Washington Dulles International Airport

Continent: North America

Country: United States

Region: Virginia

Washington Dulles International Airport
Location	Dulles, Virginia
IATA code	IAD
ICAO code	KIAD
Airport type	Commercial
Website	http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower
Ground
Clearance
Approach
ATIS

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

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 deparing the 19's, as the tower sits between the approach paths of the 1's. Some color correction will be required, as the windows cause photos to have a blue tint to them.

I wouldn't recommend this location at all. You can get much better shots of arriving airplanes from the parking lot in front of the museum.

Other Spotting Locations

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 $12/day; museum admission itself is free. Restrooms and food are available in the museum.

Locations to Avoid

External Links

• FlyIAD.net - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports