Daytona Beach International Airport
| Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: Florida |
| Daytona Beach International Airport | |
| Location | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| IATA code | DAB |
| ICAO code | KDAB |
| Airport type | Commercial |
| Website | http://flydaytonafirst.com |
| Overview map | Google Maps |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 120.7, 118.1 |
| Ground | 121.9 |
| Clearance | 119.3 |
| Approach | 118.85(N 4000-7500), 125.35(S 3500 & BLO), 125.72(8000-11000), 125.8(N 3500 & BLO), 127.075(S 4000-7500) |
| Departure | 123.9 |
| ATIS | 120.05 |
| Departure | 122.95 |
The Daytona Beach International Airport is a regional airport located just west of Daytona Beach, Florida. The airport is consistently one of the top 20 busiest in the United States in terms of aircraft operations, but sees very few airline operations. A number of major flight schools (most notably Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) are located on the field and operate hundreds of training flights per day in light aircraft. Each year during February and July the airport becomes a busy hub for corporate traffic, as race teams ferry equipment and personnel into Daytona for NASCAR races. During the race weeks Daytona becomes a bustling airport ripe for spotting, during the rest of the year spotting in Daytona is less than noteworthy.
Official Spotting Locations
Emil Buehler AMS Center
The Emil Buehler maintenance building on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus includes a second and third floor open patio which overlooks the airport. The building is open to Embry-Riddle students and registered visitors to the campus. The deck directly overlooks Embry-Riddle's private ramp, as well as the approach to Runway 25R. Be aware that the building is often locked on nights and weekends.
Cell Phone Lot and Observation Area
The cell phone lot doubles as an observation area with plenty of parking. It is located on Midway Avenue just south of the main entrance. It has trash cans and benches and it overlooks the main runway and has good views of the taxiway and the terminal. The gate is a little high and getting good photos is hard for planes on the ground. But for planes taking off west and planes landing east it is easier to get photos. Keep in mind that going up to the fence is prohibited and there are security cameras, airport security has stopped people who approach the fence.
Other Spotting Locations
ERAU Dirt Lot
The dirt parking lot on the South side of the Embry-Riddle campus is a popular location for students when Runway 25R is in use. While the sunlight rarely favors this location, an electrical transformer box provides elevation over the fence for photography, and aircraft taxi to within feet of the fence line.
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
ATP Jetcenter Vacant Lot
A vacant lot exists just North of the ATP Jetcenter FBO where the Volusia County Mosquito Control office was formerly located. As of Fall 2010, this lot was being excavated for environmental abatement and the dirt mounds provided excellent viewing over the fence. This vacant lot is one of the only areas in Daytona which has favorable lighting for photography. When Runway 25R is in use this location is ideal. When the 7's are being used, parking along the airport fence on Belvue Ave. Ext. is possible, but is still not as close to the runway. As long as the lot continues to be vacant, this is by far the best spotting location in Daytona.
Bellevue Avenue Extension
West of the Yelvington Jet Aviation FBO, Bellevue Avenue Extension runs parallel to Runway 7L. Nearby Yelvington the road is posted no-parking, no-stopping. Further West it is common for cars to stop and watch aircraft over the fence. The Volusia County Sheriff has been known to ask cars to move to the South shoulder of the street (away from the airport) but has generally been reasonable to spotters in this location.
- JetPhotos.net sample photo: large
Bellevue Avenue Bridge
There is a bridge that goes over Interstate 95 that has a sidewalk. Park in the Volusia Top Gun parking lot, make sure to park in the back so that actual customers have parking. Walk towards the bridge and there are great views of planes landing on runway 7L. Cops didn’t seem to mind photos being taken.
Locations to Avoid
The Volusia County Sheriff's office takes pride in removing spotters from the airport perimeter. If hassled by the police, simply move along; they do not respond well to logic and reason. If your aim is to avoid the police, stick to Embry-Riddle's campus, otherwise be prepared to be told not to park near the airport fence.
Regular Traffic
- American Airlines
- A319, A320
- American Eagle
- CRJ-200, CRJ-700, CRJ-700, E175
- Delta
- A319
- A320
- A321
- B757-200
- B737-900ER
- B737-800
- Sunwing
- 737-800
- General Aviation
- Cessna 172
- Diamond DA-42-L360
- Piper PA-28
- Literally everything else lol
Facilities and Transportation
The airport is connected to the VOTRAN bus network, but service is sporadic and limited. Outside of the Embry-Riddle campus, a car is necessary for any spotting.