Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Continent: North America Country: United States Region: Nevada


Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Location Reno, Nevada
IATA code RNO
ICAO code KRNO
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.renoairport.com/
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 118.7 / 257.8
Ground 121.9 / 348.6
Clearance 124.9 / 370.85
Approach 119.2 / 126.3
Departure126.3 / 119.2
ATIS 135.8 / 363.0
Departure122.95


Official Spotting Locations

Location

Other Spotting Locations

Turbo Circle

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Krno&ie=UTF8&ll=39.49067,-119.763819&spn=0.001747,0.002508&t=h&z=19

This a great spot in the morning as you can get the city skyline and the tower (although the tower won't be around much longer as a new one is being built) in the background. The other good thing about this spot is that you can pretty much go up and down the road to change the angle, ie MD80's ;). When they are using 34's (North flow) you can get great head-on's of private planes using 34R. A medium (step)ladder is recommend, although there is a small open field near the bend just after the Turbo/Aircenter junction where you can get up high enough to just be slightly above the fence. Police activity is minimal, they may drive by but that's about it. The morning is the best time for this spot.

  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
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Greg + South 21st Streets

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Krno&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=39.522478,-119.770058&spn=0.001746,0.002508&z=19

For some great landing shots when the 16's are in use, this is one of the best spots. Park in the dirt lot and you can pretty much roam anywhere. There are some "interesting" people so just be aware. This spot is best in the afternoon.

  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
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Mill + Rock Streets

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Krno&ie=UTF8&ll=39.514437,-119.763036&spn=0.006986,0.010031&t=h&z=17

For morning and late afternoon silhouette shots, this an awesome spot. The hangar is empty for now so park in the parking lot and walk out into the field when you see something coming. You may be checked out here but as long as you are not doing anything stupid they have no problem with this spot.

Airway Dr. + Peckham Ln.

Map: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qkdc9350jyvt&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=17454045&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

This is probably one of the most versatile spots at RNO. You can get shots of the planes taxiing for takeoff when they are using the 34's or get planes departing the 16's. Park on the opposite side of the house in the dirt shoulder and you can get departure shots just fine from there, or if you don't mind a little risk, cross the street and you can stand a little indention of the shoulder and shoot over the fence without a ladder. Beware though you are feet from a busy road and you may draw attention, this is the only spot I have been checked out. It isn't that nice of an area so it's understandable. This spot is best in the afternoon.

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Reno Airport Parking Garage

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Krno&ie=UTF8&ll=39.504483,-119.776138&spn=0.000873,0.001254&t=h&z=20

Right now (08/2008) this is not a good spot as the terminal check in area is getting renovated they have a temporary structure up which is blocking the view of the WN ramp and runways. When it is taken down this is a pretty good spot to get planes taxiing,departing,landing and watching the WN ramp operations. You do have to pay to get in, the best way is to go through the "Long Term" parking gate and just follow the signs. Before a recent lighting update you could get good shots of the cargo ramp also but that is now no more. Park in the SE corner and you should be good to go. You may a have a cruiser stop by to check your ID but overall it isn't bad. This is an afternoon spot.

  • JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
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Locations to Avoid

Location

Regular Traffic

  • ABX/DHL - 767
  • Allegiant - MD-80
  • American - 757, MD-80
  • Delta -757, MD-80
  • FedEx - 727, A310, 757
  • Horizon - Q400
  • Southwest - 737
  • SkyWest - CRJ
  • United 737, A319, A320
  • UPS - 757

There are also often military types here, often C-130's and C-17's. You may also see fighter types and government aircraft. Several charter companies also stop by.

Facilities and Transportation