SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

2007-03-06T15:42:26Z

Flyiadnet: /* Walking Paths */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|
location=Arlington, Virginia|
iata=DCA|
icao=KDCA|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.mwaa.com/national/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DCA&ll=38.851239,-77.041841&spn=0.028480,0.064579&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=119.1|
atcground=121.7|
atcclearance=128.25|
atcapproach=119.85 (West) 124.2 (East)|
atcdeparture=118.95 (West) 125.65 (East)|
atcatis=132.65|
atcunicom=122.95}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Gravely Point===
Spotters are blessed with an amazing vantage point just north of the airport, called Gravely Point. The south end of the park is about a quarter mile from the threshold of runway 19. This offers great shots of both departures and arrivals. The arrivals come in very low, so I recommend ear plugs for those who have sensitive ears. The park has its own free parking and you will be largely undisturbed, as this people have been taking pictures from there for years. Many times you will be standing among several tourists and sports players just watching the airport activity.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
Most jet traffic uses the main runway 1-19. Landings to the south follow the Potomac river and make a 40° turn over the George Mason bridge. This unusual arrival procedure is similar to Kai-Tak's infamous IGS 13 approach but without heavy jets. Prohibited airspace north of the airport containing the White House and Capitol mandates this procedure. The Washington Monument also would be a hinderance to safe navigation. Commuter planes may often use the smaller runways 4-22 and 15-33. General Aviation and non scheduled charters were not allowed into Reagan National when the airport reopened after the 9/11 attacks. Beginning in October 2005 some general aviation aircraft have been allowed to return. They must have passenger manifests submitted 24 hours in advance. Pilots must be fingerprinted and undergo background checks. The plane, passengers and flight crew must be screened at a designated gateway airport and an armed marshall must be onboard. Due to the complex requirements general aviation traffic remains a rarity. Sports team charters on commercial airliners continue to use [[KIAD|Dulles]] because of these restrictions.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==

*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:41:30Z

Flyiadnet: /* International Traffic and Aircraft */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': 777-200.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an B767-300 but switching to B777-200 in Summer 2007.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200, 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Iberia''': A340-300
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': B747-400.
*'''Qatar Airways''': A340-600
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300, A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express (now DHL)''': 767-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-200, A300, A310, DC-10.
*'''UPS''': DC-8, B757, A300.
*'''Volga-Dnepr''': AN-124

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Daily C-160, A310.
*'''RAF''': C-130, VC-10.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:40:47Z

Flyiadnet: /* Regular Traffic */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': 777-200.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an B767-300 but switching to B777-200 in Summer 2007.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200, 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': B747-400.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300, A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express (now DHL)''': 767-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-200, A300, A310, DC-10.
*'''UPS''': DC-8, B757, A300.
*'''Volga-Dnepr''': AN-124

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Daily C-160, A310.
*'''RAF''': C-130, VC-10.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:39:56Z

Flyiadnet: /* Military Traffic and Aircraft */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian, South African, and Saudi Arabian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries. Aircraft of other militaries or foreign dignitaries are normally parked at Signature Flight Support, which is at the North end of runway 1R-19L.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': 777-200.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an B767-300 but switching to B777-200 in Summer 2007.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200, 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': B747-400.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300, A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express (now DHL)''': 767-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-200, A300, A310, DC-10.
*'''UPS''': DC-8, B757, A300.
*'''Volga-Dnepr''': AN-124

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Daily C-160, A310.
*'''RAF''': C-130, VC-10.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:39:15Z

Flyiadnet: /* Cargo Traffic and Aircraft */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian, South African, and Saudi Arabian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries. Aircraft of other militaries or foreign dignitaries are normally parked at Signature Flight Support, which is at the North end of runway 1R-19L.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': 777-200.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an B767-300 but switching to B777-200 in Summer 2007.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200, 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': B747-400.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300, A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express (now DHL)''': 767-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-200, A300, A310, DC-10.
*'''UPS''': DC-8, B757, A300.
*'''Volga-Dnepr''': AN-124

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Operates occasional A310 flights along with several flights with C-160s.
*'''RAF''': Operates occasional VC-10 flights.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:37:55Z

Flyiadnet: /* International Traffic and Aircraft */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian, South African, and Saudi Arabian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries. Aircraft of other militaries or foreign dignitaries are normally parked at Signature Flight Support, which is at the North end of runway 1R-19L.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': 777-200.
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-300.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an B767-300 but switching to B777-200 in Summer 2007.
*'''British Airways''': 777-200, 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': B747-400.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''South African Airlines''': A340-600
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A319, A320, A321.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300, A340-600

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express''': Operates a DC8. Occasionally a 767-200.
*'''DHL''': Operates a 757-200 and a 727-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-100, 727-200, A310 and DC-10.
*'''UPS''': Operates a 757-200. Occasionally a DC8.

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Operates occasional A310 flights along with several flights with C-160s.
*'''RAF''': Operates occasional VC-10 flights.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:35:15Z

Flyiadnet: /* Domestic Traffic and Aircraft */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian, South African, and Saudi Arabian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries. Aircraft of other militaries or foreign dignitaries are normally parked at Signature Flight Support, which is at the North end of runway 1R-19L.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===

**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-100s and 200s.
*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s and 737-700s
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737-800s, and MD-80s.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-135/140/145.
**'''American Connection''': Flying under Trans States and Chautauqua using ERJ-145s.
*'''Continental Airlines''': One daily B737-300 or 737-500
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145XR.
*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta is using MD-88s, 737-800, 757-200.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-100/200s and sometimes CRJ-700s
*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' 767-200 - starting back on May 23rd 2007.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319 A320.
*'''Northwest Airlink''': CRJ-200s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is using 737-300/700.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates one daily 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries.
*'''United Express''': CRJ-200, CRJ-700, Saab 340, ERJ-145, EMB-170.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with 40 flights daily.
*'''US Airways''': A319, A320, B737-300/400.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Beech 1900, Saab 340, CRJ200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': Daily flights using both an A330-200, 777-200 (GE90s).
*'''Alitalia''': Daily flight from Rome using a 767-300 (previously an MD-11).
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-200.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an A330-200. Occasionally an A340-200.
*'''British Airways''': Daily flights from London using a 777-200. Occasionally a 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200. Occasionally a 767-300.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': Daily flights from Frankfurt and Munich using both an A340-300, and a B747-400. Occasionally, the A340-300 is substituted for an A330-200 or an A340-600.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400. Occasionally a 777-200.
*'''South African Airlines''': Operates a 747-400 on a route from Johannesburg, via Accra, Ghana.
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300. Occasionally an A340-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A320.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300 (occasionally A340-600) on a route from London.

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express''': Operates a DC8. Occasionally a 767-200.
*'''DHL''': Operates a 757-200 and a 727-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-100, 727-200, A310 and DC-10.
*'''UPS''': Operates a 757-200. Occasionally a DC8.

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Operates occasional A310 flights along with several flights with C-160s.
*'''RAF''': Operates occasional VC-10 flights.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Washington Dulles International Airport

2007-03-06T15:28:29Z

Flyiadnet: /* Udvar-Hazy Center Observation Tower */

[[Category:Virginia]]
{{categorywithregion|North America|United States|Virginia}}

{{infobox|fullname=Washington Dulles International Airport|
location=Dulles, Virginia|
iata=IAD|
icao=KIAD|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=IAD&ll=38.949530,-77.447090&spn=0.056755,0.125081&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=120.1 (1R-19L), 128.425 (1L-19R, 12-30)|
atcground=121.9 (East), 132.45 (West)|
atcclearance=135.7|
atcapproach=126.1, 124.65 |
atcdeparture=125.05|
atcatis=134.85|
atcunicom=122.95}}

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==

Unfortunately, the old observation deck at the base of the original control tower has been closed and covered up, due to Main Terminal renovations. It is still visible in the Google Earth photo.

The best on-site "official" spotting is provided by the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, explained below.

===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.
This place is good ONLY to view airplanes on approach.
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==

===Purple Economy Lot===
The Purple Economy Lot offers a great vantage point directly under the approach/departure path, less than a half-mile away from the threshold of runway 19L. Parking there is $3/hr, and no more than $9/day, so if you stay more than three hours, you're almost getting free spotting. The lot tends to be sparse, so you may stick out. As long as you have an ID and are causing no trouble, you should be fine. After all, they're making money from you.

===Central Airport===
The Daily Garages offer a better vantage point for all three runways. Daily Garage I offers a spectacular view of the Main Terminal and Signature Flight Support. If you have a decent lens, you should be able to get decent shots, but this point is more for overviews because of the distance. Daily Garage II offers a great view of the south cargo ramp, which houses DHL and UPS. Further north is Fed-Ex. Occasionally, Piedmont-Hawthorne will put larger customers down here, such as the UAE's B747SP. You will need a decent lens to get good pictures of the north cargo ramp.

Both garages are $5/hr with a max of $15/day. Again, make sure you have an ID in case you are questioned. They may ask you to leave here, though, because these lots tend to be more popular.

===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.

===Westfield High School===
The school is a good distance away (3.75mi from the threshold of runway 1L and 3mi from the threshold of runway 1R), but offers a decent spot for approaches to runways 1L and 1R. As long as school is not in session, security tends to be lax or non-existant. The student lot is often used by parents to teach their children to drive, along with other activities, so your presence will go largely unnoticed.

The school is off of Route 50 on Stonecroft Blvd.

==Locations to Avoid==
Avoid Signature Flight Support and Piedmont-Hawthorne. Both are very strict about security and do not like anyone except customers. This includes parking or even standing in their lots.

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian, South African, and Saudi Arabian. The airport is also visited occasionally by the German Luftwaffe, RAF and other foreign dignitaries. Aircraft of other militaries or foreign dignitaries are normally parked at Signature Flight Support, which is at the North end of runway 1R-19L.

===Domestic Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Air Canada''': Air Canada has a few arrivals from Toronto, ON using CRJ-200s. ''Treated as domestic because of a security arrangement between the US and Canada.''
**'''Air Canada Jazz''': Air Canada Jazz operates CRJ-200s.

*'''Air Tran''': Operates 717s
*'''Alaska Airlines''': Alaska Airlines operates 737-400s from Seattle and Los Angeles.
*'''American Airlines''': American has a large number of daily flights from its hubs. Several aircraft are used, including the 737, 757, 767, MD-80.
**'''American Eagle''': American Eagle operates many flights using the ERJ-140.

*'''Continental Airlines''': Dulles is used as an alternate on occasion for Continental flights that have been diverted, particularly in the summer.
**'''Continental Express''': Operates ERJ-145s and -145s with winglets.

*'''Delta Air Lines''': Delta operates the 737-800, 757-200, 767-300, and MD-90 here.
**'''Delta Connection''': CRJ-200s and CRJ-700s

*'''JetBlue Airways''': JetBlue operates both A320s and Embraer 190s.
*'''MaxJet:''' MaxJet is relatively new to Dulles and operates 767-200s.
*'''Northwest Airlines''': Northwest operates A319s and DC-9s.
*'''Southwest Airlines''': Southwest is new to Dulles, but operates several flights using a 737-700W.
*'''Sun Country Airlines''': Sun Country operates a 737-800.
*'''United Airlines''': United has a hub at Dulles and operates many flights daily using several aircraft. This includes the 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 757-200, 767-300, 777-200, A319, and A320, in both new and old liveries. Some of the 737s are occasionally seen in the "Shuttle by United" livery.
**'''United Express''': United Express operates the CRJ-200 primarily, but also uses the CRJ-700, along with Saab 340s.
**'''Ted''': Operates the A320, with several flights daily.

*'''US Airways''': US Airways uses the A319 and A320 at Dulles.
**'''America West Airlines''': Operates the A319.
**'''US Airways Express''': Operates the B1900 along with CRJs.

===International Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Aeroflot''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''Air France''': Daily flights using both an A330-200, 777-200 (GE90s).
*'''Alitalia''': Daily flight from Rome using a 767-300 (previously an MD-11).
*'''ANA''': Operates a 777-200.
*'''Austrian Airways''': Operates an A330-200. Occasionally an A340-200.
*'''British Airways''': Daily flights from London using a 777-200. Occasionally a 747-400.
*'''Ethiopian''': Operates a 767-300.
*'''KLM''': Daily flight from Amsterdam using an A330-200. Occasionally a 767-300.
*'''Korean Air''': Operates a 747-400.
*'''Lufthansa''': Daily flights from Frankfurt and Munich using both an A340-300, and a B747-400. Occasionally, the A340-300 is substituted for an A330-200 or an A340-600.
*'''Saudi Arabian Airlines''': Operates a 747-400. Occasionally a 777-200.
*'''South African Airlines''': Operates a 747-400 on a route from Johannesburg, via Accra, Ghana.
*'''SAS''': Daily flight from Copenhagen using an A330-300. Occasionally an A340-300.
*'''TACA''': Operates an A320.
*'''Virgin Atlantic Airways''': Operates an A340-300 (occasionally A340-600) on a route from London.

===Cargo Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Airborne Express''': Operates a DC8. Occasionally a 767-200.
*'''DHL''': Operates a 757-200 and a 727-200.
*'''FedEx''': Operates the 727-100, 727-200, A310 and DC-10.
*'''UPS''': Operates a 757-200. Occasionally a DC8.

===Military Traffic and Aircraft===
*'''Lufwaffe''': Operates occasional A310 flights along with several flights with C-160s.
*'''RAF''': Operates occasional VC-10 flights.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==
*[http://www.washbaltspotters.net/ WashBaltSpotters.net] - Washington Baltimore Spotters Group - containing information about the area airports, spotting guides, traffic, news and photos
*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports