Planespotting at TTN?

[CathayA340]

I doubt it's possible. Can you do planespotting at Trenton Mercer Airport in NJ? I think the schedule is very slow and they barely have any flights. The biggest birds they probably have are around A319's with Frontier Airlines....Thanks!

[Cary]

If you enjoy being treated like a criminal and like lengthy talks with police, sure :tongue: Let me summarize it like this: plane spotting at any of the major NJ airports (EWR, TTN, ACY, TEB) is going to be more of a hassle than anything. If you are just starting aviation photography, I'd highly recommend practicing at PHL, JFK, BWI, where aviation photography is more widely accepted. At the NJ airports, you will literally have to lay low in your car and only get out of your car to photograph important movements. At PHL, JFK, and BWI, you can casually hang out outside of your car (in approved/normal spots) and take pictures of all planes. At TTN, I can guarantee you will be spotted by a police officer within your first 10 minutes.

[megatop412]

Cary wasn't TTN where you just had that recent trouble trying to get that new Frontier service

[Cary]

Cary wasn't TTN where you just had that recent trouble trying to get that new Frontier service

That it is:
http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/45178-Incident-at-Trenton-Mercer-Airport-1-31-2013

[CathayA340]

Thanks for all the info guys. I live in Middlesex County NJ, so the closest would probably be PHL. I guess I will try EWR first, and if that doesn't work, maybe I'll check out PHL. Thanks =D

[CathayA340]

Where would be a good spot to plane spot at PHL? If the spot was in Jersey, that would be much better =) Thanks!

[Cary]

Where would be a good spot to plane spot at PHL? If the spot was in Jersey, that would be much better =) Thanks!

There is a PHL spotting location in NJ, at Red Bank Battlefield Park, in National Park. You shouldn't have any problems at all there. Just park in the lot, and walk towards the river. Of course, you are across the river from the airport, so the distance is a little greater, but you can get all the 27 arrivals there, without having to venture into PA.

[CathayA340]

Thank you for the info, Cary! I will check it out =)

[CathayA340]

BTW, which would you rather spot at? JFK or PHL? I live about in the middle of them two, but PHL is a bit closer to me. Anyways, which would you recommend? Thanks!

[gonzalu]

BTW, which would you rather spot at? JFK or PHL? I live about in the middle of them two, but PHL is a bit closer to me. Anyways, which would you recommend? Thanks!

That's a good one. While JFK will get the nod for the BEST spotting airport in the world (some will argue LAX, but, I am biased) if you want US Airways fleet, you're better off at PHL... otherwise, JFK :tongue:

[Cary]

BTW, which would you rather spot at? JFK or PHL? I live about in the middle of them two, but PHL is a bit closer to me. Anyways, which would you recommend? Thanks!

Definitely JFK, but do PHL at least once, to get some US Airways like Manny said.

[CathayA340]

Ok, thanks gonzalu and Cary. Instead, I will actually try to head out to the EWR spot with belly views. If I get caught, I will try next weekend to head out to JFK...and if that doesnt work :P (which it will), I'll go to PHL then. I'll post my spotting experiences here for you guys =)

[Landing Lights]

I think the beauty of JFK is that it never seems to get old. There is such a wide variety of airlines operating there that even though you may tire of seeing Delta, AA, and JetBlue, there is still going to be a good mix of international airlines operating as well, in addition to the major carriers "specials". It is well worth the 2 hour or so drive for me from the Hudson Valley.

[CathayA340]

Thank you for the tips mldoc! I guess I will also try JFK in a few weeks or less. For me, it's a 1 hr 15 min drive to there.

[727C47]

I think the beauty of JFK is that it never seems to get old. There is such a wide variety of airlines operating there that even though you may tire of seeing Delta, AA, and JetBlue, there is still going to be a good mix of international airlines operating as well, in addition to the major carriers "specials". It is well worth the 2 hour or so drive for me from the Hudson Valley. JFK rocks it always has, LAX is second, MIA 3rd, I've never been to Maho beach so I can only imagine.

[megatop412]

As someone who regularly photographs at both Philly and JFK, I have to agree that JFK is tops...it just gets the best and most interesting traffic. No telling when you'll be standing there and an Il-96 flies by. Well, no telling for me, but others here are better at interpreting ACARS and flightaware, keeping abreast of important events like presidential visits and UN meetings, and using smartphones for real-time flight updates. I check flightaware before leaving the house and I have a scanner but that's it.

That said, PHL does get its share of interesting traffic(NASA Super Guppy, An-124's, F-18's, CV-340's, C-130's, AF1)

[727C47]

whose CV340? I used to fly them into PHL occasionally in the late 90's for Contract Air Cargo, once we parked right next to the Antonov,in the shadow of its tailfeathers actually, I loved flying the Convair !!!

[CathayA340]

Thanks for the tips. Soon I will head out to JFK and do some spotting :)

[CathayA340]

BTW, could you guys please tell me some good places to do planespotting and the security?

[Landing Lights]

For JFK locations, check out the "official" NYCA Spotting Guide Here (http://www.nycaviation.com/spotting-guides/jfk/). All of the locations listed there are commonly used and wll give you some excellent shots.

All of the locations at JFK are off airport property, so airport security isn't really an issue. Occasionally the cops show up to check us out (not that we are doing anything wrong, but taking pictures of planes scares some people and they call it in), though to be honest it has yet to happen to me. Typically around JFK they will just check your ID and be on their way. Check your PMs for a few more things to be aware of.

Dress appropriately for the weather. Several of the spotting locations are right on the water, and the rest aren't far away from it.

[CathayA340]

Thank you mldoc =) You seem to be so helpful and kind here! Everyone must like you! I will use that guide and go to the places. Thanks so much again =)

[Delta777LR]

you know for the fun of it. LGA would be a great practice of planespotting as well, LGA has so/so good traffic but often u see more regional stuff mostly DL and AE. LGA very often has speacial schemes come. Ill be out at JFK very often as well as LGA, if u ever come out u can PM me. LGA doesnt have alot of sec issues although same as JFK, cops will sometimes show up, check your ID and be on their way

[megatop412]

whose CV340? I used to fly them into PHL occasionally in the late 90's for Contract Air Cargo, once we parked right next to the Antonov,in the shadow of its tailfeathers actually, I loved flying the Convair !!!

The FAA flies calibration flights into PHL with them, and not too long ago Honeywell brought theirs in from Michigan I think. Paul K got it:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8183548922_70e96b20ae_b.jpg

[CathayA340]

Thanks everyone! Soon I will head out to LGA or JFK or PHL to check out some planes...thanks!