Question about Vaughn College

[Speedbird1]

I pass what looks like a mini-control tower at Vaughn College when I ride the bus near LGA. I imagine the view from there is great. Is this just used to teach students about ATC or is it used mainly as an observation deck? Is it open to us plane spotters? Maybe they should consider using it as an observation area unless the TSA would forbid it.

[emshighway]

It's just an observation deck. It's not on the AOA so TSA has no problem with it. You would have to check with the college to get access

[cancidas]

it's basically a lounge but you have to be a student to get access, it's not open to the public.

[alberchico]

As a former student I can shed some light on the tower.....

It is basically a small observation deck where students go up to eat, relax and bitch about their professors and classes. Sometimes an ATC class might come up to use it, and occasionally an event or reception might be held there, bit for the most part its only students that go up there, not faculty. It has an ATC audio feed piped into it. During the summer the college is mostly quiet so If you're young enough to pass for a student you could go straight to the elevators which are to your immediate left upon entering through the main doors. I have never seen anyone escorted off the campus by security. The glass should present no problems for picture taking. Vaughn also has a collection of aircraft like the King Air and IAI westwind for mechanics to work on. Sadly this is definitely off limits to non-students. This older thread should give you more info....

http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/39383-Plane-View-Park-World-Fair-Marina-and-Vaughn-College-(03-01-11)