Where to spot at?

[03SVTCobra]

New to the site here. I'm a UNT student in Denton that is working on an MBA with intentions to build on my PPL and eventually make a run at my ATP license and a job in that field. I have always enjoyed going out to DFW to watch planes but I recently got a Nikon D60 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. I have a 70-300 in the future plans but I'd like to learn a few places I could use my 55-200 with success around DFW in the PM hours. I work/have school in the morning so I usually only get out to DFW around 5-6 in the evening and stay until sundown.

I'm looking for place that I won't get run off by the security or airport police as last time I pulled off to the side of West airport drive some macho officer threatened to take me to jail and confiscate my camera, and I was being very cooperative and simply said "no problem" when he asked me to move but then I was told I was getting an attitude and it was really just an unpleasant situation and I haven't been back to spot at KDFW since.

I've heard about the American Eagle area on the west side but I drive a mustang and don't want to climb on the roof of my car to shoot over the fence.

I also found a cemetery out on the west side where that offers great views for PM departures on 18L but my 55-200 isn't quite long enough to get out to 18L. However it'd be perfect for 36L arrivals but rarely do they come in from the south in the summer.

Thanks in advance for advice/locations to check out in the future.

[Greg]

Hi, welcome to DFW Tower.com, its great to have you here! ZuluLima put together a fantastic map, its posted at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 8&t=h&z=13.

I've been shooting at DFW for about four years, and honestly I rarely shoot anymore outside the temporary Founders Plaza or on the ramp. Two reasons, one, its too hot in the summer for decent shots except in the morning, in my experience. Two, the airport police as you mentioned. While there are plenty of polite officers, I have had more than enough hassles over at the West side, and rude, threatening encounters. I stick to Founders now. The new, permanent Founders should be open by November, on the west side, and it is a great spot. I'll be frequenting that in the winter months quite often, especially in the late afternoon - great light and plenty of heavies.

Welcome again to the site!

[03SVTCobra]

Thanks Greg for the info. I think I will try the public lot on that link you sent me. I'm off Thursday so I'll wake up and head down there about 7 am before 35 south turns into a nightmare.

Looks like a good place to catch some East side arrivals.