San Antonio International Airport: Difference between revisions

m
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 15: Line 15:
atcdeparture=118.05(21) 124.45(3) 125.1(30L/R) 128.05(12L/R)|
atcdeparture=118.05(21) 124.45(3) 125.1(30L/R) 128.05(12L/R)|
atcatis=118.9|
atcatis=118.9|
atcunicom=122.95}}
atcunicom=122.95|
psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-san-antonio/}}


<!-- Introductory paragraph goes here -->
<!-- Introductory paragraph goes here -->
Line 21: Line 22:
==Official Spotting Locations==
==Official Spotting Locations==


There are no official spotting locations at SAT.
According to the official SAT website (http://www.sanantonio.gov/SAT/Media-Center/Filming-at-the-Airport):
 
The official location sanctioned by San Antonio International Airport for amateur photography or "Plane Spotting" is located at the top level of the Long-Term Parking Garage. Although this is allowed, those who choose to observe or photograph aircraft are subject to questioning by airport police, security and personnel. Please be prepared to present legal and proper identification at all times.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
===Long-Term Parking Garage===
===Long-Term Parking Garage===
You can take the elevators to the top floor and you get a sweeping view of the main runway, 12R/30L, and to your right is runway 3/21. Most traffic is usually on 12R, you can get some nice rotation shots from that angle. Sometimes runway 3 is used and although I have never been spotting when runway 3 is used, I'm sure you can get some nice shots of approaching aircraft, the only problem is that the floodlights will probably get in your way. A quick call to Public Affairs at 210-207-3450 is usually a good idea prior to going out.
You can take the elevators to the top floor and you get a sweeping view of the main runway, 13R/31L, and to your right is runway 4/22. Most traffic is usually on 13R, you can get some nice rotation shots from that angle. Sometimes runway 4 is used and although I have never been spotting when runway 4 is used, I'm sure you can get some nice shots of approaching aircraft, the only problem is that the floodlights will probably get in your way. A quick call to Public Affairs at 210-207-3450 is usually a good idea prior to going out.


===Approach View for 12R===
===Approach View for 13R===
There are a few good places along Hwy 281 for spotting approaches to 12R. In the mornings the lot for Adult Video Megaplex is good, and in the evenings the lot for Super 8 motel is good. Also on Warfield Drive (Drive NW on Rhapsody Dr: it's the first right... feel free to check the Google overview map), there are a few businesses off to the right that offer a great view looking down the centerline of 12R. This road is up on a hill, so you have a vantage point that looks down on the runway... it's an impressive sight.
There are a few good places along Hwy 281 for spotting approaches to 13R. In the mornings the lot for Adult Video Megaplex is good, and in the evenings the lot for Super 8 motel is good. Also on Warfield Drive (Drive NW on Rhapsody Dr: it's the first right... feel free to check the Google overview map), there are a few businesses off to the right that offer a great view looking down the centerline of 13R. This road is up on a hill, so you have a vantage point that looks down on the runway... it's an impressive sight.
 
===Control Tower===
Without a doubt, the tower is the best view of the airport. You can see everything, but not everyone is allowed up there. Meet people, get links into the tower, it's amazing!


==Locations to Avoid==
==Locations to Avoid==
The one area to 100% avoid is NE Entrance Rd. area! It is very close to the runway, there is only a small fence between the road and the runway. DO NOT stop to take pictures there, I tried that once and was asked to leave by the San Antonio Police Department. It is a very tempting spot, you could get some great pictures there, so if your a risk taker than go ahead, but if you aren't then be safe and go somewhere else.
However, you CAN stop there and do whatever you want if you a have a 'Red badge'. That's a badge VIP pilots get that allows you to walk out onto the ramp, go in the control tower and TRACON room, prety much anything at the airport.


==Regular Traffic==
==Regular Traffic==
Line 36: Line 45:
*Aerolitoral (Saab 340)
*Aerolitoral (Saab 340)
*Aeromar (ATR-72-500)
*Aeromar (ATR-72-500)
*American (MD-80)
*American (A320, MD-80)
**American Eagle (ERJ-145)
**American Eagle (ERJ-145)
*Continental (737-300/500/700/800/900, 757-200)
*Delta (A319, A320, MD-88)
**Continental Express (ERJ-145)
*Delta (MD-88)
**Delta Connection (CRJ-100/200/700)
**Delta Connection (CRJ-100/200/700)
*DHL (727-200)
*DHL (727-200)
*FedEx (A300, A310, 727, DC-10, MD-10)
*FedEx (A300, A310, 727, DC-10, MD-10)
*Frontier (A318, A319)
*Frontier (A319)
*Mexicana (A318, A319, A320)
*Southwest (737-700/800)
*Midwest
*United (A319, 737-700/800/900, 757-200)
**MidwestConnect (CRJ-200)
**United Express (CRJ-200/700, ERJ-145)
*Northwest (A319, A320, DC-9)
*Southwest (737-300/500/700)
*United (A319 [begins Sept. 11, 737-300/500)
**United Express (CRJ-200/700)
*UPS (A300, 757-200, DC-8)
*UPS (A300, 757-200, DC-8)
*US Airways
**America West (A320, 737-300)
**America West Express (CRJ-200/900)


==Other Traffic==
==Other Traffic==
5

edits