Albuquerque International Sunport
Continent: North America | Country: United States | Region: New Mexico |
Albuquerque International Sunport/Kirtland Air Force Base | |
Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
IATA code | ABQ |
ICAO code | KABQ |
Airport type | Mixed-Use |
Website | [www.cabq.gov/airport www.cabq.gov/airport] |
Overview map | [maps.google.com/maps?q=ABQ&ll=35.037235,-106.611500&spn=0.059619,0.118721&t=h&hl=en Google Maps] |
Communications | |
Tower | 123.775, 351.9, 120.3 |
Ground | 121.9, 348.6 |
Clearance | 119.2, 259.3 |
Approach | 354.1, 317.9, 263.15 |
Departure | 354.1, 317.9, 263.15 |
ATIS | 118, 257.7 |
Departure | 122.95 |
Official Spotting Locations
Spirit Drive
A gravel lot at the threshhold of runway 03. This runway is used less than 08/26 so movements here can be slow. Because of the distance from the runway and the fence, photographing arrivals is difficult and few departures use this runway. The cargo facilities are close and offer a few opporunites for photos. All movements on this runway can be logged however.
Girard Boulevard
A small pull-off at the South end of this cul-de-sac. Most movements on 08/26 (the main runway) can be logged but are too distant for photography. Some arrivals on 03 may be missed. On the rare occasions when runway 17 is in use this is an excellent location, although photos will need to be taken through the fence. Some early-morning shots of the apron are possible.
Other Spotting Locations
FBO Parking Lot
Not recommended for long-term viewing (you will likely be told to leave), but OK for a quick shot or two.
Locations to Avoid
FAA Facility
On your way to Spirit Drive (above), you will see a 747, DC-9 and smaller aircraft parked by the FAA hangar. There is an employee parking lot which gives excellent views of the 08 approach. Resist the temptation to use it, you will quickly be told to leave or possibly worse.
Kirtland AFB
Time was you could park on the access road with impunity. Since 2001, this is now a totally secure area.