Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Alaska |
| Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport | |
| Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
| IATA code | ANC |
| ICAO code | PANC |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.dot.state.ak.us/anc/index.shtml |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.3 257.8 |
| Ground | 121.9 338.25 |
| Clearance | 119.4 323.1 128.65 |
| Approach | 118.6(250-330 ABV 1500 FT) 118.6(331-045 ABV 2500 FT) 119.1(250-330 1500 FT & BLO) 119.1(331-045 2500 FT & BLO) 123.8(206-249 ALL ALTS) 126.4(046-205 ALL ALTS) 257.9(046-205 ALL ALTS) 257.9(206-249 ALL ALTS) 290.5(250-330 ABV 1500 FT) 290.5(331-045 ABV 2500 FT) 363.2(250-330 1500 FT & BLO) 363.2(331-045 2500 FT & BLO) 134.1 |
| Departure | 118.6(250-330 ABV 1500 FT) 118.6(331-045 ABV 2500 FT) 119.1(250-330 1500 FT & BLO) 119.1(331-045 2500 FT & BLO) 123.8(206-249 ALL ALTS) 126.4(046-205 ALL ALTS) 257.9(046-205 ALL ALTS) 257.9(206-249 ALL ALTS) 290.5(250-330 ABV 1500 FT) 290.5(331-045 ABV 2500 FT) 363.2(250-330 1500 FT & BLO) 363.2(331-045 2500 FT & BLO) 134.1 |
| ATIS | 118.4 |
| Departure | 122.95 |
Anchorage can be best described as the crossroads between Asia and North America. Located approximately halfway between the Pacific Rim and the U.S. Midwest and East Coast on the Great Circle, most heavy freighters make their fuel stop in Anchorage. In addition, both FedEx and UPS have a hub here.
Heavy freighters are just one of things that make Anchorage an interesting place to visit for the aviation enthusiast. Here, you will also see classic props and 737 freighters. Nearby Lake Hood floatplane base also offers excellent spotting opportunities.
Official Spotting Locations
South Terminal Observation Deck
This is inside the South Terminal, behind security check. It is located on the corner of B and C Concourses, one level up (Level 3) from the main check-in and gate level. Airport directory shows it as “Native Art Collection” on the level 3 mezzanine.
Viewing is through large windows with most facing west and a small area facing north towards the C gates. Look for Alaska Airlines Combi load and unload at Gate C0 right next the observation deck. Lighting is good in the morning through midday.
You can also get a nice view of the transient cargo ramp from here.
Other Spotting Locations
Atlas/Polar Air Cargo Overview
Formerly Northwest Cargo, Atlas and Polar Air Cargo now parks here. Boeing 747-400LCF Dreamlifter (operated by Atlas) also parks here.
This is a morning spot for Runway 33 departures or Runway 15 arrivals. Lighting is good from sunrise to about noon. A medium telephoto zoom (70-300mm) is sufficient for jets and large props, a large telephoto (300 to 400mm) is needed for small props.
Park your car either next to the street or the open dirt area as shown on the map. There are no signs, except the large open dirt area and some airport concrete barriers. Walk along the trail next to the airport fence line for about ¼ mile. As you approach the end of the fence, you will see the Polar/Atlas Cargo ramp. Turn left and go up the hill to get an unobstructed view of Runway 33/15.
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 15 arrival)
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 33 departure)
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 33 departure)
South Airpark
This is a morning/midday spot for Runway 7 arrivals. Lighting is good through mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, with the newly extended Runway 7R, most all arriving aircraft turn off before they reach this spot, making heat haze a big problem for photography when trying to shoot across the runway as they turn on to the highspeed taxiway.
If you are just spotting tail numbers, all arrivals and departures can be spotted from here.
Park your car at the end of S. Airpark Pl. Walk up the hill to the dirt path. You might want to stay near the top of the hill so that the fence won’t obstruct your view.
Do not drive your car up and park on this dirt path. There is a sign warning you this is a restricted area. Just walk up from the street.
These shots were taken before the runway extension. Most planes do not taxi by here anymore. This is a good spot to watch traffic movements, but cannot be recommended for photography.
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 7R arrival)
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 7R arrival)
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large (Runway 7R arrival)
Point Woronzof / West Access Road
This is an afternoon spot for Runway 33 departures or 15 arrivals. Lighting is good from mid-afternoon to evening. This is where most of the signature Anchorage shots are taken.
As you approach this spot on Point Woronzof Road, you will see a gate marked with a warning sign. If there are no emergencies or high threat levels, the gate will be open and you can drive on through. The sign on the gate says this area is open between 6 am and 11 pm. Park your car in the open dirt area on the fence side of the road (but not too close to the fence – there is a sign to remind you). Walk up the path up the hill across the street.
Here you can get rotation shot of Runway 33 departures with mountains and the cargo ramp in the background. Or, if Runway 15 is in use, you can get approach and touchdown shots right in front of you.
If Runway 33 is in use, either a 70-300mm or 100-400mm lens will be useful. Some early rotations will require the extra reach of a 400mm. If Runway 15 is in use, you will be something even wider than 70mm for a side shot of a 747. Other than that, 70mm+ is sufficient here.
You can drive down West Access Road south and seek out other spots along the road – especially if Runway 33 is in use and you prefer an earlier rotation shot. You can park your car anywhere next to the street and explore the view from the various hills along the road.
Locations to Avoid
In general, spotting is friendly throughout Alaska. However, the golden rule is do not stand, photograph, or park your car next to the fence. The Airport Police will stop and warn you and remind you of the signs warning you of the same.
At the Runway 7 South Airpark spot, do not drive your car up the dirt path. Instead, park your car at the end of the street and walk up the hill.
Spotting Locations Map
Regular Traffic
These are seen regularly during daytime hours:
Alaska Airlines - all types, including 737-400 Combi and freighter; look for special liveries. United Airlines – 737-800/-900. Delta Airlines – 757-200
FedEx – 777F, MD-11F, ATR-42F, C208, and occasional MD-10F. UPS – 747-400F and BCF, MD-11F, 767-300F. Everts Air Cargo – DC-9, DC-6, C-46, EMB-120. Northern Air Cargo - 737-200F with gravel kit. ConocoPhillips – 737-200 with gravel kit and 737-700. Lynden Air Cargo – L-100 Hercules. PenAir – Saab 340. Era Aviation – B1900, DHC-8-100/200. Alaska Central Express – B1900.
Atlas/Polar Air Cargo – 747-400F and 747-400LCF. China Airlines – 747-400F. EVA Air – 747-400F and BCF, MD-11F. Air China Cargo – 747-400F and BCF. China Cargo – 747-400F. Southern Air – 747-200F and 777F (DHL tail). Cathay Pacific Cargo – 747-8F, 747-400F and BCF. Asiana Cargo – 747-400F. Korean Air Cargo – 747-8F and 747-400F.