IAD and DCA spotting?

[seahawks7757]

I prefer international wide body's so I assume that IAD is better for that. Where are the locations for both airports? I will have some time to kill Monday Morning after the Andrews Air Show before my flight out on American at DCA. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

[gonzalu]

Here is the best source of info for IAD, DCA and BWI on-line

http://www.washbaltspotters.net/

[megatop412]

Definitely IAD for the widebodies, the Udvar Hazy lot is great for this if they're landing on the 1's

[NickPeterman]

Caution, the light at Udvar Hazy is BAD!!!! this time of year. All of the Euro-heavies will land with the sun perfectly overhead, if not slightly behind. Depending on the runway usage, the Daily 1 and 2 parking garages are excellent.

[JBoulin94]

Caution, the light at Udvar Hazy is BAD!!!! this time of year. All of the Euro-heavies will land with the sun perfectly overhead, if not slightly behind. Depending on the runway usage, the Daily 1 and 2 parking garages are excellent.
I think you're being a bit dramatic Nick - the light isn't THAT bad at all. These are from two Sundays ago. The KLM was taken at 2:30!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26223409@N08/sets/72157629929628275/

[Runway1R]

Yeah, the best spot for the 1s is probably the Udvar Hazy Center. There are parking garages on airport property, right off aviation drive, that look out right over to the end of 19L when they're landing that way. Theres also another spot down by 19C off Cockpit Ct. Im not sure about any of the other runways though, checking google maps now.

[NickPeterman]

I think you're being a bit dramatic Nick - the light isn't THAT bad at all. These are from two Sundays ago. The KLM was taken at 2:30!

Perhaps I just have high standards for light :wink:


But in all seriousness, shooting an "all white" scheme like the AF A380 or 777 which lands close to high noon can be very challenging in that light. I took a bunch from UH a few weeks ago, and didn't edit any of them due to the light being so "gross" with that wonderful gray look the sky gets early during summer afternoons. The positive thing is that it gets better as the day wears on, and there are still UAL, BA, AF, and TK heavies in the later afternoon.



Nick

[seahawks7757]

Really I won't be able to do any spotting til late after the airshows, what are the later arrivals into IAD?

[NickPeterman]

I believe British Sends a 777 daily in the later PM before sunset, Turkish sends an A343/A333, Air France sends a 777 on certain days (wen the Super doesn't operate the flight) UAL has a 763/772 arrival bank as well I do believe.

[seahawks7757]

I'll have to monitor flightaware and take a look.