Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: Difference between revisions

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Anchorage can be best described as the crossroads between Asia and North America.  Located approximately halfway between the Pacific Rim and the U.S. Midwest and East Coast on the Great Circle, most heavy freighters make their fuel stop in Anchorage.  In addition, both FedEx and UPS have a hub here.
Anchorage can be best described as the crossroads between Asia and North America.  Located approximately halfway between the Pacific Rim and the U.S. Midwest and East Coast on the Great Circle, most heavy freighters make their fuel stop in Anchorage.  In addition, both FedEx and UPS have a hub here as well.


Heavy freighters are just one of things that make Anchorage an interesting place to visit for the aviation enthusiast.  Here, you will also see classic props and 737 freighters.  Nearby Lake Hood floatplane base also offers excellent spotting opportunities.   
Heavy freighters are just one of things that make Anchorage an interesting place to visit for the aviation enthusiast.  Here, you will also see classic props and 737 freighters.  Nearby Lake Hood floatplane base also offers excellent spotting opportunities.   


==Official Spotting Locations==
==Official Spotting Locations==
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===South Terminal Observation Deck===
===South Terminal Observation Deck===


This is inside the South Terminal, behind security check.  It is located on the corner of B and C Concourses, one level up (Level 3) from the main check-in and gate level.  Airport directory shows it as “Native Art Collection” on the level 3 mezannine.
This is inside the South Terminal, behind security check.  It is located on the corner of B and C Concourses, one level up (Level 3) from the main check-in and gate level.  Airport directory shows it as “Native Art Collection” on the level 3 mezzanine.
 
Viewing is through large windows with most facing west and a small area facing north towards the C gates.  Look for Alaska Airlines Combi load and unload at Gate C0 right next the obeservation deck.  Lighting is good in the morning through midday.


 
Viewing is through large windows with most facing west and a small area facing north towards the C gates.  Look for Alaska Airlines Combi load and unload at Gate C0 right next the observation deck.  Lighting is good in the morning through midday.
===Location===


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
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{{anetlink|1528174}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1528174}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1051844}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1051844}} (Runway 32 departure)


===South Airpark===
===South Airpark===


This is a morning/midday spot for Runway 7 arrivals.  Lighting is good through mid-afternoon, however, you may be susceptible to heat haze.  Plus, some aircraft may turn off early before it taxies by this spot.  70-300mm is sufficient at this spot.
This is a morning/midday spot for Runway 7 arrivals.  Lighting is good through mid-afternoon, however, you may be susceptible to heat haze.  Plus, some aircraft may turn off early before it taxis by this spot.  70-300mm is sufficient at this spot.


Park your car at the end of S. Airpark Pl.  Walk up the hill to the dirt path.  You might want to stay near the top of the hill so that the fence won’t obstruct your view.
Park your car at the end of S. Airpark Pl.  Walk up the hill to the dirt path.  You might want to stay near the top of the hill so that the fence won’t obstruct your view.
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{{anetlink|1288868}} (Runway 7R arrival)
{{anetlink|1288868}} (Runway 7R arrival)
{{anetlink|1133049}} (Runway 7R arrival)
{{anetlink|1133049}} (Runway 7R arrival)


===Point Woronzof / West Access Road===
===Point Woronzof / West Access Road===


This is an afternoon spot for Runway 32 departures or 14 arrivals.  Lighting is good from mid-afternoon to evening.  This is where most of the signature Anchorage shots are taken.   
This is an afternoon spot for Runway 32 departures or 14 arrivals.  Lighting is good from mid-afternoon to evening.  This is where most of the signature Anchorage shots are taken.   
As you approach this spot on Point Woronzof Road, you will see a gate marked with a warning sign.  If there are no emergencies or high threat levels, the gate will be open and you can drive on through.  Park your car in the open dirt area on the fence side of the road (but not too close to the fence – there is a sign to remind you).  Walk up the path up the hill across the street.   
As you approach this spot on Point Woronzof Road, you will see a gate marked with a warning sign.  If there are no emergencies or high threat levels, the gate will be open and you can drive on through.  Park your car in the open dirt area on the fence side of the road (but not too close to the fence – there is a sign to remind you).  Walk up the path up the hill across the street.   


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You can drive down West Access Road south and seek out other spots along the road – especially if Runway 32 is in use and you prefer an earlier rotation shot.  You can park your car anywhere next to the street and explore the view from the various hills along the road.
You can drive down West Access Road south and seek out other spots along the road – especially if Runway 32 is in use and you prefer an earlier rotation shot.  You can park your car anywhere next to the street and explore the view from the various hills along the road.


{{anetlink|1238617}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1238617}} (Runway 32 departure)
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{{anetlink|1345788}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1345788}} (Runway 32 departure)
{{anetlink|1353852}} (Runway 14 arrival)
{{anetlink|1353852}} (Runway 14 arrival)


==Locations to Avoid==
==Locations to Avoid==
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At the Runway 7 South Airpark spot, do not drive your car up the dirt path.  Instead, park your car at the end of the street and walk up the hill.
At the Runway 7 South Airpark spot, do not drive your car up the dirt path.  Instead, park your car at the end of the street and walk up the hill.


 
===Spotting Locations Map===
===Location===


<googlemap lat=" 61.183308" lon="-149.994749" zoom="12">
<googlemap lat=" 61.183308" lon="-149.994749" zoom="12">
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61.196683, -150.016579, [[#Point Woronzof / West Access Road spot|Point Woronzof / West Access Road spot - Note path up the hill]]
61.196683, -150.016579, [[#Point Woronzof / West Access Road spot|Point Woronzof / West Access Road spot - Note path up the hill]]
</googlemap>
</googlemap>


==Regular Traffic==
==Regular Traffic==
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Northwest Cargo – 747-200F (through December 2009).  China Airlines – 747-400F and Passenger.  EVA Air – 747-400F and BCF, MD-11F.  Air China Cargo – 747-400F and BCF.  China Cargo (former China Eastern Cargo) – 747-400F.  Southern Air – 747-200F and -300F both in their own colors and Cargo 360 colors.  Atlas Air – 747-200F/-400F.  Polar Air Cargo – 747-400F.  Cathay Pacific Cargo – 747-400F and BCF.  Asiana Cargo – 747-400F.  Korean Air Cargo – 747-400F.
Northwest Cargo – 747-200F (through December 2009).  China Airlines – 747-400F and Passenger.  EVA Air – 747-400F and BCF, MD-11F.  Air China Cargo – 747-400F and BCF.  China Cargo (former China Eastern Cargo) – 747-400F.  Southern Air – 747-200F and -300F both in their own colors and Cargo 360 colors.  Atlas Air – 747-200F/-400F.  Polar Air Cargo – 747-400F.  Cathay Pacific Cargo – 747-400F and BCF.  Asiana Cargo – 747-400F.  Korean Air Cargo – 747-400F.


==Facilities and Transportation==
==Facilities and Transportation==