An Observation Deck At An American Airport?

MaverickM11 · Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:33 am

I noticed MSP has an observation deck (http://www.mspairport.com/MSP/MSP_Kids/Observation_Deck/)...is it really open? Is it just a mirage? Anybody been?

pilottim747 · Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:45 am

The observation deck at MSP is still open. However, because it's in the secure area its for ticketed passengers only. Here's two of my favorite photos from the observation deck:

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Photo © TJ OKeefe

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Photo © Doug Owens

pilottim747
www.mspupdate.com

RobINDYHP · Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:58 am

IND has one. It's for ticketed paxs right now. it is all indoor.
there is an outdoor also but it was closed years ago.

Tom in NO · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:06 am

OKC used to have a really good deck overlooking the ramp. I'm not sure that it survived the terminal expansion. Any of the OKC folks care to update us?

Tom at MSY

MaverickM11 · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:07 am

I'd sacrifice a small goat to have even ticketed-only decks at any major American Airport. Where's the threat? Charge $5 per entry and make some money!

ArmitageShanks · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:08 am

Here at TRI we have one open to anyone. Its just above where the aircraft are at the gates on the West side of the terminal.

InnocuousFox · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:13 am

We have had a couple of recent threads about the one at SJC. Also, in a lot of cases, the top of a parking garage will do you just fine!

deltairlines · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:27 am

Both MHT and BTV have one. BTV's is their old control tower, overlooking the UA/US/Common Use (I've seen AA, DL, NW, and CO all there before) gates (can't really see the B6 gate).

MHT is right at the corner of the old A and B concourses, right over the Southwest, United, Delta, and US Airways gates. You can't really see the old C concourse from this location.

Both are open to the public, with BTV being open at specific hours (I think its 9-6), while MHT is open 24 hours a day (but the airport is effectively closed down between 0030 when the last DL flight arrives, and 0530, when it turns back for CVG). I've used the deck at MHT as early as 0630 before to go spotting, and I will be spotting from it at 0530-0600 next month before flying off to ATL.

Jeff

Chi-town · Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:41 am

You can get some really great shots at PHX from atop the parking garage! Just as good!

flyingdoctorwu · Wed Mar 10, 2004 9:17 am

BWI has an observation gallery between concourse B and C- it's not an outside deck though. It's also got a nice aviation history display.

Chris

Okie · Wed Mar 10, 2004 9:51 am

Tom in NO

The observation deck in OKC fell to the wrecking ball during the expansion and the opening of the new West Concouse. I did not see any plans on the airport website for another one.

The observation deck originally was quite popular and had ATC piped in back in the 60's. Parent and the kids could watch the other half arrive or depart or just watch planes. As security increased over the years it found itself positioned behind security points became less popular as there are not many connecting flights from OKC mostly O & D not too many people used it.

After 9-11 Paranoia set in and it was closed most of the time with a sign in front of it that was closed for security reasons.

Okie

erj · Wed Mar 10, 2004 12:48 pm

Lehigh Valley International, ABE used to have one, not sure about it anymore. It was in the non-secured area. Of course ABE isn't the busiest airport in the world.

I like the PHX parking garages. Can get expensive if you don't pay attention, but the view is great!

syncmaster · Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:33 pm

GRR you can spot from the terminal, then there is an indoor observation deck, and an absolutely awesome outside spotting area, huge area raised above the fence, paved, picnic tables, etc.

Link - http://www.grr.org/Visitor/viewing_area.html

The best thing is, they are ALL three still available for use.

geedo · Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:39 pm

When I was a youngster, I lived in the Seattle area. I remember there being an observation deck at Sea-Tac. Is it still there/open? I'm going to visit there soon and would love to check it out. Along with BFI and Paine Field!

AirVB · Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:48 pm

LAX has a greattt one right on top of the Theme Building (Encounter Restaurant) with a panaromic view of the airfield. Unfortunately it was closed after 9/11 due to "security concerns"

Adam T. · Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:54 pm

We have an observation area in CLT off runway 18R (or is it 36R?- I get so confused). Anyway, they are beginning construction on another parallell runway which is sure to do away with this area. The airport director has said though he would like to see a new one constructed as it is very popular. Everytime I go it is packed! There is also another observation area at a museum on the other side of the airport off of 18L/36L. That one charges a $3 dollar fee but it is worth it. If the planes are departing towards the south they start their takeoff roll right beside the observation area!!!! IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!! Either way, we have been very lucky here in CLT.

Adam

Badger21 · Wed Mar 10, 2004 2:06 pm

MKE Has an out door viewing area just north of the airport. You can pick up the tower on your radio. Not a bad spot, if planes are landing rwy 19R or departing rwy 1....thats somewhat rare though

airfrancejfk · Wed Mar 10, 2004 4:57 pm

Many eons ago (circa 1980's) prior to the building of the current JFK control tower, Terminal 4 (or the IAT as it was called then) had a small indoor viewing gallery, on the second floor directly behind the food court open to everyone. Spent many afternoons there. It remained open for several years after the current control tower was built, however the tower blocked out most of the aircraft and when T4 was being remodeled, it was closed altogether.

dtwclipper · Wed Mar 10, 2004 10:44 pm

I remember the observation deck at DTW, but back then we didn't have that much traffic, it was located near the north end of the Smith Terminial.

I remember watching BOAC VC-10's (as a real youngser) and later, BA 747's, PA aircraft, as well as AA & UA DC-10's and the BN aircraft coming and going.

It closed ages ago, I would say before most of the younger A.net users were even born.

Those were the days.

KA501 · Wed Mar 10, 2004 10:54 pm

IAD used to have an outdoor observation deck, overlooking the commuter ramp.

MidnightMike · Thu Mar 11, 2004 12:25 am

The Long Beach Airport in Long Beach California has a nice little observation deck, just like in the old days.

jhooper · Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:37 am

IAD has a tower you can go up in at the new Smithsonian center....

BDLGUY · Thu Mar 11, 2004 4:32 am

BDL (Hartford/Springfield) has a public aircraft viewing area on Route 20 in East Granby, CT where you can watch or take photos the planes landing or taking off from Runway 06.

But, keep in mind, the Connecticut State Police are still monitoring at the parking lot if there is any suspicious activity. You may questioned from the police.

For aviation photography:
The best time is to taking photos of the planes in the afternoon because the sun is on your back. (from 12:00pm until dusk). Big grin

See below a couple of photos from my good friend Corey: Big thumbs up

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Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Corey Robinson

View Large View Medium
Click here for bigger photo!

Photo © Corey Robinson

Cheers!
John/BDL

KBOS · Thu Mar 11, 2004 4:50 am

Logan used to have one on the 19th floor of the tower with a snack bar. I wasted many Saturdays there in my youth. It was gone long before 9/11. It did provide a great view of the runways. There is a little plastic bubble built into the sides of the tower just below the top. If you can ever get into the stairwells, it was an amazing view of the field. You were up so high you could see the skid marks on the pavement.....

flyingdoctorwu · Thu Mar 11, 2004 4:51 am

I've noticed at DEN there's a "45 minute waiting area"- though have never had time to stop
is there good viewing from that?

Chris

InnocuousFox · Thu Mar 11, 2004 5:33 am

"I've noticed at DEN there's a "45 minute waiting area"- though have never had time to stop"

I go through DEN all the time. Where is that?

flyingdoctorwu · Thu Mar 11, 2004 5:38 am

"I go through DEN all the time. Where is that?"

I'm sorry.. it's outside as your approach the airport- i think before the fuel plaza

Chris

goomba · Thu Mar 11, 2004 5:42 am

BDL on route 20 is nice. My dad used to take me there as a kid to watch the planes. Now the Connecticut State Troopers make it hard to enjoy as they are suspicious of everyone there.

Connecticut State Troopers are a really tough bunch anyways. BDL is the only airport that I have seen since 9-11 that have freakin dogs at the security checkpoint and walking around the passengers in the gate areas.

BDLGUY · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:05 am

BDL on route 20 is nice. My dad used to take me there as a kid to watch the planes. Now the Connecticut State Troopers make it hard to enjoy as they are suspicious of everyone there.

Connecticut State Troopers are a really tough bunch anyways. BDL is the only airport that I have seen since 9-11 that have freakin dogs at the security checkpoint and walking around the passengers in the gate areas.

Yes, That's true but some Troopers are very nice and professional but they're doing their job.

After 9-11, I got questioned from the trooper when I took photo of USA 3000 A320 at BDL and told him that I am hearing impaired. The trooper understood and talked to me very slow and wide open so I would be able to read his lips. He said,"People...are...very....nervous...when...they...saw...you...taking...pictures...that's...why...they...called...us.

Cheers! Big thumbs up

John/BDL

[Edited 2004-03-10 22:09:47]

clrd2go · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:11 am

I used to love the obs deck at ABQ circa late 70's-mid 80's. I'd get to the
airport a couple hours before a flight just to hang out on the deck there.

Jim

goomba · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:15 am

BDLguy - I understand that they are doing their jobs and I respect them completely. It's just a little tough to swallow that SWAT like policemen with dogs are standing at the security checkpoints at BDL today when you are going through. 9-11 will never be forgotten, but it was 2001 and we are now in 2004. Are the dogs really necessary?

jeffrey1970 · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:23 am

Does IAD still have there observation deck?

BDLGUY · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:39 am

Are the dogs really necessary?

Well, the dogs smell everyone if they carry any illegal drugs at the airport. Smile/happy/getting dizzy

Cheers!
John/BDL

goomba · Thu Mar 11, 2004 6:42 am

I suppose you are correct, but who cares?

Rhodylee · Thu Mar 11, 2004 9:04 am

ALB has one inside the new terminal. Last time I went, there was one inside the Museum of Flight at BFI.

If I remember right, they both had ATC piped in.

airjampanam · Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:19 am

I believe the observation deck from the NJ Turnpike is especially great for EWR!
Smile

Braniff1960 · Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:34 am

AIRJAMPANAM,
where is that observation deck at EWR?

or were you being "funny" about seeing them from the
aircraft from the turnpike?

flyingdoctorwu · Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:11 am

Driving by EWR on the turnpike is very dangerous because I always have my head cranked to watch the planes...

Chris

SEAPete · Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:29 am

SEA is going through a central terminal expansion which should be done next year and will feature a big observation area with retail all behind the security area. You'll have a great view of Horizon's gates... You'll see lots of people getting rained on while boarding DHC-8's!

geedo · Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:12 pm

I can see that at PDX from the garage!

airjampanam · Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:26 pm

I was joking GOOMBA......just make sure you are NOT driving when you visit, might prove hazardous as the FlyingdoctorWu can attest to!

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