Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Arizona |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| IATA code | PHX |
| ICAO code | KPHX |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | [phoenix.gov/AVIATION/ phoenix.gov/AVIATION/] |
| Overview map | [maps.google.com/maps?q=PHX&spn=0.060764,0.118721&t=h&hl=en Google Maps] |
| Communications | |
| Tower | North 118.7, South 120.9 |
| Ground | North 119.75, South 132.55 |
| Clearance | 118.1 |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | 121.2 |
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).