Vede From Norway, joined Oct 2007, 4 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 years 11 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 4657 times:
Hey,
I am traveling to USA in July and going to spend some time spotting at Orlando Intl (MCO) and Miami Intl (MIA). I need help to find the right spot for best pictures, when time and day is best for best airlines and aircraft variety. Can anyone help me with this and maybe give me a guide with pictures and map? We are renting a car with GPS so adresses to the right spots is easy to find.
Jetplaner From Canada, joined Mar 2008, 158 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 years 11 months 5 hours ago) and read 4607 times:
Here is a link to the Spotters Wiki page on Miami International Airport. They also have a page on Orlando, but it doesn't really have much useful information.
Flight From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 309 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (3 years 11 months 2 hours ago) and read 4592 times:
Hello, glad your coming to Miami. I am from the Miami area and I can help you out, just look at my photos, Steven Marquez-Miami Spotters, I do not have much but its a start, If you E-mail me, I can give you lots of info on aircraft and the locations, but for Orlando, its pretty difficult there cause of security, your best bet is Miami. Well E-mail me for I can get the info you need.
Saintex From Canada, joined Apr 2009, 176 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4557 times:
Quoting Jetplaner (Reply 1): Here is a link to the Spotters Wiki page on Miami International Airport. They also have a page on Orlando, but it doesn't really have much useful information.
Those are the only two 'safe' spots at MIA. The cul-de-sac near the holes is now a no parking area so you'll have to walk there or ride the bus. I spent several days recently at El Dorado/72nd St. and never saw a cop so I wouldn't worry too much about that.
MCO is definitely not spotter/photo friendly. The cops there certainly have a thing about anyone anywhere near the perimeter. No idea why, but that's often the way in the USA - there simply is no consistent policy. I wouldn't even bother with MCO; it's a long way to go for very little. Go to Ft. Lauderdale instead, nobody will bother you there.
LHRSIMON From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2002, 1342 posts, RR: 25 Reply 4, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 4535 times:
For Orlando you can spot from Level 9 of the central car park. But you have to go to the admin office at the airport and show photo id,fill out a form and then you get a permit. The spot is no good at all for photography but perfect for spotting as all movements can be logged. Instructions are as per the link to the Orlando Airport site.
I have only ever taken photos at the "holes" at MIA. Great spot but heat haze is a major problem. Logging all movements i found hard as often 3 runways are in use. I went there about 4 years ago and the Police were fine as long as you stayed at the official area. Take your passport though. I was there for 2 days and had no fewer than 4 patrol cars ask for ID. All very friendly though. And even had a good chat for over 20 mins with an officer about sports photography !!
Fort Lauderdale is the best. Good for photos and 2 official viewing area's. I visited the one in the main car park. Good for photos and spotting. Heat haze again was a major issue though. I never visited the other perimiter area. But i hear thats also very good.
Hope that helps.
Canon 1D Mk III,Canon 20D+17-40 L f4.0,70-200 L IS USM f2.8,400 L USM f5.6,135 mm L f2.0, 50 mm f1.8,1.4 x II extender
Vede From Norway, joined Oct 2007, 4 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 4525 times:
Quoting Saintex (Reply 3):
MCO is definitely not spotter/photo friendly. The cops there certainly have a thing about anyone anywhere near the perimeter. No idea why, but that's often the way in the USA - there simply is no consistent policy. I wouldn't even bother with MCO; it's a long way to go for very little. Go to Ft. Lauderdale instead, nobody will bother you there.
The reason why I ask about Orlando is because I am staying there most of the time. Actually just 10minutes drive straight south of the airport between the runaways so maybe I see some incoming aircrafts. Is there nearby car parking areas that we can stop on and take som shots on incoming airplanes? Or is that not very welcome from the police?
Dazed767 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 5447 posts, RR: 53 Reply 6, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 4501 times:
Good spot for 17L arrivals (most of the heavies, B6, DL, WN, FL). Sometimes they side step them right before that spot for 17R though. Just sit in your car, get your pic and get back in the car. I haven't been harassed yet.
Flight From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 309 posts, RR: 1 Reply 7, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 4490 times:
Vede From Norway, joined Oct 2007, 4 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (3 years 10 months 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 4467 times:
Quoting Dazed767 (Reply 6):
Good spot for 17L arrivals (most of the heavies, B6, DL, WN, FL). Sometimes they side step them right before that spot for 17R though. Just sit in your car, get your pic and get back in the car. I haven't been harassed yet.
I guess maybe its an idea too just drive around the airport and maybe find a good spot for taking pictures of airplanes on final approach? Of course it depends on the wind. Because maybe it easier with the police if I get a little bit of the airport area?
Follow the links for MIA and FLL. As another poster has indicated, the area by the holes is now posted as no parking. I haven't yet been to MIA since this has happened, so I'm not sure as to where to park and walk in to the area. I'm assumming it's ok to be at the holes, just not to park where we used to park.
July is not the best month to be visiting southern Florida airports. Heat haze will definitely be a problem. When shooting at the holes you are potentially taking pictures over a lot of concrete which is radiating that heat upward. You'll probably lose a lot of shots to heat haze, but you can still get some good ones.
727LOVER From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 5722 posts, RR: 20 Reply 11, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 4380 times:
The holes and El Dorado are fine for easterly ops, but in case they are using the westerly ops:
Here are 3 spots:
the first 2 I found by searching satellite images.
1. From Perimeter Rd, turn onto NW57th ave. Go to NW 7th st. and turn left. Turn left into Maceo Park. Walk to the very NE corner. The aircraft will be visible for about 15 seconds as they approach runway 30. And you will not HEAR them until they are upon you. You will need to keep your camera ready.
2. Same directions except you will continue down to NW 47th ave, turn left and go til the street dead-ends. From here, you can get shots like this:
I prefer being with someone, because anyone could call the cops from here.
3. For takeoffs on runway 27, you can get a 4-hour rental at the executive hotel along Perimeter Rd. for about $40. Pay and just walk out to the entrance. It will vary on whether aircraft will clear the fence. But this will not have great sun angle this time of year.
Sluger020889 From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 456 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 4364 times:
Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 11): For takeoffs on runway 27, you can get a 4-hour rental at the executive hotel along Perimeter Rd. for about $40. Pay and just walk out to the entrance. It will vary on whether aircraft will clear the fence. But this will not have great sun angle this time of year.
And if that doesn't work you can go back to your room and enjoy the vibrating bed, heart shaped tub, stained sheets and make faces at yourself in the mirror that's on the ceiling.
Enjoy.
I would love to fly a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong!
727LOVER From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 5722 posts, RR: 20 Reply 13, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 4329 times:
Quoting Sluger020889 (Reply 12): And if that doesn't work you can go back to your room and enjoy the vibrating bed, heart shaped tub, stained sheets and make faces at yourself in the mirror that's on the ceiling.
vibrating bed
heart shaped tub/jacuzzi
stained sheets{ checkmark}--after cheeck-out
edible undies, sold at front desk
something's missing.......oh yes, the pros
...and the sounds of 747, 757, 767 thrusting upward
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2362 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 4302 times:
Quoting LHRSIMON (Reply 4): The spot is no good at all for photography but perfect for spotting as all movements can be logged. Instructions are as per the link to the Orlando Airport site.
I have taken some very acceptable shots form the deck. Also, if you just ask some of the local businesses around there, you never know what you may get......
My "spotting" trip to MCO was head and shoulders above many I have had! It was a pleasure and I would do it again tommorrow. My wife and I had a great time and managed to get a number of quality images!
Dazed767 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 5447 posts, RR: 53 Reply 15, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 4285 times:
I mean you can drive around to try and find a spot, you may or may not get bothered. That google link is a good spot. I pulled in one day and a cop was sitting there for a good 20 mins. I stayed in my car, got out for a few shots but he never took a second look at me.
MechatNEW From United States of America, joined May 2005, 82 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 4253 times:
As for MCO. There used to be a 'viewing area' just on the side of the major highway. Does anybody know if it is still there?
Thanks
Saintex From Canada, joined Apr 2009, 176 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 4180 times:
Quoting MechatNEW (Reply 16): As for MCO. There used to be a 'viewing area' just on the side of the major highway. Does anybody know if it is still there?
No, that was put off limits immediately after 9/11, and I do mean IMMEDIATELY. I don't know why Orlando think they are in any more danger from wascally tewwowists than other airports, but there you are !
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2362 posts, RR: 9 Reply 18, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 4170 times:
Quoting Saintex (Reply 17): No, that was put off limits immediately after 9/11, and I do mean IMMEDIATELY. I don't know why Orlando think they are in any more danger from wascally tewwowists than other airports, but there you are !
It's the airport authority. The people in charge just treat it differently than some other airports. I suppose that's the best way to put it.
727LOVER From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 5722 posts, RR: 20 Reply 19, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4136 times:
Quoting Lexy (Reply 14): I have taken some very acceptable shots form the deck. Also, if you just ask some of the local businesses around there, you never know what you may get......
My "spotting" trip to MCO was head and shoulders above many I have had! It was a pleasure and I would do it again tommorrow. My wife and I had a great time and managed to get a number of quality images!
I looked at your flicer page but couldn't find the MCO stuff. Can you show me?
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2362 posts, RR: 9 Reply 20, posted (3 years 10 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 4120 times:
Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 19): I looked at your flicer page but couldn't find the MCO stuff. Can you show me?
727LOVER From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 5722 posts, RR: 20 Reply 21, posted (3 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 3989 times:
Quoting Lexy (Reply 14): My "spotting" trip to MCO was head and shoulders above many I have had! It was a pleasure and I would do it again tommorrow. My wife and I had a great time and managed to get a number of quality images!
Great images, but it appears you have some access that most folks woudn't.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2362 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (3 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 3985 times:
Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 21): Great images, but it appears you have some access that most folks woudn't.
Well, like I said above, all you gotta do is ask. You never know what you might get from it. Plus, all the shots you posted were either with a visitor pass or escort. The Zero G shot is something almost anyone can get if they are in the vicinity of Titusville when Zero G is there. It's not a top secret location and the FBO there is really cool!
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