Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

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Continent: North America Country: United States Region: Texas


Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Location DFW Airport, Texas
IATA code DFW
ICAO code KDFW
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.dfwairport.com
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 124.15(West) 126.55(East) 127.5(East backup) 134.9(West)
Ground 121.65(East) 121.8(East backup) 121.85(West)
Clearance 128.25
Approach 119.875(West Arrivals) 125.025(East Arrivals) 133.525(East Arrivals) 133.625(West Arrivals)
Departure118.55(East Departures) 124.825(North Departures) 125.125(South Departures) 126.475(West Departures)
ATIS 123.775 (Arrival ATIS) 135.925 (Departure ATIS)
Departure122.95


Official Spotting Locations

Founder's Plaza

"Over the years, Founders' Plaza has become a favorite spot for families, aviation enthusiasts and Airport employees. The Observation Area offers magnificent views of many types of aircraft as they take off and land. In addition, the plaza provides convenient parking, picnic tables, telescopes, historic information, a commemorative monument and a radio that broadcasts air traffic control communications from the FAA tower."

The original Founder's Plaza adjacent to runway 35C has been closed. As of September of 2008, a new Founder's Plaza has been erected, which sits on the northwest side of the airport. Lots of good action can be seen here, of course, more AA/Eagle than you'd ever think is possible, but also this is where most of the international cargo and airline heavies arrive. Best in the afternoon/late evening.


Directions:

Exit at Highway 114 on to Texan Trail and head south towards the Airport. Founders’ Plaza is at Texan Trail and N. Airfield Drive.

Other Spotting Locations

American Eagle Hangar Parking Lot

It's a view of 18 R and L, closer to 18R which is the arrivals runway. You are west of the runway so afternoon light is best.

On the west side of the airport, taking Airfield Drive, you can turn onto the road that is opposite the Verizon area, where you turn onto a road that leads to the American and American Eagle hangar and an ATC control tower. If you follow the road all the way, veering left at the turn, you get into a parking lot in the American Eagle Hangar. There's no security check going here. I've heard that police are kind of rough, however, so stay in your car off and on. There's a big fence that is too tall to get over, so you have to shoot between the metal in the fence.

Skylink Train

The Skylink train, which is inside security, makes a full loop 50' above the ramp. This train has great views, and if you have about 15 minutes, it's well worth the ride to see all the terminals at DFW.

The Club at DFW

If you like the view from the train, you can get off at Terminal D and go to "The Club at DFW." This is a lounge run by Priority Pass, but they have a "pay per visit" fee and there's a coupon in "DFW People" magazine for like $25 per access. This magazine is located throughout the airport and in the parking ares too. The club has a view of gates D20-D30, including lots of AA heavies, and it facing runways 18R and 18L with a view of the cargo area and AA hangar areas too. It's a great view if you have money to burn! They have snacks and drinks for the thirsty spotter.

Airport Westin

Outside the airport is the Airport Westin on Highway 114. It is on short final to runway 17L and has a swimming pool area on top of the hotel. It has a great view. The area you are looking at from there incidentally is the area that the Delta L1011 crashed.

Locations to Avoid

Location

Regular Traffic

DFW is served by all American Airlines aircraft types except the A300 and all American Eagle types. International heavies are British Airways 777-200 GE90 (1 daily), Lufthansa A340(1 daily), Korean 777 (3 x week), North American and Omni Air International 767s for troop transports. Aeromexico 737-700s for charters. Lots of cargo, including a UPS hub that has 727s all the way up to 747s, including lots of equipment types. Lots of Asian cargo including Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Air China, China Airlines, EVA, and Korean Air Cargo. Also you can see Air France 747s, Southern Air 747s, Kitty Hawk.

Other airlines served:

  • United narrowbodies up to 757
  • United Express Embraer 170s
  • Pinnacle CRJs
  • USAirways 737s and A320s
  • USAirways Express on Mesa CRJ900 and Republic Embraer 170s
  • Mesa Beech 1900Ds
  • Midwest 717s
  • Continental 737s
  • Continental Express ERJs
  • Delta 737-300 through 767-300, DC9 and A320s
  • Delta Connection all types up through Shuttle America EMB170s

Facilities and Transportation

To get to any spotting locations you'll have to drive. Cabs are available but the minimum charge for a cab is $12. I've rented a car for as cheap as $16, so it's worth it to get a deal on a rental.

External Links

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