GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
USA - FL and Puerto Rico
Orlando - Jun 2017
Hotel - Reports from Nov 2018 show the Hyatt Regency above the terminal has rooms with balconies and views of the runways
The following report kindly Supplied By:
John Spencer
samiandjohn@aol.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mehereinthepool/
OK, I will start with the "official" spotting spot, floor 9 of the rooftop parking garage. Heat haze here is your worst enemy, even when they are off the ground. You won't really know how its affecting your shots until you review them on your computer.
You must get a "use of facilities" form from the aviation authorities offices, located on the 3rd floor, main terminal side A, to the left of east security checkpoint gates 70 to 129. You need a valid id. It is free, and it will last the whole of your visit, so if you are there 2 weeks, put your start and end dates on. The office is only open 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday though....only a problem if you arrive say Friday evening. You can also walk across level 9 to the southside, but the sun will be straight in front of you then....see AA special scheme in the attached pics.
OK, spot 2. This was shown to me by a local. I would say dont get too comfy here as someone will eventually report you to security/police and you will get a visit......my visitor was obnoxious...but hey ho!!!
A lot of work has gone on in the last few years, and this is located on a new road, Heintzelman Boulevard. This is located to the east of the airport, and between the newest runway (35R) and the main part of the airport.
If you head north along this road, you will see a couple of "pull-ins" to the right. I used the most northerly one, nearest the bridge where aircraft will cross the road. You will also get a great view of aircraft taking off from runway 35L.
Just remember that you will be moved on....be courteous to whoever comes to speak to you...even if they are not!
My FAVE place at MCO. Again not a legitimate "spotting" spot, but I've encountered no problems here over several visits, even had a really nice chat with a really nice cop on one occaision!
This is on Wiley Drive, located in the southwest corner of the airport, near to the Southwest hanger, and the old fire dump....watch out for the gator in the large pond though!!!
You are right next to runway 36L, main runway for all bizjet and cargo traffic. Sun can be a bit of a problem early on, but it's easy enough to cope with, and you will even get some "wildlife" pics too between aircraft...I saw deer here in April!!!
Last one....the fenceline.
Like all US airports, there are quite a few FBO's at MCO, and they vary in friendliness! Tradeport Drive is the main road for these, its to the west of the airport. There are a couple of places where decent shots of aircraft either parked, taxying or on maintenance can be taken....like all places though, just use a bit of forethought and park sensibly, even if it means a little walk in the hot sun, its far better than attracting the wrath of someone who might then call the police.
Cessna have the Citation centre here, on Bear Road, which is off Tradeport Dr. You can park safely in their car park, and get some shots through their fence, if asked not to take a picture, please comply with their wishes.....aircraft seem to be here for a few days at a time, so try again tomorrow,dont annoy them or we may lose their goodwill. If you stay on Bear Road, it will take you across the end of the runways to where the B52 is parked in the memorial garden.....B52's were based here many years ago when it was called McCoy airforce base....hence the MCO airport code! There is also a ramp area opposite the B52 where some aicraft seem to be "day parked", Frontier/Taca/Icelandair were all using this ramp in April.
Orlando Area Airports
Brooksville - Aug 2017
Located about 40 miles north of Tampa and 100 from Orlando. At the time 4 Avianca A318s remain WFU. Aircraft have been parted out but basic Aircraft remains still with regs along with a F27.
PR-AVH
PR-AVO
PR-ONG
PR-ONQ
N143PM
Lakeland - Aug 2017
Located about 40 miles east of Tampa and 65 from Orlando. B732 N912NB lives here and was in a hanger on the south side of the airport. A couple of Gulfstreams and some smaller Biz also noted.
Kissimmee - Aug 2017
A few Skyway Shorts 360s remain. Fuselage section of N379MQ along with N366MQ and N382MQ. A few Biz jets also present.
Orlando Executive
Mostly smaller Biz Jets. Several hangers to explore. Maybe about a dozen or so around at the time.
Daytona Beach - Aug 2017
About 70 miles from orlando. Gulfstream N127GK is WFU here.
Miami – Oct 2018
LANDSIDE
No views that I know of from the terminal area. The top of the multi storey has views of some stands and partial views of the runways. Not ideal but depending on the runway direction you could do ok. Some of the Biz and maintenance areas can be seen.
A drive around the perimeter is a must. Perimeter Drive on the northern side gives you access to the cargo and biz ramps. Then back on the main road there are several turn offs into the maintenance hangers. Most stuff can be logged and there are some views across to the terminal area.
On NW 67th Ave near the thresholds of Runways 08L and 08R there is a truck stop car park which has good views of the movements on these runways. Or just around the corner on NW 25th St there is a car park offering similar views of the these runways and even some of the terminal area. However it’s a farily busy area with lots of employees around so you may get moved on.
Continuing onto the southern side, NW 12th St takes you past several cargo stands. However stopping places are limited making it difficult to log anything unless theres no other traffic around and you can stop on the road. From here turn onto NW 57th Ave where you will find the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. Their car park offers good views of these runways and some of the terminal area. This is also located close to Blue Lagoon Drive where some of the hotels are located. This is probably the best spot to be in if your parking up for several hours.
AIRSIDE
Depends on which gates you are at. American Airlines has the whole northern side and good views should be possible from there. The other piers are all on there own though meaning you can’t access the other piers once you are inside yours. Not all the piers have that many windows so viewing can be difficult. The H and J piers are connected. If your flying American, security queues can be horrendous so allow plenty of time.
HOTELS
Hilton – Located close to the Aero Squadron restaurant offering a similar view but obviously from an elevated level. Each floor only has 1 room with the ideal view. There are 14 floors. The 14th floor has a different layout and you need room 1430 on this level. This room dosent have a balcony. I’m not sure about the 13th floor but on all the floors below that you need a room ending in 20. Ie, 1220, 1120 etc. Its not necessary to be that high for a good view and theres nothing in front of the hotel so a lower room would be ok.. The room type is a 1 Bedroom Suite Balcony King bed. Fairly expensive but worth it for the view. I had previously requested the room when I made the booking and they had reserved it for me.
There is a large balcony with chairs overlooking the whole field. Excellent views of the southern runways and crossing runway. A good pair of bins will get you stuff on the far side. At night very few can be read off so you will have to rely on sbs if you use it.
If you join Hilton Honours then you will get internet for free. The Breakfast is also pretty good if you choose that option. Asked for late check out and the maximum they gave me was 1pm after which they charge per hour.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dominated by American Airlines with very little in terms of the other major US Airlines. South American and Caribbean make up most of the rest with Avianca offering about 10 flights a day. Copa, Lan and Tam also have a few flights each day. There are also several European flights.
Cargo wise its very busy. UPS have a mini hub along with Amerijet and ABX. Avianca Cargo are regular and its possible to see all five of there planes in a day. Lan have a few flights along with several other carriers.
Bizjet wise its not normally that busy with several other airports in the area catering for them
Opa Locka
About a 20-30 minute drive from Miami, its now effectively transformed itself from a storage field into an executive airport. A few of the older types such as DC6s are still around along with a few stored airliners but its gradually decreasing. Several Antonovs are still parked here.
Expect to see plenty of biz now with several hanger areas to explore.
Tamiami
Mostly general aviation and small biz now. Similar to Opa Locka its been cleaned up in recent years with just a few Jetstreams stored. Plenty to be seen if you collect this stuff and again its only about a 20-30 drive from Miami.
Fort Lauderdale – Oct 2018
LANDSIDE
The multi storey car park offers excellent views. All movements should be seen and there are views of most of the biz and hanger areas.
A drive around the perimeter is worthwhile to get some stuff parked in or around the hangers and to get some additional biz.
The old runway still has the excellent viewing area down by the threshold of runway 10L, allowing excellent views of the action on this runway. However you can’t see the new runway or terminal areas from here.
Fortunately when they built the new runway they added another excellent viewing area / park area. This is located of Griffin Road on the southern side. Take a look at google maps. Its adjacent to the threshold of runway 10R. Some of the biz can be seen from here as well as some of the terminal area. Anything on the old runway should be seen in the distance but its probably to far to read stuff.
AIRSIDE
Good views but given the parallel runways either side its not as easy to see everything. The multi storey is a better option.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Spirit, Jetblue and Southwest are the main operators. However check timetables, it can get fairly quiet at certain times of the day. Spirit generally have several departures early morning with very little during the day. Silver Airways have several S340s based and there are a few South American flights along with a few from the Bahamas.
Expect a large amount of biz.
All 4 Conviasa CRJ 700s where Stored here at the time.
Fort Lauderdale Executive
If your looking for Biz then there are lots here, including larger types with plenty of gulfstreams. There are numerous hangers to explore, especially on the southern side of the field, all hidden in little alleyways. Expect to spend a few hours trying to see inside them all.
N463HK Gulfstream – Front fuselage section is used inside the Banyan Pilot Shop. This is found around the hanger areas on the southern side. Follow signs.
West Palm Beach – Oct 2018
LANDSIDE
The multi storey car park has excellent views across to the biz. You should be able to log most of it and see into some of the hangers. There is a perimeter road from the terminal area which runs around to the other side of the airfield where all the Biz hangers are.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Very quiet on the airliner front and not worth spending any time here given that Fort Lauderdale and Miami are down the road. Well worth a visit for the large number of Biz. I logged 24 gulfstreams alone.
N720DC B727 front fuselage section belongs to the fire service and can be seen from the perimeter road opposite the threshold of 28R.
South Florida – Other Airports – Nov 2015
Boca Raton
A few minutes further north from Fort Lauderdale Executive on the way to West Palm Beach. Located right next to the highway with views available of most stuff. Definitely worth a quick stop with a good number of biz to be seen including 6 gulfstreams on my last visit.
Okeechobee
About 70 miles north west of WPB. 6 Gulfstreams where parked / WFU.
N913PD, N774MB, N874RA, N226RM, N608MD, N16AJ
St Lucie
About 70 miles north of WPB and 40 miles from Okeechobee. Another 6 Gulfstreams Parked / WFU here.
N125DC, N188DC, N117JJ, N30WR, N355KM, HP-1691
North Florida Airports - Feb 2016
Pensacola NAS - Naval Air Station
I didn’t visit the main airport here but wanted to visit the museum at the Naval Air Station. Primarily for DC9 163511. Because there is a museum they all access to anyone. Just make sure you enter through the correct gate located on South Blue Angel Parkway. Quite surprisingly they just took a quick look at my driving license and let me in. No security whatsoever. The drive to the museum took me past an active ramp with several aircraft. I didn’t actually enter the museum and not sure what aircraft are contained inside. Behind the museum is a ramp with several stored aircraft, mostly older military types along with the DC9.
San Juan, Puerto Rico - Aug 2017
LANDSIDE
No views from the terminal. The multi storey looks like it would have good views of the runway 08 threshold which had the majority of movements at the time.
On the other side of the runway 08 threshold is a supermarket. From the car park you can easily monitor arrivals and just get departures as they taxi onto the runway. However when I arrived there was a security guard standing on a small man tower. He did leave after a while but security seemed very tight in general with several vehicles seen driving around so I didn’t feel comfortable staying for very long and stayed inside the car.
Its possible to drive around the back of the airport to the cargo areas. You need to take HWY 26 towards carolina and then take exit 9B. Follow this road all the way alongside the highway to the traffic lights. This road also has some views of the terminal and runway 10. Its possible you could sit around here in mcdonalds although not much seemed to use this runway. If you are using Dollar or Sixt rent a car they are located on this road and the shuttle bus will drop you here (The others are at the airport). From the traffic lights go under the underpass and straight ahead onto Av Jose Santana or Marginal. This road goes all the way to the hanger areas. I was able to get good views of 10 S360s parked in a compound along with several smaller aircraft. Metro N471CD can also be seen by driving around this area. Again though, lots of security vehicles around and there is an Air National Guard base here.
AIRSIDE
Views from various places. Most stands can be seen along with good vies of the small hangers in front of the terminal. A couple of Shorts 360s may be read off through the gaps and there is a view of the cargo ramp with several smaller types in view.
HOTELS
The Airport hotel is conveniently located next to the terminal. Rooms all face one direction which is away from the airport, but which does give a view of the Runway 08 threshold which seemed to be used for most arriving and departing traffic. So most stuff should be seen.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton which is more of a resort hotel reportedly has views. It looks out towards the 08 threshold and the airport and would have better views than the airport hotel I imagine. Its located next to the supermarket mentioned above.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lots of interesting stuff here if you like small twin props. Cape Air have several Cessna 402s flying around along with Fedex Caravans, A DHL Caravan, Ameriflight Metros, B1900s and MN Aviation Short 360s. A good number of smaller private aircraft parked around as well as a couple of Biz.
Not too much in terms of airliners. Regular flights to the mainland US but some interesting stuff from the Caribbean. An Air Antilles ATR and Interisland E120 seen on my visit.
Although this place is part of the USA its more like a Central American Island. Spanish is predominant although most can speak good English. I never felt particularly comfortable though given the number of security vehicles and personnel I saw.
Fernando Ribas / Isla Grande Airport
Only about 6 miles from the main airport. The perimeter has a road most of way around both sides. A few Biz inside the hangers along with some smaller stuff. Several US Army helicopters also based.
Aguadilla
About 85 miles and a couple of hours drive west. Department of Homeland Security base some DHC8s here. The N801MR, 802MR etc range. I managed 2 of them mid afternoon as they pulled them in and out of the hangers. Best time to visit may be early morning when they first get started. There may have been more out flying. Not sure how many are based. I thought they had a base out of San Juan but I didn’t notice any there and given they have 2 large hangers here I suspect they all live here now. I could be wrong though.
There is a good spot next to the road at the Runway 08 threshold. Several locals parked here as well. The hangers can be seen although the heat haze was pretty bad. Theres a small road on the opposite side thats gives a better view if they are parked tail on and you can drive past the hangers. They where partially open when I was there and I could read one off that way.