Planespotting around PHX (Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe: taxi, fence, military)

[Idaho945]

This question is primarily for the aviation fans, much like myself. Where are the ideal spots to view aircraft around central Arizona? I understand there is a small park at Phoenix/Mesa Gateway airport. Has anyone been there? Is there free parking? And despite the lone airline there, is it worth the visit? What about Sky Harbor? And i know its highly unlikely, but is it possible to get a tour of the stored jets at Goodyear? I don't mind military aircraft but I'm mostly interested in civil aviation.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by Idaho945

This question is primarily for the aviation fans, much like myself. Where are the ideal spots to view aircraft around central Arizona? I understand there is a small park at Phoenix/Mesa Gateway airport. Has anyone been there? Is there free parking? And despite the lone airline there, is it worth the visit? What about Sky Harbor? And i know its highly unlikely, but is it possible to get a tour of the stored jets at Goodyear? I don't mind military aircraft but I'm mostly interested in civil aviation.

The best spot is inside the parking garages in Sky Harbor. I prefer the one right below the tower (T3 I think?). You have to pay, but its worth it. You can walk from the north side of the garage to the south side and get to see the action on either runway. The south end of the garage will also get you views of the military aircraft that occasionally take off and land. The north end affords you great views of the Delta action directly below, including fueling, pushback, etc. The east end of the garage lets you catch all the taxiing action over the road, which is kinda neat, plus great views of the tower.


The planes themselves leave A LOT to be desired. Its basically all A320 series and 737, with occasional CRJ and ERJ, and basically all United, AA, Southwest, and Delta. There are also Spirit, Alaska, etc, but they're nowhere near as frequent as the aforementioned airlines. I guess I got spoiled being a spotter around O'Hare (ORD) as long as I did. I find the variety of airlines and aircraft at KPHX to be rather boring. Oh well. I still enjoy it.


Oh, another decent spot to watch is on top of Hayden Butte in downtown Tempe. It gets you up a couple hundred feet and closer to them, but its nowhere near as cool as being inside the garages in Sky Harbor.

[ajonesaz]

There is a bar that you can sit at and watch Falcon Field in Mesa. No commercial jet liners but a lot of private planes, a lot of great vintage planes and some boeing test planes on occasion.

[maverick974]

Don't forget the aircraft museum at Falcon Field. It's a hidden gem.

[gamebird98]

"A" mountain

[SEA2PHX]

I stumbled on a dead-end road of sorts right next to the east end of the northern-most runway at PHX. It says no trespassing on the chain link fence separating you from the runway but I don't recall any no-parking signs. I've seen a few people parked there but I don't get the impression that anyone is just "hanging out". This past Sunday I dropped my wife off for her flight in the afternoon and then headed over there. Unfortunately there was a police SUV parked right where I normally would so I just turned around, waved, and left. :-)

To get there, take the 40th St exit off of the 202 and head south towards the airport. Again, not sure if it's "approved" but it's not shown as being airport property from what I can tell.

-Dave

[blueleo65]

That dead end spot at 40th is,the best spot,to watch BA 747 take off for London. BA always use that runway. The plane is very close. Enjoy (specially when the engines rev for take off)