Went JFK Spotting

[Speedbird1]

We finally drove-out to spot at JFK yesterday. After 20 years, I was horrified to see that the hill across Rockaway Blvd by 22L was levelled. We used to spend hours at that spot. The paths are gone and it's full of bushes and trees. Then we drove over to North Woodmere Park to spot Rwy 31R arrivals. That spot is very disappointing. The aircraft are almost 2 miles away and are backlit. We could make-out the aircraft but the tail # is impossible to see without a "telescope". We stayed almost for 4 hours and weren't bothered except for a police car driving around but he didn't bother us. Also there is a sign upon entering saying that this Park is for Nassau County residents only. How can they tell if you are a resident or not? We weren't asked for an ID. I wouldn't return to the Park mostly due to the backlighting problem. Also, all the restrooms were locked. When leaving, we passed Costco, which offers a great view of 31R arrivals but I was told that security guards chase spotters away from the lot. Is that true?

[N186BD]

I was shooting from Burger King yesterday morning and had no problems. Only complaint is that I had horrible luck with the approaches as I don't have a scanner. Got some photos of a Speedbird and Singapore heavies, but as soon as they switched from the 22's I couldn't keep up. I ended up going to Howard Beach and all I caught was the A train passing by! Better luck next week I guess.

[Speedbird1]

I was shooting from Burger King yesterday morning and had no problems. Only complaint is that I had horrible luck with the approaches as I don't have a scanner. Got some photos of a Speedbird and Singapore heavies, but as soon as they switched from the 22's I couldn't keep up. I ended up going to Howard Beach and all I caught was the A train passing by! Better luck next week I guess.Do you mean the Burger King at the Five Towns Shopping Center right on Rockaway Blvd? That BK looks perfect for seeing 31R arrivals. Is there a different BK by 22L approach? Thanks.

[MarkLawrence]

The BK on Rockaway is the one for 31R - it's the old Firestone - look at the map for NYCA spotting locations for JFK - the better spot for 22L arrivals (and 22R when some go that way) is the Mounds.

[N186BD]

Woops, looks like I got my numbers mixed up. You guys are right.

[N186BD]

Here's my best shot of the day, not too bad for my first time. Tell me what you guys think!

N186BD

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3336045136_00c2d35e8f_b.jpg

[Speedbird1]

Excellent. What kind of zoom lens did you use? Was this taken from BK on Rockaway Blvd? Were you told to move-on or did you leave on your own? Singapore is 1 of my favorite airlines. I first saw the logo back in the 80's on 1 side of the British Concorde which now resides at the Intrepid. Sadly, I read that eventually even Singapore will stop flying 744s into JFK. The aircraft uses too much fuel.

[N186BD]

What kind of zoom lens did you use? Was this taken from BK on Rockaway Blvd? Were you told to move-on or did you leave on your own?
Speedbird,
I'm using a Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens with a D40 body. The photo was taken from the Burger King on Rockaway Blvd. They had an extremely low volume of customers that morning (~0930-1115); I was surprised I wasn't hassled based on that fact.

Has anyone tried to spot from the dirt bike paths that run along Rockaway Blvd just west of the 5 Towns Shopping Center? Looks to me like a good spot to catch some 22's. Just a thought.

N186BD

[Speedbird1]

Yes, I also noticed those bike paths when I visited the area on Sat. The problem is that there is no parking there. If you park at the Mall and leave your car to visit the bike paths on foot, the car could get ticketed or towed, I would imagine. The paths would make a great spot. Of course, patrol cars would probably see spotters eventually and chase them away. Since I live in Brooklyn, it would be senseless to go out there for a few minutes of spotting. In the near future, I'll try the Mounds.

[N186BD]

I'm very sure I've seen people parked at those paths. How else are you going to get your dirt bikes there? But you've got a good point, that spot is very out in the open.

The biggest problem I had was not knowing what and when planes were coming in to JFK. Do you guys have any suggestions? A320s and 747's are great aircraft, but I'd like to get a wider selection of aircraft and liveries.

Cheers,
N186BD

[Speedbird1]

I used to bring a scanner when I went spotting so I would know in advance which planes were on their way and when runways were being changed. It was invaluable and it made it very exciting. The scanner was cheap, from Radio Shack about $100. Sadly, I misplaced the battery holder and the antenna snapped-off, so its useless. If I knew I would be allowed to remain all day, I'd purchase a new one. I'm a senior citizen now and don't have the energy to go into the field so often and that was before 9-11, so we were never told to leave, back then. There were better aircraft, too. Gorgeous 747's and Concordes. Only the A388 now excites me and that never passes-over the 5 Towns Shopping Center as it goes to Rwy 31L by the bay.

[moose135]

Hey Speedbird, a couple of tips on spotting at JFK. I'll reference the points on the JFK Spotting Map - http://nycaviation.com/jfkspotting

One of our favorite spots for 31R is Firestone - there is a closed Firestone service center in the parking lot, hence our name for it. You may get checked out by NCPD (they have a police booth in the lot) but they rarely do anything beyond checking IDs (and perhaps recording your info). Burger King is a good spot for closer, quartering head-on shots, like N186BD posted. I've had NCPD come check me out there once after a concerned citizen called it in. We used to go to Costco, but a couple of years ago a new store manager asked us to leave (it was during the Christmas shopping season). I know some guys have returned there from time to time. All three spots are listed under Point C, although they are a few blocks apart.

From Firestone:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/353932358_iqMXM-M-1.jpg

From Burger King:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/96053240_hxj5u-M-2.jpg



For 31L (which you will need to catch the A380 as it doesn't use 31R) Inwood Park (Point G) is probably your best bet.
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/353931083_2McHM-M-1.jpg

You can also catch 31L arrivals at Bayswater Park (Point D). Bayswater is a wildlife refuge (?) and does not have paved walkways. Wear old/waterproof shoes if you go there following wet weather. Bayswater is also a good location for 4L/R arrivals and 22L/R departures in the morning, and 13R departures.

4R arrivals:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/260403206_5o9xL-M-2.jpg

13R departure:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/200901300_PndHd-M-2.jpg

For 22L, North Woodmere Park (Point F) is good for morning shooting. I usually park at the far end of the parking lot, then follow the walkway along the water down to near the end, where you will get some good side on shots. You can also shoot 22R from there, but it is a stretch. You can shoot 31L arrivals from the parking lot area, but as you saw, they will be backlit and a bit of a reach. North Woodmere, like Inwood Park, is a Nassau County park, and at times, especially summer weekends, you may be asked to provide ID showing NC residence for admission.

22L arrival:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/150157435_7DZkm-M-2.jpg

Simultaneous approaches:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/287838331_gf2Tw-M-2.jpg

For afternoons, The Mounds (Point B) is your best bet for 22L. It is located next to a soccer field, and is literally a hill facing the approach path. The aircraft will be quite close as they pass by, you won't need a long lens here. It is actually situated between 22L and 222R, so 22R arrivals, while close, will be backlit.

A380 from The Mounds:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/346651024_GnSHK-M-1.jpg

Howard Beach (Point A) is the spot for 31L departures (the classic "Howard Beach bank shot"). Unfortunately, this only works for heavy aircraft - smaller jets or lightly loaded heavies tend to turn before they get to you.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/225077855_sCpQK-M-2.jpg


Although it won't tell you what aircraft are approaching, you can call JFK ATIS to check active runways (and runway changes). Call 718-995-8188 and you will get the same automated info that pilots can listen to on the radio.

[skyhawka4m]

Is this info also available on the net in a timely manor. I recently purchased a blackberry and have been using my net service with flightaware to help me know what is happening here at Philly. I am hoping for a trip to JFK but past trips have seen num erous runway changes and some missed planes. Is the a site on the net that has the active runway info available?


John Binford
Warminster, pa

[AA757]

I made my first trip to JFK last Wednedsay and Thursday and had a great time. I used a scanner in my car and heard all the planes coming in and out. I spent almost all day at Costco and no one said boo to me. They did change from Runway 31R to 22 L and then back to 31R and then back to 22L at the end of the day. So I guess that is 4 runway changes. When they were landing on 22L I spent over 4 hours parked along Brookville road and no one bothered me while I was there.


I found it to be quite relaxing and fun and I cannot wait to go back.


Rich B.


http://www.pbase.com/richbarnett/kennedy_international

[727C47]

all that is needed is an INN n Out burger,on crossbay,or rockaway,and we will be good to go !

[threeholerglory]

all that is needed is an INN n Out burger

I second that....