SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

Washington Dulles International Airport

2006-09-12T10:30:26Z

Madipides: /* 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=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}

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==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
IAD gets some great rare (for the USA) airlines, such as Ethiopian and South African plus Saudi Arabian.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==

*[http://www.flyiad.net/ FlyIAD.net] - Spotters Guide to Washington DC Area Arports

Denver International Airport

2006-09-12T10:26:37Z

Madipides: /* Regular Traffic */

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

{{infobox|fullname=Denver International Airport|
location=Denver, Colorado|
iata=DEN|
icao=KDEN|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.flydenver.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DEN&ll=39.857442,-104.671726&spn=0.111791,0.237442&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=124.3, 256.85 for Rwy 08/26, 17L/35R 132.35 for Rwy 07/25 133.3, 322.45 for Rwy 17R/35L 135.3, 351.95 for Rwy 16L/34R, 16R/34L 273.55 for Rwy 07/25, 16L/34R|
atcground=127.5, 380.3 for Rwy 07/25, 16L/34R, 16R/34L 121.85, 377.1 for Rwy 08/26, 17L/35R, 17R/35L 256.85 for Rwy 08/26, 17L/35R|
atcclearance=118.75|
atcapproach=119.3,120.35,307.3,381.5|
atcdeparture=126.1,127.05,128.25,128.45,251.075|
atcatis=125.6|
atcunicom=122.95}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

Unfortunately, KDEN has no official spotting locations.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===114th Avenue===
From Pena Buelevard, exit onto Tower Road and head north to 96th (Turn right if you're exiting pena buelevard westbound, left if exiting Pena eastbound). Turn right on 96th and follow it around a left curve, then a right curve. You will see the approaches at this point. This location is great for side-ons from approaches to the 16s, and some unique departure shots can be had from aircraft departing the 34's, as they usually cross very low over 114th in a steep bank. Beware however, don't be in between the signs on foot or parked.

===120th Avenue===
Same to get to 114th avenue, however instead of turning right on 96th, you turn right on 120th and follow it to the approaches. No departure shots from here as you're a little far out, but the good news is that they still come very low over 120th on approaches and there are no signs or security (you're in Adams County, or as we call it Kansas Lite).

===The 35's (Mount Elbert Lot)===
From Pena Buelevard exit onto Jackson Gap and head south (Right turn off the exit ramp if you're heading toward the terminals, left turn off the exit ramp if you're heading away). Follow the road around a left curve and take the first right. Take another left right after the stop sign. The road you are on will dead-end at valleyhead road, and on the east side of the road there's a little pullout, but it is an unofficial parking area so be warned. Usually nobody bothers you but on occaision they'll take your ID or simply ask you to move along (that's only happened once). Great for evening arrivals onto 35L, 35R is impossible without 600mm or longer.

===56th===
Pretty simple to get here. From the 35's (see above), continue south along valleyhead until it dead-ends at 56th. Take a left there and drive until you're wherever you want to be to get the angles you want. A little bit higher up, but like 120th, you're in Adams County and pretty much free to photograph as you please. Beware though, ugly chicks will try to eat you.

===The Conoco Lot===
From Pena, Exit onto Rental Car Road. The Conoco is at the far west end of Rental Car Road, pretty close to the threshold of runway 7. The best angles are had here, but this runway is somewhat infrequently used compared to the 35's and 16's. You can choose to stay and spot at the dirt lot or walk up to the traffic light. If it's summer, you'll want a water bottle for the trek. Not long, but hot nonetheless.

==Locations to Avoid==

We have in the past been asked to leave when spotting on the east end of Rental Car Road at the threshold of 25, this was a few years ago and since then I haven't really been back there, but I assume the rules are still the same. Also, it's best if you avoid runway 8/26 entirely because they will arrest you if they catch you there.

==Regular Traffic==

United and Frontier represent Denver's staple traffic. A plethora of other airlines serve the airport, most recently, Southwest.

British Airways sends a 777 from LHR, usually with Rolls Royce engines. Lufthansa sends 747 as well.

==Facilities and Transportation==

==External Links==

===Spotting Groups===
*[http://www.rockymountainavphotos.com/ Rocky Mountain Aviation Photos]

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-09-12T10:24:07Z

Madipides: /* Regular Traffic */

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

{{infobox|fullname=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|
location=DFW Airport, Texas|
iata=DFW|
icao=KDFW|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.dfwairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DFW&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==
===Founders Plaza===
By runway 35C.
When DFW is in a North operation, which is only about 20% of the time, the aircraft landing on 35C touchdown really close to this area. The problem with photography is that this area is east of the landing runway 35C and takeoff runway 35L so they quickly become backlit.
There's actually better success doing photography from here on a day where there is a Southbound operation. Aircraft landing on 17L, which is a mile east of this area, taxi right in front of the plaza. The taxiway "ER" goes right in front of Founder's Plaza, and it is just north of the plaza so lighting is usually good.

This taxiway is not used very much however, and waiting times between aircraft can be quite long. 17L is only an overflow runway, so, during the valleys between the peaks, it can be a long wait. When it is being used, you'll see quite a few. The other day I got to see AA49 a 763 from CDG taxi by.

They will taxi by and frequently have to hold short of 17C and 17R so they stop pretty close. Many pictures from DFW on Airlines.net are taken from here.

I recommend bringing something to stand on, to get above the fence line, though there are other ways of doing it.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot===

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
It gets all American Airlines aircraft except the A300. It gets all American Eagle except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), ATA L1011s, 757-300s and North American 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, including lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, and Korean Air Cargo. Also you can see Air France 747s, Southern Air 747s, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:
United narrowbodies up to 757
United Express Embraer 170s
Northwest DC9 and A320s
Pinnacle CRJs
USAirways and America West 737s and A320s
USAir express on Mesa CRJ900
Mesa Beech 1900Ds
Midwest 717s
Continental 737s
Continental Express ERJs
Delta 737-200 through 767-300
Delta Connection all types up through Shuttlecraft EMB170s

If I remember more I'll post it

==Facilities and Transportation==
To get to any spotting locations you'll have to drive. Cabs are available but the minimum charge for a cab is $12. I've rented a car for as cheap as $16, so it's worth it to get a deal on a rental.

The only other good location is the Skylink train, which is inside security. It makes a full loop 50' above the ramp. This train has great views, and if you have about 15 minutes, it's well worth the ride to see all the terminals at DFW.

If you like the view from there, you can get off at Terminal D and go to "The Club at DFW." This is a lounge run by Priority Pass, but they have a "pay per visit" fee and there's a coupon in "DFW People" magazine for like $25 per access. This magazine is located throughout the airport and in the parking ares too. The club has a view of gates D20-D30, including lots of AA heavies, and it facing runways 18R and 18L with a view of the cargo area and AA hangar areas too. It's a great view if you have money to burn! They have snacks and drinks for the thirsty spotter.

Outside the airport is the Airport Westin on Highway 114. It is on short final to runway 17L and has a swimming pool area on top of the hotel. It has a great view. The area you are looking at from there incidentally is the area that the Delta L1011 crashed.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-09-12T10:20:20Z

Madipides: /* Facilities and Transportation */

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

{{infobox|fullname=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|
location=DFW Airport, Texas|
iata=DFW|
icao=KDFW|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.dfwairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DFW&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==
===Founders Plaza===
By runway 35C.
When DFW is in a North operation, which is only about 20% of the time, the aircraft landing on 35C touchdown really close to this area. The problem with photography is that this area is east of the landing runway 35C and takeoff runway 35L so they quickly become backlit.
There's actually better success doing photography from here on a day where there is a Southbound operation. Aircraft landing on 17L, which is a mile east of this area, taxi right in front of the plaza. The taxiway "ER" goes right in front of Founder's Plaza, and it is just north of the plaza so lighting is usually good.

This taxiway is not used very much however, and waiting times between aircraft can be quite long. 17L is only an overflow runway, so, during the valleys between the peaks, it can be a long wait. When it is being used, you'll see quite a few. The other day I got to see AA49 a 763 from CDG taxi by.

They will taxi by and frequently have to hold short of 17C and 17R so they stop pretty close. Many pictures from DFW on Airlines.net are taken from here.

I recommend bringing something to stand on, to get above the fence line, though there are other ways of doing it.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot===

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
It gets all American Airlines aircraft except the A300. It gets all American Eagle except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), ATA L1011s and North American 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, Air France, Southern Air, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:
United narrowbodies up to 757
United Express Embraer 170s
Northwest DC9 and A320s
Pinnacle CRJs
USAirways and America West 737s and A320s
USAir express on Mesa CRJ900
Mesa Beech 1900Ds
Continental 737s
Continental Express ERJs
Delta 737-200 through 767-300
Delta Connection all types up through Shuttlecraft EMB170s

If I remember more I'll post it

==Facilities and Transportation==
To get to any spotting locations you'll have to drive. Cabs are available but the minimum charge for a cab is $12. I've rented a car for as cheap as $16, so it's worth it to get a deal on a rental.

The only other good location is the Skylink train, which is inside security. It makes a full loop 50' above the ramp. This train has great views, and if you have about 15 minutes, it's well worth the ride to see all the terminals at DFW.

If you like the view from there, you can get off at Terminal D and go to "The Club at DFW." This is a lounge run by Priority Pass, but they have a "pay per visit" fee and there's a coupon in "DFW People" magazine for like $25 per access. This magazine is located throughout the airport and in the parking ares too. The club has a view of gates D20-D30, including lots of AA heavies, and it facing runways 18R and 18L with a view of the cargo area and AA hangar areas too. It's a great view if you have money to burn! They have snacks and drinks for the thirsty spotter.

Outside the airport is the Airport Westin on Highway 114. It is on short final to runway 17L and has a swimming pool area on top of the hotel. It has a great view. The area you are looking at from there incidentally is the area that the Delta L1011 crashed.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-07-06T07:22:14Z

Madipides: /* Facilities and Transportation */

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

{{infobox|fullname=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|
location=DFW Airport, Texas|
iata=DFW|
icao=KDFW|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.dfwairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DFW&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==
===Founders Plaza===
By runway 35C.
When DFW is in a North operation, which is only about 20% of the time, the aircraft landing on 35C touchdown really close to this area. The problem with photography is that this area is east of the landing runway 35C and takeoff runway 35L so they quickly become backlit.
There's actually better success doing photography from here on a day where there is a Southbound operation. Aircraft landing on 17L, which is a mile east of this area, taxi right in front of the plaza. The taxiway "ER" goes right in front of Founder's Plaza, and it is just north of the plaza so lighting is usually good.

This taxiway is not used very much however, and waiting times between aircraft can be quite long. 17L is only an overflow runway, so, during the valleys between the peaks, it can be a long wait. When it is being used, you'll see quite a few. The other day I got to see AA49 a 763 from CDG taxi by.

They will taxi by and frequently have to hold short of 17C and 17R so they stop pretty close. Many pitures from DFW on Airlines.net are taken from here.

I recommend bringing something to stand on, to get above the fence line, though there are other ways of doing it.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot===

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
It gets all American Airlines aircraft except the A300. It gets all American Eagle except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), ATA L1011s and North American 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, Air France, Southern Air, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:
United narrowbodies up to 757
United Express Embraer 170s
Northwest DC9 and A320s
Pinnacle CRJs
USAirways and America West 737s and A320s
USAir express on Mesa CRJ900
Mesa Beech 1900Ds
Continental 737s
Continental Express ERJs
Delta 737-200 through 767-300
Delta Connection all types up through Shuttlecraft EMB170s

If I remember more I'll post it

==Facilities and Transportation==
To get to any spotting locations you'll have to drive. Cabs are available but the minimum charge for a cab is $12. I've rented a car for as cheap as $16, so it's worth it to get a deal on a rental.

The only other good location is the Skylink train, which is inside security. It makes a full loop 50' above the ramp. This train has great views, and if you have about 15 minutes, it's well worth the ride to see all the terminals at DFW.

If you like the view from there, you can get off at Terminal D and go to "The Club at DFW." This is a lounge run by Priority Pass, but they have a "pay per visit" fee and there's a coupon in "DFW People" magazine for like $25 per access. This magazine is located throughout the airport and in the parking ares too. It has a view of gates D20-D30, including lots of AA heavies, and it facing runways 18R and 18L with a view of the cargo area and AA hangar areas too. It's a great view if you have money to burn! They have snacks and drinks for the thirsty spotter.

Outside the airport is the Airport Westin on Highway 114. It is on short final to runway 17L and has a swimming pool area on top of the hotel. It's a great view. The area you are looking at from there incidentally is the area that the Delta L1011 crashed.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-07-06T07:17:31Z

Madipides: /* Regular Traffic */

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

{{infobox|fullname=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|
location=DFW Airport, Texas|
iata=DFW|
icao=KDFW|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.dfwairport.com|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?q=DFW&t=h&hl=en|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=|
atcground=|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=|
atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==
===Founders Plaza===
By runway 35C.
When DFW is in a North operation, which is only about 20% of the time, the aircraft landing on 35C touchdown really close to this area. The problem with photography is that this area is east of the landing runway 35C and takeoff runway 35L so they quickly become backlit.
There's actually better success doing photography from here on a day where there is a Southbound operation. Aircraft landing on 17L, which is a mile east of this area, taxi right in front of the plaza. The taxiway "ER" goes right in front of Founder's Plaza, and it is just north of the plaza so lighting is usually good.

This taxiway is not used very much however, and waiting times between aircraft can be quite long. 17L is only an overflow runway, so, during the valleys between the peaks, it can be a long wait. When it is being used, you'll see quite a few. The other day I got to see AA49 a 763 from CDG taxi by.

They will taxi by and frequently have to hold short of 17C and 17R so they stop pretty close. Many pitures from DFW on Airlines.net are taken from here.

I recommend bringing something to stand on, to get above the fence line, though there are other ways of doing it.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot===

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
It gets all American Airlines aircraft except the A300. It gets all American Eagle except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), ATA L1011s and North American 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, Air France, Southern Air, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:
United narrowbodies up to 757
United Express Embraer 170s
Northwest DC9 and A320s
Pinnacle CRJs
USAirways and America West 737s and A320s
USAir express on Mesa CRJ900
Mesa Beech 1900Ds
Continental 737s
Continental Express ERJs
Delta 737-200 through 767-300
Delta Connection all types up through Shuttlecraft EMB170s

If I remember more I'll post it

==Facilities and Transportation==

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-07-06T07:10:21Z

Madipides: /* Location */

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

2006-07-06T07:03:10Z

Madipides: /* Founders Plaza */