Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook

I still say KLAS tops it. Las Vegas Blvd for the backdrop as you see arrivals coming in from the east, as well as the north. Plus Tower's communications fed straight over the radio to you. Doesn't get any better than that, outside of somewhere like TNCM.

Baltimore (BWI) has great observation areas. The Tom Dixon viewing area as well as the Lounge. There are few different airlines that fly there, besides Southwest. That too is worth a visit.

What is sad that 911 has done away with a lot of observation both inside and out. My favorite pastime in years past was sitting in a lounge somewhere, watching the outside and hearing the rado chatter. Post 911, most of those are now inside security and have been remodeled? losing the radio and the observation.It used to be good cheap entertainment.

The observation area at KCLT is a very good one. Most arrivals on that side of the airport use the new runway, 18R/36L. The RWY adjacent to the observation area, 18C/36C, is the primary departure RWY now. The daily Lufthansa flight (A330 in winter) still lands there because it's closer to the terminals, it's long, and since October has brand new concrete. It was getting pretty bouncy.

Another good spot at KCLT is the parking lot of the Operations area beside UPS (look for the Roush Racing 727's). Great veiw of 18L/36R in the afternoon with the sun behind you.

Overall a very cool place to spot and take the kids. My daughter loves it!

I'm with Brian. The 'old terminal' parking lot between Roush & UPS off West BLVD offers a nice spot to watch, particular during the winter months when the winds generally blow from the north and 36L/C/R are in operation. The 36R departures taxi within 200 feet of the parking lot, offering viewers a great closeup visual for photos. Furthermore, most GA activity begins and ends on 36R as Wilson Air, BofA flight Ops, and others have their ops located on the east side of the field.

If you want a burger and a whiff of JET-A, go to the side road near the McDonalds off of Billy Graham when runway 23 is active with arrivals. It isn't "In & Out Burger" in LAX, but it's pretty impressive as the arrivals pass over at 200-300 feet or so.

Have fun!

I live less than 5 minutes from the lookout and i always go just to watch the planes take-off,land, and taxi. It's so amazing how close you are to these planes.

I've gone over to the old terminal to watch planes come in but I never stay to long because I don't want to be hasseled by security...18C and 36C was better before the addition but it still offers a great view...I've never seen one of Roushes 727 land or depart; usually when I see them they are parked...As far as I know they are the only ones that operate the big toys...However during race season it is not uncommon to see chartered 737's going in and out of Concord on FA and I am guessing they are associated with Hendrick due to the size of his operation.

Looks like a good one. FLL and LAS are also tops. DFW gets points for the park-like setup. TNCM is the ultimate. Chicago Meigs used to be pretty interesting watching from the terminal balcony back in the day, especially with a crosswind.

Does anyone remember the 94th Aero Squadron (restaurant) it was just off the field at San Jose,Ca. Met my wife there, they would give you head-sets and you could listen to ATC traffic, I believe its gone now, what a place it was.

Darn right, I've gotten some great pix there myself, and it's close enough to the action to feel the jetwash from some of the big ones like Kalitta's 747's.

get a bbq sandwich or fried chicken dipped in bbq sauce from BBQ King on Wilkinson blvd and sit back and watch the airliners leaving the gate to airborne, great lunch.

You used to be able to park on the industrial park road next to the runway at KPVD. They put up signs in 2006 threatening fines to anyone who stops. It's kind of pathetic as there would often be 30 cars or so park along the fence. Now I spot from the top of the Terminal B garage at Logan Airport.

The resteraunt at PDK is pretty cool too. Tons of BizJets coming and going. Sit outside right in front of the taxiway.

I miss the days where I could take the "L" Blue line to ORD, and hang out at gate K-19 all day. Now you actually have to *fly* somewhere to go in a terminal anymore.