JFK on Saturday

[B77WYYZ]

Hello all

I am a aviation photographer from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and I was down JFK way last September for UN Week. It looks like I mis-calculated by the recent posts about when UN week was starting! I booked a ticket on JetBlue out of Buffalo for this Saturday, so I guess I'll be missing some of the extra flights. Will check JetBlue for next week, depending on the weather. For this Saturday, I'm seeing sunny skies and North winds!! Does this mean they will be on the 31s? Can anyone help out about where the best place would be to photograph early morning arrivals on 31R! and if anyone can tell me about the habits of the A380s. I've listened to LiveATC and it seems they prefer to land on 31L. Has any ever landed on 31R? I've seen a picture of either Emirates or Air France landing on 13L!!
Of course the A380s are at the top of my list, also including Delta B744s, I look forward to any information possible, thanks Kelli (B77WYYZ)

[moose135]

If the winds are from the north/northwest, they should be on 31 L/R. That said, there is often little apparent rhyme or reason behind runway usage. The A380 doesn't land on 31R - there are obstacles at the far end that cause clearance issues for turning off the runway. For 31R arrivals, Firestone/Panera (Point C on the JFK Spotting Guide will give you the best view. For 31L, you want to be at either Bayswater Park (Point D) or Inwood Park (Point G). Inwood Park will get you closer, but with a shorter window to shoot due to trees and other obstructions. Bayswater gives a good overview of JFK, as well as arriving traffic. If you want to catch some departures off 31L, head over to Howard Beach (Point A) When the heavies depart, you can get some nice bank shots. If the weather holds, I may head out for a bit Saturday - I haven't been out spotting in ages.

[B77WYYZ]

thanks Moose135 for the information. Is there an early morning spot for 31R arrivals before the sun swings. Something about North Woodsmere Park! or can you suggest any other spot, Kelli (B77WYYZ)

[moose135]

I'm not much of a morning person, Kelli, but I have heard that North Woodmere Park may work in the early morning. If they are arriving on 4L/R, which they do frequently at that time, Bayswater would be the place to be, but the gate may or may not be open.

[MSN007]

Can someone elaborate more on UN General Assembly? When does it start and when is the most anticipated arrivals?

Thanks,

[steve1840]

thanks Moose135 for the information. Is there an early morning spot for 31R arrivals before the sun swings. Something about North Woodsmere Park! or can you suggest any other spot, Kelli (B77WYYZ)

Kelli - If they are using the 31s in the morning right after sunrise you can also try the Northen edge of the Lowes parking lot which is located on Rockaway Blvd. This has provided me some good early morning shots, such as this one (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7163611). This spot can be good until past 8:00, but chances are by then they will switch to the 4s or 22s anyway.

[moose135]

Can someone elaborate more on UN General Assembly? When does it start and when is the most anticipated arrivals?

Looks like the following weekend, Sept. 17 - 18, will be the prime arrival dates.

[B77WYYZ]

nice shot Steve, I think that will work just fine, thanks again, Kelli (B77WYYZ)

[steve1840]

Thanks Kelli. And now problem at all. In that parking lot there are a few trees off to the right side of the view of the passing aircraft and once the planes get to about the 1-2 o'clock position they will be behind the trees and disapear. Also, grab a can of bug spray before heading out. You will need it parking along the edge of the parking lot or going to the Mounds if they switch to the 22s later in the day.

[gonzalu]

The Lowes parking lot is technically not an official spotting location because it is private property and aggressively managed. So, be aware that there are security sweeps by a private company every 5 minutes or so sometimes shorter sometimes longer. So be aware of that and if asked to leave, please do so immediately and without confrontation for the sake of those that will come after you

A somewhat better spot (from a security point of view) is from Brookville Blvd immediately south of Rockaway Blvd. You can stay in your car and shoot from the window but there is a building to your southeast that blocks the view of the traffic so you may have to act quickly and pay attention to the tower landing clearance to be ready.

[steve1840]

Thanks for adding in the point that Lowes is not an official spotting location Manny and that it is private property. It was a good point that security does sweep through there frequently. I forgot to bring that up, probably because I have never been approached by the security personnel, but thats not to say that it won't happen.

[gonzalu]

Steve, I have never been approached either, but I have enough sense to make myself transparent when they swing by me LOL. I wouldn't want someone to think it was an official spot and then find themselves in a tug of war with a security officer. I say it should only be used for emergencies (a super special bird or an off hour visitor that normally visits after hours etc.) but for a British Air or TAM or any of the regulars, it isn't worth it.

[Cary]

Just stating the obvious, but for anyone planning to spot, with the public being reminded to report anything suspicious and warnings of credible threats, visits from law enforcement or even being asked to leave the "official" spots are much more likely this weekend.

[B77WYYZ]

thanks to all for very useful information. Just checking the weather and winds seem to be now ENE or NE. I guess that would put the 4s in play!! Im hoping. Would like to sit at Bayswater and get everything coming and going, saves the running around, thanks again Kelli (B77WYYZ)

[megatop412]

I used to frequently use that lot when Lowes was Pergaments, and I was never hassled there at all. Course, like Manny I make myself inconspicuous as much as I can.