Los Angeles International Airport: Difference between revisions

no edit summary
No edit summary
Line 6: Line 6:


===Theme Building===
===Theme Building===
There is an observation deck on top of the Theme Building, which has been closed since 2001. The [http://encounterlax.com/ Encounter Restaurant] located in the theme building was closed in March 2007 due to repairs to the Theme Building, but reopened on November 12, 2007. This location is generally considered poor for photography since it is distant from aircraft, except for airport overview shots, though it is good for spotters who just which to watch traffic or log tail numbers.
There is an observation deck on top of the Theme Building, which has been closed since 2001. The [http://encounterlax.com/ Encounter Restaurant] located in the theme building was closed in March 2007 due to repairs to the Theme Building, but reopened on November 12, 2007. This location is generally considered poor for photography since it is distant from aircraft, except for airport overview shots, though it is good for spotters who just which to watch traffic or log tail numbers.


Line 12: Line 11:


===International Terminal===
===International Terminal===
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a food court upstairs which is not in the secure area and overlooks the North-South taxiway affording close encounters with the heavies.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has a food court upstairs which is not in the secure area and overlooks the North-South taxiway affording close encounters with the heavies. Photography is possible through the glass but you need a 25-80mm zoom or similar, and reflections are a problem. In theory movements on both sets of runways can be logged here with suitable optics, but there have been instances of 'enthusiastic' spotters causing the customers to freak out and call security. Discretion and restraint are necessary if you intend spending any time here.
Photography is possible through the glass but you need a 25-80mm zoom or similar, and reflections are a problem. In theory movements on both sets of runways can be logged here with suitable optics, but there have been instances of 'enthusiastic' spotters causing the customers to freak out and call security. Discretion and restraint are necessary if you intend spending any time here.


===Imperial Hill===
===Imperial Hill===
Line 24: Line 22:


===In-n-Out Burger===
===In-n-Out Burger===
At the corner of Sepulveda and Westchester, 10-15 minutes walk from the airport.
At the corner of Sepulveda and Westchester, 10-15 minutes walk from the airport. Small grass area across the road from which all movements on the Northern runways can be seen. Limited photography as arrivals are almost directly overhead, and you are facing South. However, walking to under the approach lights and jaywalking across Lincoln Blvd. can yield some very nice shots of inbound aircraft. Parking in this area is limited (for those driving to the spot) depending on the time of day if you park on the street, and can be sparse during lunch hours (1100-~1430lcl).
Small grass area across the road from which all movements on the Northern runways can be seen.
Limited photography as arrivals are almost directly overhead, and you are facing South. However, walking to under the approach lights and jaywalking across Lincoln Blvd. can yield some very nice shots of inbound aircraft.
Parking in this area is limited (for those driving to the spot) depending on the time of day if you park on the street, and can be sparse during lunch hours (1100-~1430lcl).
{{anetlink|1017460}}
{{anetlink|1017460}}
{{anetlink|1051796}}
{{anetlink|1051796}}
There is a multi-storey car park with good views from the top floor. No photography signs are present, and you will likely be told to leave.
There is a multi-storey car park with good views from the top floor. No photography signs are present, and you will likely be told to leave.
===Westchester Boulevard===
Some other possibilities in the same area as the In-n-Out. A bridge about 1/4 mile West provides good photos but anyone standing there is very visible.
Two car parks either side of Sepulveda, one at ground level (E) the other a multi-story (W).
None of these locations are very satisfactory for a long stay.


===Proud Bird Restaurant===
===Proud Bird Restaurant===
Off Aviation Boulevard beside the approach to the Southern runways. Good landing shots but care must be taken to avoid lampposts and trees. Take the B parking shuttle from the airport. Shots can be taken from both the parking lot, and from the "backyard" where the old planes are on display. A good lens is suggested.
Off Aviation Boulevard beside the approach to the Southern runways. Good landing shots but care must be taken to avoid lampposts and trees. Take the B parking shuttle from the airport. Shots can be taken from both the parking lot, and from the "backyard" where the old planes are on display. A good lens is suggested.
To achieve shots similar to those taken by In n' Out, walk north on Aviation Blvd. to under the approach path for 25L (you will see the ILS antenna). Be warned as there is no sidewalk, so caution is advised when going for a shot.
 
To achieve shots similar to those taken by In-n-Out, walk north on Aviation Blvd. to under the approach path for 25L (you will see the ILS antenna). Be warned as there is no sidewalk, so caution is advised when going for a shot.


===Flight Path Learning Center===
===Flight Path Learning Center===
Line 53: Line 44:
==Locations to Avoid==
==Locations to Avoid==


===Westchester Bridge===
===Westchester Boulevard===
See above.
In the same area as the In-n-Out. A bridge about 1/4 mile West provides good photos but anyone standing there is very visible. Two car parks either side of Sepulveda, one at ground level (E) the other a multi-story (W). None of these locations are very satisfactory for a long stay.


===Cargo Parking===
===Cargo Parking===