Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Location	Charlotte, North Carolina
IATA code	CLT
ICAO code	KCLT
Airport type	Commercial
Website	https://www.cltairport.com
Overview map	Google Maps
Communications
Tower
Ground	121.8 (180-359), 121.9 (000-179)
Clearance
Approach	120.05, 120.5, 124.00, 128.32, 134.75
Departure	120.05, 120.5, 124.00, 128.32, 134.75
ATIS	121.15, 132.1
Departure	122.950

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the nations 6th busiest airport and was a former hub of US Airways, which merged with American Airlines in 2013 to create the world’s largest airline. CLT is located west of the metropolitan city of Charlotte, North Carolina and is the largest airport in the United States without nonstop service to Asia.

Spotting Locations

US Airways Boeing 767-201(ER) landing on 18R at Charlotte (CLT)

City of Charlotte Airport Overlook

Probably the best all-around location for spotters. Located on the west side of the airport, near the threshold of 18C. Large parking lot, with benches and covered picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, and educational displays. Good up close views, a great area for families and no hassles from police. Will sometimes be closed during elevated terror threat levels. A retired F-4 Phantom II is on display.

Located off of Old Dowd Road at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive. Open from 8:00am until 10:00pm. Light best from 1pm onwards especially if taking photos of 36L departures that mostly rotate way before the viewing area.

Further details on the airport's web site.

Carolinas Aviation Museum

For a nominal $5 entry fee (lower fees for students and seniors), you can use the photo stand near the threshold of 18L. Westward facing, this is an excellent location in the morning when the sun is at your back albeit a little small.

Located at the north side of airport. Just follow the signs. A great museum with a large variety of aircraft to see, and it's always good to support the museum by purchasing a gift from the shop.

If navigating from the Overview spot (see above) it's much easier to head out onto the Billy Graham Expressway to avoid going round in loops on the airport perimeter and then follow the signs round.

Other Spotting Locations

Old Dowd Road Fitness Trail

This meandering trail can get you some good "through the fence" views at various points around the west side. However, there is NO PARKING, so be prepared to park your car either at the overlook or some other legal spot. Police will generally leave photographers alone, but no guarantees.

Wilson Air

The GA ramp is right next to 36R and there is a break in a fence gate which offers some close in shots from just below the runway. Unfortunately, airport police will harass you if you take pictures from there (happened to me twice) though you are perfectly legal in that spot.

Locations to Avoid

The VOR

A great location, especially when arrivals are from the south. While law enforcement has never bothered me there, the potential to be hassled is likely fairly high.

Located on Byrum Drive.

JetPhotos.net sample photo: large

Regular Traffic

Passenger

Air Canada Express (Jazz Aviation): E175
American Airlines: 737-800, 737 MAX 8, 777-200, A319, A320, A321, A321neo
- American Eagle (Envoy Air): E175
- American Eagle (Piedmont Airlines): ERJ-145
- American Eagle (PSA Airlines): CRJ-700, CRJ-900
Contour Airlines: ERJ-135, ERJ-145
Delta Air Lines: 717-200
- Delta Connection (Endeavor Air): CRJ-900
- Delta Connection (Republic Airways): E170, E175
Frontier Airlines: A320neo, A321
JetBlue Airways: E190
Lufthansa: A350-900
Southwest Airlines: 737-700, 737 MAX 8
Spirit Airlines: A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo
Sun Country Airlines: 737-800
United Airlines: 737-800, 737-900, 737 MAX 8, A319
- United Express (Mesa Airlines): E175

Cargo

FedEx: 767-300
UPS: 757-200, 767-300

Facilities and Transportation

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is not currently served by Charlotte’s light rail system, LYNX.