Spotting Opportunities at KMCO and Sanford

[microlight]

Coming over from the UK for Sun n Fun 2008. Whats the situation with photography and spotting at Sanford and KMCO these days. On previous visits the Police have been very anti spotter/photographer.

Has it improved any , or is it just as bad. Years ago it was possible to park on Frontage Road but that isn't possible now is it. When I drove round Tradeport Drive 2 years ago the amount of people who eyed me up with suspicion was disconcerting (ridiculous really). Have attitudes changed at all , any locations of note that dont get hassle from the Police ? We are allies over here not terrorists.....

:(

[markg]

At MCO you could try the parking garage. It's not good for photography but is OK for spotting. Techincally you need a permit from the Airport Authority to be up there, but they are suspended due to the threat level.

Best you can do is go up there and give it a try and see how long it is before the PD kick you out.

AFAIK the airport authority at Sanford are not as welcoming!

[FlyNavy]

MCO also has some great spotting locations of Goldenrod Rd. near the taxiway overpasses (over near 17L/35R, the new runway). Got some shots from that area yesterday but haven't edited any yet. I might be attending Sun 'n Fun 2008 as well - perhaps we could meet up then.

[SengaB]

I suppose I should add my 2 cents since I am currently in that area.
About that parkig Garage, I took a tour of the garage about a month ago and reached the rooftop of the Garage. I was so embarrassed that I could not find my way down and some airport workers lounging around saw me and started laughing and saying they have never seen ANYONE ever top here with a car and how the heck did I get there!! :) The view was just amazing but everything was just too far away even with the Canon 100mm-400mm.
During the times I have been at MCO I haven't had any problems there but I have been told that law enforcment is pretty agressive with Phootogs there and have frequently compared to EWR cops. MCO was prtty laid back untill they got that ewn airport manager a few years back. He shut all the spots down.

SFB,
The city where I am,
SFB is pretty bad. Again I haven't had problems there as I just get my shot and go but from the experience of others they will give you a very hard time you are lucky if thats all they do. I don't recommend shooting at SFB unless theres something you really need.
If you are coming to the area I'd suggest hitting MIA and FLL areas instead.

Senga

[FlyNavy]

Here are a couple shots from Goldenrod Road (weather sucked, plan ahead for this anywhere in FL).









As Senga said, the terminal top provides great views of the airfield as well.

[microlight]

Cheers guys , and thanks for the info. Sounds like it will be a vacation spent dodging the cops to get some shots.... :(

Anyone been to Sun N Fun before and what are the photo
opportunities like , how close can you get and is flightline access possible ??

Thanks

Microlight (andy) UK