Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
| Continent: Asia | Country: Taiwan |
| Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport | |
| Location | Taoyuan County, Taiwan |
| IATA code | TPE |
| ICAO code | RCTP |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | |
| Ground | |
| Clearance | |
| Approach | |
| ATIS | |
Official Spotting Locations
Observation Tower
The observation tower was located adjacent to the airport's Aviation Museum, which closed on March 31, 2014. Payment of the museum admission fee was required to access the tower, which provided an elevated overview of the airport. Aircraft on the ramp, runway, and taxiway areas may be too far for photography, which would be through windows. With the museum closed as part of preliminary work for the construction of Terminal 3; the observation tower is presumed to be closed as well.
Other Spotting Locations
Taxiway WC at Runway 05R/23L
This location is actually a taxiway (Taxiway Whiskey Charlie) that connects the international airport with an nearby military base. This taxiway appears to be abandoned or not often used. Locals and spotters alike use this location to watch and spot aircraft. Guard shack on the airport side is staffed, however there are no hassles with the authorities. A short (~6 feet) barbed wire barrier separates the public area and the airport property. Photography can be done through the gaps in between the wires (difficult but not impossible), however it is better to use a step ladder or sit on the top of your vehicle.
Taxiway WC looking towards the runway
Closer look at the barrier
Viewing is of all Runway 05R/23L action. Essentially you will get everything that uses the B and D gates, which means mostly all EVA Air traffic and not so much China Airlines traffic. You are very close to the runway here, only 100 mm is needed for an A330 or B747 side view, 160 mm is needed for an A320 side view.
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large - runway 05R arrival
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large - runway 05R departure
- Airliners.net sample photo: medium large - runway 23L departure
Lighting is good from morning to early afternoon.
Locations to Avoid
Location
Regular Traffic
Facilities and Transportation
Taxiway WC location requires a car. Access from the Airport Highway (National Highway 2) to Highway 110 East exit. The exact taxiway location is not signed so you have keep a sharp eye out for the turn from Buxin Street. Using a GPS will help tremendously.
There are convenience stores in the towns both to the northeast and southwest of Buxin Street (zoom around Google Maps and look for 7-Eleven, Hilife, and OK Mart). The Hilife convenience store at the intersection Sanming Road, Section 2 and Kengguo Road has a public restroom.