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05/18/2006 10:47:07 AM · #1 |
Im going to be staying by the airport in Philadelphia this weekend. I will have a little time to kill there.
I have an interest in shooting planes landing and/or taking off. Are there any cool spots to do that near the airport? I know many cities have made the best locations no parking zones in our post 911 world.
Any insight would be appreciated |
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05/18/2006 11:56:37 AM · #2 |
| Try driving out by Fort Mifflin or Tinicum wildlife refuge. South of the airport is Tinicum township. Getting near to the runways may be difficult. |
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05/18/2006 12:56:30 PM · #3 |
About a month ago, I stayed by the airport for a couple of weeks and I second the idea of Tinicum Wildlife Refuge. You'll see all sorts of wonderful waterfowl in ponds and marshes around the airport, but they're almost impossible to get to (plus I was told you'll get an expensive ticket - it's illegal). So, I went to Tinicum and got some shots (although not as good as the ones I wanted closer to the airport).
I didn't see ANYWHERE that was really accessible in or near the airport for plane shots. They've got it pretty well barracaded/blocked off. However, if you drive around (and don't get too lost or run over), you might find a spot or two I missed. If you want strictly transportation shots (i.e., planes, trains, & automobiles), then you might try the taxi stands and metro/train stops at the airport. They are "outside" and some have closer views of the planes circling/landing/taking off. Otherwise, you could try "inside" the airport through the glass - but security checks are frequent & thorough. Good luck!
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05/18/2006 01:49:02 PM · #4 |
Actually I'm more interested in the aviation stuff. The bridge on I95 that crosses the Skukyll (however its spelled?)River is an awesome view of the runway as you head south, but you can't exactly park there.
THere have to be some surrounding streets that the flight path for landings and takeoffs go over - and you can legally park somewhere |
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05/21/2006 08:27:31 PM · #5 |
I just got back from Philly and I will share what I learned about shooting around the airport there.
First, I stayed in the Hilton which is 9 stories tall and had some good views from windows on the 9th floor. Theres a good one at the end of the hall and another where the vending machines are.
Second, I didn't go there, but it seems that the upper floors of the airport parking garage would have a pretty unobstructed view of the main runways.
Third, there is a road that runs around the entire airport on the south side that seperates you from the runways by nothing except a chain link fence. It's called Fort Mifflin Road and later becomes Hog Island road. For the most part its pretty deserted - except for bikers racing their crotch rockets, although it's an industrial area and this was a Saturday. I got some pretty good shots of planes landing and taking off. The only suggestion I would make is bring a small ladder (6 foot or so) so you can get lower shooting angles over the fence. |
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05/21/2006 09:44:10 PM · #6 |
| Also much of South Philly is within eyeshot of the planes landing as they come across South Jersey and South Philly for their landing approach. |
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05/21/2006 10:10:21 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by photodude:
I just got back from Philly and I will share what I learned about shooting around the airport there.
First, I stayed in the Hilton which is 9 stories tall and had some good views from windows on the 9th floor. Theres a good one at the end of the hall and another where the vending machines are.
Second, I didn't go there, but it seems that the upper floors of the airport parking garage would have a pretty unobstructed view of the main runways.
Third, there is a road that runs around the entire airport on the south side that seperates you from the runways by nothing except a chain link fence. It's called Fort Mifflin Road and later becomes Hog Island road. For the most part its pretty deserted - except for bikers racing their crotch rockets, although it's an industrial area and this was a Saturday. I got some pretty good shots of planes landing and taking off. The only suggestion I would make is bring a small ladder (6 foot or so) so you can get lower shooting angles over the fence. |
No offense but you are lucky you werent shot or taken in. Hog island road leads to one of the major oil refineries (sunoco) in the area. not to mention taking photos of planes. im just saying it probably wasnt the smartest idea.
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05/21/2006 10:16:38 PM · #8 |
| I never left the public road. What exactly would I be shot for or taken in for and by whom? Judging by the street racing going on there it didnt seem to be a place of overzealous law enforcement |
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