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Because our plans for a trip to Asia fell through, we decided to go to the South western USA. Although we have been there a number of times, this part of the world is still one of our favourites. The usually fine weather, the diversity of aircraft types to be seen and, of course, the beautiful scenery makes us love the place.
On Saturday 27 September we took a flight from Amsterdam to LAX. After picking up our rental car, we spent the night in the LA area. The next day was used to drive all the way to Tucson AZ.
Tucson IAP, Monday 29 September 2014
Upon arriving at the air field, we noticed a AZ ArNG Black Hawk was parked at the General Aviation apron, so that was the first plane we photographed.
Runway 11 was in use, so we went to the approach end of this runway. Up to 10:00 hours the sun position is still ok for (sometimes banking) landing shots.
After 3 Klu and 3 AZ ANG had landed, we moved back to the General Aviation apron for some taxi shots. Apart from a couple of F-16’s, we were fortunate to see a TAW-4 T-34C. With the imminent retirement of the type, this will be probably the last Pensacola Turbo Mentor we have seen.
Davis Monthan AFB, Monday 29 September 2014
The recent arrival of a new AFRC squadron at DM was one of the reasons for this trip. Approx. 25 different A-10’s flew while we were there, some multiple missions. We also got what we came for; Dogpatcher A-10’s. Runway 30 was in use, which is good for photography from about 11:30 hours.
Also, a good old AFRC C-5A came in. Most likely, on its last flight ever. Next time we’ll see it, it will be in the form of a Mountain Dew can.
NAF El Centro, Tuesday 30 September 2014
Somehow we have never been lucky at El Centro. Not much was happening, with just a couple of USMC choppers flying around, probably for the WTI course over at Yuma. Fortunately, VMFAT-401’s only F-5F came around to bash the circuit. Runway 26 was in use.
MCAS Yuma, Tuesday 30 September 2014
With not much happening at El Centro, we decided to try our luck at Yuma. With a WTI on, surely we would see something. Only downside was that probably runway 03 would be in use, and we had no experience with that runway. We were told that after 15:30 hours we would be fine, but only for 03L. As most fighters, except the AV-8’s and some F-5’s, use this runway we decided to give it a go. Here are some of the results:
MCAS Yuma, Wednesday 1 October 2014
Because westerly winds we forecasted, we decided to stay in Yuma. But unfortunately, as so often, the forecast was wrong. This meant we had to wait till late afternoon. Fortunately, a US Navy O-2 was parked at the General Aviation apron to keep us busy. For me personally, one of the highlights of the trip.
The arriving traffic on 03L included this F-35B. My first JSF. To be honest, the verdict is still not out whether I like it or not.
Nellis AFB, Thursday 2 October 2014
For today, all weather sites agreed that there would be strong northerly winds in LV, meaning runway 03 would be in use. This time they were right, so we took up our position at E Cheyenne Ave for runway 03L. No big exercise was ongoing, although 8 AV-8’s and 10 HL F-16’s were flying local missions. Fortunately, locally based units did fly a lot. We were especially happy to see two Aggressor F-15’s flying. Most have already been retired, and the rest will do so early 2015.
Also in late afternoon, photography is nice at E Cheyenne Ave.
This concludes part 1 of this report. More to follow…….
Last edited by Mace on 17 Nov 2014, 19:41, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Mace,
Nice tripreports (part 1 through 3)
Because I'll visit the States very soon, would You be so kind to give me the spotting location of DM? At one end You need to be on
Hi Mace,
Nice tripreports (part 1 through 3)
Because I'll visit the States very soon, would You be so kind to give me the spotting location of DM? At one end You need to be on E Technical drive (rwy 12). But what's the adress for standing at rwy 30?
Another question concern scanner frequencies. You mentioned the FAA website. Or I am not doing a good job in searching, but I can't find them. Can You give me a hand ( or rather a link).
Your help is much appreciated.
Runway 30 at DM. It's E Valencia Rd. Position yourself to the south of this road, between the Pima Air Museum and S Wilmot Rd. The sun is ok as from approx. 11:30 hours. How the situation is on the east side of runway 30, I don't know.
