Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: Difference between revisions

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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.
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.


==External links==
==External Links==
*[http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107949255388270936306.00045148dd40019930e38&t=h&z=13 Google Map with spotting locations]
*[http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107949255388270936306.00045148dd40019930e38&t=h&z=13 Google Map with spotting locations]

Revision as of 17:06, 16 July 2008

Continent: North America Country: United States Region: Texas


Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Location DFW Airport, Texas
IATA code DFW
ICAO code KDFW
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.dfwairport.com
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 124.15(West) 126.55(East) 127.5(East backup) 134.9(West)
Ground 121.65(East) 121.8(East backup) 121.85(West)
Clearance 128.25
Approach 119.875(West Arrivals) 125.025(East Arrivals) 133.525(East Arrivals) 133.625(West Arrivals)
Departure118.55(East Departures) 124.825(North Departures) 125.125(South Departures) 126.475(West Departures)
ATIS 123.775 (Arrival ATIS) 135.925 (Departure ATIS)
Departure122.95


Official Spotting Locations

Founder's Plaza

The original Founder's Plaza adjacent to runway 35C has been closed. Per the airport's website, a new Founder's Plaza is scheduled to open on the northwest side of the airport in September 2008. In the meantime, a temporary Founder's Plaza viewing area has been setup on the northwest side of the field, along N Airfield Dr between International Parkway and Texan Trail. It's a simple unpaved parking lot surrounded by grass and with a couple of park benches. It is good for photographing arrivals on runways 18L and 18R, and provides views of aircraft lining up to depart on those runways as well, though you will need a long zoom lens and the airport perimeter fence may be a factor.

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.

Skylink Train

The Skylink train, which is inside security, 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.

The Club at DFW

If you like the view from the train, 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.

Airport Westin

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.

Locations to Avoid

Location

Regular Traffic

DFW is served by all American Airlines aircraft types except the A300 and all American Eagle types except the ATR 72. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), 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 737s and A320s
  • USAirways Express on Mesa CRJ900
  • Mesa Beech 1900Ds
  • Midwest 717s
  • Continental 737s
  • Continental Express ERJs
  • Delta 737-300 through 767-300
  • Delta Connection all types up through Shuttle America EMB170s

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.

External Links