nor do they offer any offer any suggestions or tips. Mr. Lea pointed out that the airport and roads surrounding it fall within the jurisdiction of various municipalities as well as airport police. In addition, STL airport has provided no guidance to airport police with regard to the treatment of spotters.

Official documentation for the media can be found in the STL Media Guide.

Plane spotting at Lambert usually brings unwanted attention by the airport police, which have been known to force deletion of all images taken on or around airport property. It is illegal to force photographers to delete their photos but be aware that law enforcement can take anyone they want to jail without justification. If upon arrival they can't find valid charges you will be released. If approached by a badge, use common sense remain calm and explain yourself.

Other Spotting Locations

12R Lot

There is a gravel/dirt lot close to the apporach end not far from the approach end of runway 12R. This location was once an official area, but after construction began on the new runway, it became unofficial.

Airport Hourly Parking Garage

When aircraft are departing from runway 30L, the airports hourly parking garage offers decent views of the aircraft climbing out.

McDonnell Blvd. / Runways 30L/30R

When aircraft are landing on the 30s, great views are offered when they cross over McDonnell Blvd. The road circles around the approach ends of the 30s and then parallels runway 30R.

Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel

While an unlikely spotting location, appropriate rooms at this hotel allow for all day planespotting in luxury. Upper-level rooms on the northwest side of this hotel offer a commanding view of the eastern end of the airport. According to the hotel staff, special requests for these rooms are quite common. Be sure to make arrangements in advance unless you hold some form of Marriott elite status. As a gold member I was able to get the second best positioned room on the second highest floor on a Thursday evening with no special arrangements, room 1044, if I'm not mistaken.

Planes taxiing, arriving, and departing on the 30s can be easily captured with a 70-300 although a slightly longer lens will come in handy. Anything less than a 70-300, say a lens with an upper reach of 200mm will likely not have enough reach for arrivals and departures on the 30s but will still reach taxiways. Friendly reminder: Be sure to bring a sturdy tripod, IS/VR lenses, or both.

Locations to Avoid

Since the destruction of STL's official viewing area, there aren't any locations that are recognized by the airport police. Lingering at a location will likely catch their attention and may lead to an unpleasant encounter.

Regular Traffic

Unfortunately STL is not what it once was. Traffic consists mainly of a variety of regional jets and turbo-props. However, there are still a number of mainline flights that fly into STL. The two largest mainline airlines in STL are American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. When spotting at STL, aircraft that can be seen include Boeing 727,737,757, Airbus A319,A320, McDonnell Douglas MD-80,MD-11,DC-8, BAe 146, Canadair CRJ-200,CRJ-700,CRJ-900, Embraer ERJ-140,ERJ-145, British Aerospace J-31,J32, ATR-72, ATR-42.

In addition to commercial traffic, Boeing has there defense headquarters located at the airport. Brand new F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets are regularly seen multiple times a week taking off, landing, and performing touch-and-go's on the airports runways. The production plant is located to the left side of the airport behind the original McDonnell plant. However, any close photography of the facility brings attention to both airport and Boeing security.

Facilities and Transportation

Getting to and from STL is relatively easy. The airport is served by the St. Louis metro system, including bus and rail services.

STL has a number of long term parking lots, most of which offer very competitive rates. While a few of the lots are located approximately one mile from the airport, they normally have bus service that runs every 10 minutes.