Reno-Tahoe International Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Nevada |
| Reno-Tahoe International Airport | |
| Location | Reno, Nevada |
| IATA code | RNO |
| ICAO code | KRNO |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.renoairport.com/ |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.7 / 257.8 |
| Ground | 121.9 / 348.6 |
| Clearance | 124.9 / 370.85 |
| Approach | 119.2 / 126.3 |
| Departure | 126.3 / 119.2 |
| ATIS | 135.8 / 363.0 |
| Departure | 122.95 |
Official Spotting Locations
Location
Other Spotting Locations
Turbo Circle
This a great spot in the morning as you can get the city skyline and the tower (although the tower won't be around much longer as a new one is being built) in the background. The other good thing about this spot is that you can pretty much go up and down the road to change the angle, ie MD80's ;). When they are using 34's (North flow) you can get great head-on's of private planes using 34R. A medium (step)ladder is recommend, although there is a small open field near the bend just after the Turbo/Aircenter junction where you can get up high enough to just be slightly above the fence. Police activity is minimal, they may drive by but that's about it. The morning is the best time for this spot.
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Greg + South 21st Streets
For some great landing shots when the 16's are in use, this is one of the best spots. Park in the dirt lot and you can pretty much roam anywhere. There are some "interesting" people so just be aware. This spot is best in the afternoon.
Mill + Rock Streets
For morning and late afternoon silhouette shots, this an awesome spot. The hangar is now being used by Dassault aviation for matince of their biz-jets. You may be checked out here but as long as you are not doing anything stupid they should be fine with you being there.
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Airway Dr. + Peckham Ln.
This is probably one of the most versatile spots at RNO. You can get shots of the planes taxiing for takeoff when they are using the 34's or get planes departing the 16's. Park on the opposite side of the house in the dirt shoulder and you can get departure shots just fine from there, or if you don't mind a little risk, cross the street and you can stand a little indention of the shoulder and shoot over the fence without a ladder. Beware though you are feet from a busy road and you may draw attention, this is the only spot I have been checked out. It isn't that nice of an area so it's understandable. This spot is best in the afternoon.
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
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- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
Reno Airport Parking Garage
Right now (08/2008) the SE corner is not a good spot as the terminal check in area is getting renovated they have a temporary structure up which is blocking the view of the WN ramp and runways. When it is taken down this is a pretty good spot to get planes taxiing,departing,landing and watching the WN ramp operations. You do have to pay to get in, the best way is to go through the "Long Term" parking gate and just follow the signs. It is a challenge, but you can get some good shots from the NE corner of the lot which looks down on the cargo ramp and even "Charlie" gates where Horizon and American park. Sometimes special visitors like cargo 747's and 767's etc will park in-between the two ramps. You can get good shots of planes departing, flaring, and taxiing from runway 16L/R and taxiing to the gate,slowing down and climbing off of 34L/R. One other special thing about this spot is that if you have good timing and luck (eg: plane rotates at the right point) you can get some shots with the new tower in the background. You may a have a cruiser stop by to check your ID but overall it isn't bad. This is an afternoon spot and is best with a 100-400mm or longer lens.
From SE corner:
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From NE corner:
Locations to Avoid
Location
Regular Traffic
- Allegiant - MD-80
- American - 757, MD-80
- Delta -757, MD-80
- FedEx - 727, 757, A310
- Horizon - Q400, CRJ-700
- Southwest - 737
- SkyWest - CRJ
- United 737, A319, A320
- UPS - 757
There are also often military types here, often C-130's and C-17's. You may also see fighter types and government aircraft. Several charter companies also stop by.