Airliners.net

I just got off the phone with Steve Stein (Public Works, Street Services for the city of El Segundo) who I discussed the status of the Imperial Hill project with. He said, " Work will begin next Monday and take about a month and one half to complete". This project involved removing the old sidewalks, benches, and trees, and replacing them with a new viewing deck. Steve also mentioned that the deck will extend about 10 to 15 feet out over the slope of the hill.

I'm sure this is good news to anyone who has ever visited LAX. The "Hill" is a prime location for spotters and photographers alike, and has yielded me hours of enjoyment as well as some beautiful shots. 

Thank you city of El Segundo for continuing an over 20 year tradition of being spotter friendly!

Paul


Below you will find some shots from the Imperial Hill.

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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen

Great news for LAX spotters. Nice to see it will be completed before this summer as I will go there a few times on my California spotting tour. It really looks like a great spot and I'm glad to hear that at least one airport is building something for its spotters in the US (Liberty country)   or so they say.

Tim

I sure wish the City Of Los Angeles would do something spotter friendly like this.  But it's the city of El Segundo (just to the South of the 25 complex) that's building the viewing deck.  

Viva El Segundo!  

-Clovis

That is very good new to hear indeed.

Stephen

SInce there have been several letter writing campaigns to aiport authorities regarding closure of viewing spots, perhaps some nice letters to the El Segundo mayor's office and the chamber of commerce would be in order?

Hey that's good news Paul! I will be there for a week at the end of next month again. Can you still shoot anywhere around that area? I know parking thre would be out of the question, but can you park up the street and walk down there?



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Photo © Jeff Miller


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Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Yes there is room to park to the West and East of the Hill. I was there over the weekend and did just that. There is also room across the street in front of the homes.

Also, they have removed the no parking signs on the South side of the street across from the In and Out Burger Restaurant. This has added room for about 12 more cars to park and made things much easier for everyone.

Paul

do people shoot from In and Out? it seems like the sun would be in a terrible place?

Royal,

The In and Out and small park to the South of it are great places to gather (Plus have one GREAT burger) and go from there. Granted that the sun isn't in the best location 90% of the year, but you can still get a few good shots, if you work on it. And if you prefer perfection, all it takes is just a short walk South on Sepulved Blvd. to have the landing aircraft illuminated perfectly.

By the way, If there is one official (or maybe even unofficial) designated, sanctioned, or whatever you want to call it place in the City Of Los Angeles to view Jetliners, the little park has to be it. No cops, just everyone enjoying the atmosphere.

Paul

Below you will find some shots taken from the In and Out, and little park across the street from it.

Enjoy!

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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen


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Photo © Paul Paulsen

Good news regarding both spots. Bravo City of El Segundo.

Is Proud Bird still available?

Thanks Paul for the headup info. on Imperial Hill. I will wait rather till LAX weather to cool down in winter season then head the hill again with my slides shooting (yeah and the digital stuff)

I have always have a soft spot for LAX , unforunatly the feeling is gone due to few reasons plus low traffic volume after 3pm..I think NY airports have won my heart over.

Oh BTW
No problem for me on your plugs but from my observation it probably won't help too much  

Sam

Hi Conan,

Yes, the Proud Bird parking lot is still available. But I suggest that you keep a low profile by sitting in you car until your ready to snap the shot.  

Paul

Soon LAX is gonna have drive-by-shootings. Photographers will be driving around until they see the right plane, then stop open up and *snap*snap*snap*, then its off to another spot.

 

-Clovis

Great pictures Paul, looking forward to come to LAX this August to hopefully try out what will be my new camera, Canon 10D. Hope they will be even more spotter friendly by then. You know if other surrounding airports are also friendly such as Long Beach or Orange County???

Tim

Well Clovis, someone was shooting the last time you came to LAX, and I don't mean with a camera. 

Wahaha! You know I landed they day that whacko marched up to the El-Al counter?! Luckily I fly AA  

-Clovis

Tim,

Great choice the 10D   I'm still using my old D-30, can you imagine that. 
As for other airports, I only concentrate on LAX,  it's the best!

Paul

Maybe this time Clovis, pick any day to arrive at LAX other than July 4. It's safer that way 

Yeah, well this time I'll be there end of June   Just in time for those great 24R sunsets  

-Clovis

Thanks for the update.

Paul- Is it worth a trip to Imperial Hill now? I have to be in LA on the 17th of May. (Actually the wife has a meeting in Bell....poor girl...)

Tony

Tony,

I think they will be working just at the top of the Hill. So either side of it (East or West) should be available to shoot from. I'm also interested in what the conditions will be, as my good friend and fellow A. net photographer Philippe Bleus will be visiting from Belgium at the end of the month.  

Paul

Thanks...I will give it a shot. If all else fails there is Inn n Out!!!!!

Also the PB parking lot 

Also Randy's Donuts, an LAPD favorite Tony  

-CLovis

I prefer my calories and fat from dead cows. Donuts are a thing of the past.

IF you were living in a place where Donuts are non-existant you wouldn't say that. My first breakfast in LA has already been planned. Randy's Donuts while the morning rush onto 24R arrives  

-Clovis

Well Clovis, I hope you don't overdose the first day.  I would hate to find you unconscious in the little park across the street from the In and Out. 

LOL "I'll have 4 double doubles, 8 vanilla shakes, 3 fries, and a coke please"

-Clovis

Clovis---You live in a place where bread is an artform and you are complaining?????  

With Long Beach, you may have to deal with the parking lot security, the airport security guys won't care, but the Devry and Boeing security might care.

Stephen

Tony, that may be, but I wish Donuts, Pizza, and Burgers were an artform too!

Croissants have nothing on donuts man   Homer Simpson understands...

-Clovis