Plane Watching

[KertDawg]

Hello,

I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
just like watching and listening.

However, in NC, I've not found a good airport at which to do this. For
instance, at the Piedmont Triad Int. Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro,
there are some pretty big jets, but you can't get close enough to see
much happening. At other airports, like KBUY or KIGX, you can get
really close, but you might see one or two planes per hour on a good
day.

Can anyone recommend an airport in central North Carolina (or close
enough for a day trip) to an airport that might be better suited?
Thanks for any replies.

- Kertis

[[email protected]]

Well while not in NC, if you are ever out in Central California.
Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) you can walk right out to the taxi way (next
to the runway) where there is a nice bench to sit.

I frequently spend afternoons there taking in the sights and tune my
reciever to the tower. It is almost an unwriiten rule that as the
planes (ok, technically the pilots/passengers ;) )taxi back from
landing they wave at you.

Educational, free entertainment.

[W P Dixon]

With not knowing the call numbers of the airports in that area, I seem to
recall alot of access close to Winston-Salem. Alot of GA traffic , and if
Timco is still operating there you may see some big boys from time to time.

Patrick
student SPL
aircraft structural mech

[[email protected]]

wrote:
> Well while not in NC, if you are ever out in Central California.
> Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) you can walk right out to the taxi way (next
> to the runway) where there is a nice bench to sit.
>
> I frequently spend afternoons there taking in the sights and tune my
> reciever to the tower. It is almost an unwriiten rule that as the
> planes (ok, technically the pilots/passengers ;) )taxi back from
> landing they wave at you.
>
> Educational, free entertainment.

I doubt that bench at Palo Alto is actually intended for regular public
"free entertainment" ... it is a place where CFIs sit, listen and watch
their primary students doing first "supervised" solos.

[Morgans]

"KertDawg" > wrote

> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner.

Although not central NC, Hickory (HKY) meets those requirements. Three
flights a day with Delta regional jets, one of the highest in NC for
corporate movements, an a fair amount of training flights.

Hickory is at exit 123 (state route 321) off of I-40. Going North on 321
will put you on the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in less than 40
minutes.
--
Jim in NC

[Dave D]

It is a public bench on a public airport. I first learned about it from
people (non-pilots) who hike the Bay trails and love to watch planes with
their kids. This would be a point to bring up at the PA city council meeting
tomorrow.
Dave

> wrote in message
...
> wrote:
>> Well while not in NC, if you are ever out in Central California.
>> Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) you can walk right out to the taxi way (next
>> to the runway) where there is a nice bench to sit.
>>
>> I frequently spend afternoons there taking in the sights and tune my
>> reciever to the tower. It is almost an unwriiten rule that as the
>> planes (ok, technically the pilots/passengers ;) )taxi back from
>> landing they wave at you.
>>
>> Educational, free entertainment.
>
> I doubt that bench at Palo Alto is actually intended for regular public
> "free entertainment" ... it is a place where CFIs sit, listen and watch
> their primary students doing first "supervised" solos.

[Chris W]

Dave D wrote:

>It is a public bench on a public airport. I first learned about it from
>people (non-pilots) who hike the Bay trails and love to watch planes with
>their kids.
>
Why can't these people buy up all the houses around airports? :)

--
Chris W

Gift Giving Made Easy
Get the gifts you want &
give the gifts they want
http://thewishzone.com

[Dave D]

That would be nice. Today I flew into Pine Mountain Lake airport (E45)
today. Near the end of the taxiway was a sign
saying *no runups beyond this point*. Obviously a noise abatement procedure.
Behind the sign was a private taxiway leading to a couple of huge homes,
each with one or two planes parked out front. No homes without planes were
in sight.
Just kind of funny. Dont get me wrong, this is a really neat airport, on a
beatiful site in the foothills of the Sierra's. The Corsair Cafe on the
field has good food and everyone was very friendly.

Dave

"Chris W" > wrote in message
news:pnQoe.12339$rb6.217@lakeread07...
> Dave D wrote:
>
>>It is a public bench on a public airport. I first learned about it from
>>people (non-pilots) who hike the Bay trails and love to watch planes with
>>their kids.
> Why can't these people buy up all the houses around airports? :)
>
> --
> Chris W
>
> Gift Giving Made Easy
> Get the gifts you want & give the gifts they want
> http://thewishzone.com

[Jay Beckman]

"Morgans" > wrote in message
...
>
> "KertDawg" > wrote
>
>> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
>> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner.
>
> Although not central NC, Hickory (HKY) meets those requirements. Three
> flights a day with Delta regional jets, one of the highest in NC for
> corporate movements, an a fair amount of training flights.
>
> Hickory is at exit 123 (state route 321) off of I-40. Going North on 321
> will put you on the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in less than 40
> minutes.
> --
> Jim in NC
>

I was under the impression from a friend of mine who used to live in
Hickory, NC that KHKY lost their commercial carrier traffic?

- Has it resumed, or did it never go away?

Jay Beckman
PP-ASEL
Chandler, AZ

[[email protected]]

"Dave D" wrote:
> It is a public bench on a public airport.

I know. But even "public airports" have areas that are/were not intended
to be "free entertainment" areas. My point was just that it's a bench
that seats maybe 3 people -- it's doubtful that bench was meant to be a
gathering place for public "plane watchers". It is where students drop
off their CFIs when they depart on their first solos, and the CFI has a
place to sit, listen with their handheld (the bench is close to the
tower) and "supervise" their students' takeoffs, patterns, approaches
and landings. I've seen family members and close friends watching, too.

> I first learned about it from
> people (non-pilots) who hike the Bay trails and love to watch planes with
> their kids. This would be a point to bring up at the PA city council meeting
> tomorrow.

It may be "public" now, but if people were to start showing up in large
numbers, odds are it wouldn't be "public" anymore. It's not SFO or SJC
or LAX, but even smaller airports have security concerns.

Having worked at a flight school at a Class D airport, our ramp is
gated, and while it's not impossible for the public to get inside on
foot, the TSA shows up on occasion to go over policies on who we are
permitted to allow to pass through our doors onto the ramp. Well-meaning
people asking to go out our back door to "watch airplanes" were often
angry when we'd tell them we could not allow access to anyone without
specific business on the ramp unless we escorted them personally. They'd
look at us as if we were crazy! But there are not only security
concerns, but also SAFETY concerns for both the pilots and the
spectators of having public access to the ramp. Certainly, we've all
seen how well some people watch their kids (not!), and non aviation
people aren't always aware of ramp safety procedures.

None of the above is meant to sound snooty, only realistic. I love to
plane watch as much as anyone!

[Maule Driver]

RDU is a great place with several plane watching options....

But first, AGC brings back fond memories. I saw my first planes there
in the 50s and 60s - same building, same wrought iron fence, and it's
still all there. My grandfather used to take my mother there when she
was young. Took my first lessons and soloed there around 1970. Very
busy then, - "Cessna14Golf, follow the 2 F4s and the Lear to the active"

Back to RDU. First there is an observation deck with an ATC radio on
the loudspeaker and a great view of 6L/24R. It's in the GA area north
of the terminal loop under the control tower.

Better yet is the new terminal building in the FBO area. The terminal
buiding is basically an empty marble shell with meeting spaces and big
lobby with *nothing* going on. You can't even open a door to access the
ramp from this "terminal building". But there's a giant glassed in front
with a second story sitting area with small grill adjacent. You can sit
in a/c comfort, eating a burger, looking down on a ramp full of the
latest GA iron and watching the traffic on 6R/24L. It gets real busy on
weekdays and I'm sure your radio would work fine. I would call it the
most comfortable and scenic plane watching spots in central NC. For the
most part, undiscovered!

If you need a fix of real GA, just go nextdoor to Southern Aviation and
sit in their new lounge or go upstairs and buy a chart.

KertDawg wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
> this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
> results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
> Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
> private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
> just like watching and listening.
>
> However, in NC, I've not found a good airport at which to do this. For
> instance, at the Piedmont Triad Int. Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro,
> there are some pretty big jets, but you can't get close enough to see
> much happening. At other airports, like KBUY or KIGX, you can get
> really close, but you might see one or two planes per hour on a good
> day.
>
> Can anyone recommend an airport in central North Carolina (or close
> enough for a day trip) to an airport that might be better suited?
> Thanks for any replies.
>
> - Kertis
>

[Casey Wilson]

I don't remember the address but the top deck of the parking garage on
San Diego's Lindbergh Field final approach course let's you check the brand
names on the tires and look for missing rivets.

If you want mostly commercial traffic with some GA as well, I'd say KRDU
(Raleigh-Durham) is the place to go.

Rod

snip
>
> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner.

[Maule Driver]

Agreed. And while it is primarily commercial traffic, a week day spent
around Piedmont or Southern will show you all of the best heavy GA
equipment... and even an occassional Maule.

Here's a plane watcher's test, what's in the big "private" hangar on the
north end of RDU? Has it's own road access and has more facility than
most of the freight operators nearby.

wrote:
> If you want mostly commercial traffic with some GA as well, I'd say KRDU
> (Raleigh-Durham) is the place to go.
>
> Rod
>
> snip
>
>>I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
>>watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner.
>
>
>

[Maule Driver]

An interesting Plane Watchers note - KJNX - Johnston County airport was
recently *outed*.

Home of a great avionics shop - Sparkchasers - is also the home of a
mysterious (unmarked) set of hangars with some interesting equipment
inside. The NY Times outed them last week in a story about the the
movement of terrorists around the globe for 'intelligence gathering'.

I had heard that it was a CIA-type operation and it was reported as such
last week. Gulfstreams and other unmarked Fed equipment launch out
there for Gitmo and DC to pickup people to travel to the mideast and
Eastern Europe where 'intelligence gathering' is a core compentency.

I sped read the article and don't have the date - anyone want to help
here with a link?

Anyway, an interesting plane watchers stopoff though tourists are
probably not welcome. I've had a G4 launch up my rear and away on 2
occasions and seen an interesting looking DC3 in the hangar, along with
a crop duster of some sort a few years ago. Very mysterious but not so
secret.

KertDawg wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
> this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
> results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
> Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
> private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
> just like watching and listening.
>
> However, in NC, I've not found a good airport at which to do this. For
> instance, at the Piedmont Triad Int. Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro,
> there are some pretty big jets, but you can't get close enough to see
> much happening. At other airports, like KBUY or KIGX, you can get
> really close, but you might see one or two planes per hour on a good
> day.
>
> Can anyone recommend an airport in central North Carolina (or close
> enough for a day trip) to an airport that might be better suited?
> Thanks for any replies.
>
> - Kertis
>

[Maule Driver]

Here's a link:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U3272253B

Sorry if you have to subscribe but I don't think so.

Maule Driver wrote:
> An interesting Plane Watchers note - KJNX - Johnston County airport was
> recently *outed*.
>
> Home of a great avionics shop - Sparkchasers - is also the home of a
> mysterious (unmarked) set of hangars with some interesting equipment
> inside. The NY Times outed them last week in a story about the the
> movement of terrorists around the globe for 'intelligence gathering'.
>
> I had heard that it was a CIA-type operation and it was reported as such
> last week. Gulfstreams and other unmarked Fed equipment launch out
> there for Gitmo and DC to pickup people to travel to the mideast and
> Eastern Europe where 'intelligence gathering' is a core compentency.
>
> I sped read the article and don't have the date - anyone want to help
> here with a link?
>
> Anyway, an interesting plane watchers stopoff though tourists are
> probably not welcome. I've had a G4 launch up my rear and away on 2
> occasions and seen an interesting looking DC3 in the hangar, along with
> a crop duster of some sort a few years ago. Very mysterious but not so
> secret.
>
> KertDawg wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
>> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
>> this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
>> results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
>> Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
>> private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
>> just like watching and listening.
>>
>> However, in NC, I've not found a good airport at which to do this. For
>> instance, at the Piedmont Triad Int. Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro,
>> there are some pretty big jets, but you can't get close enough to see
>> much happening. At other airports, like KBUY or KIGX, you can get
>> really close, but you might see one or two planes per hour on a good
>> day.
>>
>> Can anyone recommend an airport in central North Carolina (or close
>> enough for a day trip) to an airport that might be better suited?
>> Thanks for any replies.
>>
>> - Kertis
>>

[Morgans]

"Jay Beckman" > wrote
>
> I was under the impression from a friend of mine who used to live in
> Hickory, NC that KHKY lost their commercial carrier traffic?
>
> - Has it resumed, or did it never go away?

Indeed, they used to have US Air Eagle, but that was lost, oh, I think
around three years ago. The new carrier is Deltas regional jet service. It
is now 3 per day to Atlanta, but if it goes well, they plan to start flights
to Orlando, and I *think* DC and New York.
--
Jim in NC

[Morgans]

"Maule Driver" > wrote
>
> Here's a plane watcher's test, what's in the big "private" hangar on the
> north end of RDU? Has it's own road access and has more facility than
> most of the freight operators nearby.

SAS corporate?
--
Jim in NC

[Maule Driver]

You are a winner. I think they have a B737 and some other equipment. I
hear the hangar setup is fantastic.

I had no idea until recently.

Morgans wrote:
> "Maule Driver" > wrote
>
>>Here's a plane watcher's test, what's in the big "private" hangar on the
>>north end of RDU? Has it's own road access and has more facility than
>>most of the freight operators nearby.
>
>
> SAS corporate?

[Morgans]

"Maule Driver" > wrote

> You are a winner. I think they have a B737 and some other equipment. I
> hear the hangar setup is fantastic.
>
> I had no idea until recently.

<grin> I've never even been to RDU. I have a sister in law that is one of
the early people in the start up of SAS. They are consistently in the top
in the country, of places to work. EVERYTHING they do is first class. The
employee's cafeteria is true world class cuisine. They have child-care, on
campus. They have their own doctor's office for employees, their own sound
stage, for recording training films. Working time is pretty much flex time.

Anyone in the computer scene would do well to try to get a job there.
--
Jim in NC

[George Patterson]

Morgans wrote:
>
> Anyone in the computer scene would do well to try to get a job there.

Yeah. I applied in '84. Still kicking myself for blowing the interview.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.

[Montblack]

("Maule Driver" wrote)
[snip]
> Anyway, an interesting plane watchers stopoff though tourists are
> probably not welcome. I've had a G4 launch up my rear and away on 2
> occasions and seen an interesting looking DC3 in the hangar, along with
> a crop duster of some sort a few years ago. Very mysterious but not so
> secret.

> Here's a link:
> http://makeashorterlink.com/?U3272253B


Crop duster?????


Montblack-ops

[Robert M. Gary]

I think we can share.
-Robert, CFI

[Robert M. Gary]

Sacramento Exec has an "ok" picnic area to watch planes. Part of the
approach end of 20 is blocked by the restaurant but you otherwise have
a nice area to watch. Just enter the terminal and go out the door in
the back. Like PAO it is a very busy airport.

-Robert

[Dave Butler]

KertDawg wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
> this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
> results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
> Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
> private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
> just like watching and listening.

Raleigh-Durham KRDU has a nice observation area with a playground for the kids
and a scanner on the loudspeakers, a shelter to keep you out of the wind, rain,
and sun. It's not very close to the runway, but it is somewhat elevated so has a
pretty good view of rwy 5L/23R. Enough traffic to keep you entertained, at least
during the busy hours.

Pictures here:
http://www.rdu.com/AboutRDU/obpark.htm

In the GA parking area directly in front of the observation deck, the airplane
directly in front of you in the middle row with the canvas cover is my Mooney.

Dave

[Gig 601XL Builder]

"Dave Butler" > wrote in message
news:1118264931.287279@sj-nntpcache-3...
> KertDawg wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
>> watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
>> this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
>> results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
>> Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
>> private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
>> just like watching and listening.
>
> Raleigh-Durham KRDU has a nice observation area with a playground for the
> kids and a scanner on the loudspeakers, a shelter to keep you out of the
> wind, rain, and sun. It's not very close to the runway, but it is somewhat
> elevated so has a pretty good view of rwy 5L/23R. Enough traffic to keep
> you entertained, at least during the busy hours.
>
> Pictures here:
> http://www.rdu.com/AboutRDU/obpark.htm
>
> In the GA parking area directly in front of the observation deck, the
> airplane directly in front of you in the middle row with the canvas cover
> is my Mooney.
>
> Dave

YOu mean the one that the gas truck dinged this morning?







Just kidding!

[Casey Wilson]

"Gig 601XL Builder" <wr.giacona@coxDOTnet> wrote in message
news:EbJpe.25899$DC2.23125@okepread01...
>
> "Dave Butler" > wrote in message
>> Pictures here:
>> http://www.rdu.com/AboutRDU/obpark.htm
>>
>> In the GA parking area directly in front of the observation deck, the
>> airplane directly in front of you in the middle row with the canvas cover
>> is my Mooney.
>>
>> Dave
>
> YOu mean the one that the gas truck dinged this morning?
>

> Just kidding!

Now, THAT was cruel....!

[Bryan Mason]

wrote:
> wrote:
>
>>Well while not in NC, if you are ever out in Central California.
>>Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) you can walk right out to the taxi way (next
>>to the runway) where there is a nice bench to sit.
>>
>>I frequently spend afternoons there taking in the sights and tune my
>>reciever to the tower. It is almost an unwriiten rule that as the
>>planes (ok, technically the pilots/passengers ;) )taxi back from
>>landing they wave at you.
>>
>>Educational, free entertainment.
>
>
> I doubt that bench at Palo Alto is actually intended for regular public
> "free entertainment" ... it is a place where CFIs sit, listen and watch
> their primary students doing first "supervised" solos.

I don't know about the bench at Palo Alto, but the gazebo at San Carlos
Airport (KSQL) in front of the tower is big enough to hold a small party
in. I often see people with their kids out there waving as I taxi by.

Of course, you've got to get through the security gate first, but that's
not too hard. I think you just have to call up the tower to get the code.

-- Bryan

[Matt Whiting]

Gig 601XL Builder wrote:

> "Dave Butler" > wrote in message
> news:1118264931.287279@sj-nntpcache-3...
>
>>KertDawg wrote:
>>
>>>Hello,
>>>
>>>I'm looking for an airport in central North Carolina at which I can
>>>watch airplanes and listen to them on my handheld scanner. I've done
>>>this before in other parts of the country with some pretty good
>>>results. For instance, at Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) near
>>>Pittsburgh, PA, you can walk out in front of the tower and watch
>>>private jets, helicopters, and quite a few light aircraft for hours. I
>>>just like watching and listening.
>>
>>Raleigh-Durham KRDU has a nice observation area with a playground for the
>>kids and a scanner on the loudspeakers, a shelter to keep you out of the
>>wind, rain, and sun. It's not very close to the runway, but it is somewhat
>>elevated so has a pretty good view of rwy 5L/23R. Enough traffic to keep
>>you entertained, at least during the busy hours.
>>
>>Pictures here:
>>http://www.rdu.com/AboutRDU/obpark.htm
>>
>>In the GA parking area directly in front of the observation deck, the
>>airplane directly in front of you in the middle row with the canvas cover
>>is my Mooney.
>>
>>Dave
>
>
> YOu mean the one that the gas truck dinged this morning?

It wasn't the gas truck ... I saw you do it! :-)


Matt

[KertDawg]

Dave Butler wrote:
>
> Raleigh-Durham KRDU has a nice observation area with a playground for the kids
> and a scanner on the loudspeakers, a shelter to keep you out of the wind, rain,
> and sun. It's not very close to the runway, but it is somewhat elevated so has a
> pretty good view of rwy 5L/23R. Enough traffic to keep you entertained, at least
> during the busy hours.
>
[snip]

Thanks! I had no idea this deck existed, and I've been to RDU many
times. I'll check it out the next free day I get.

I'd also like to drive down to Johnston County at some point, just to
see.

Thanks again!

[Dave Butler]

Gig 601XL Builder wrote:

>>Pictures here:
>>http://www.rdu.com/AboutRDU/obpark.htm
>>
>>In the GA parking area directly in front of the observation deck, the
>>airplane directly in front of you in the middle row with the canvas cover
>>is my Mooney.
>>
>>Dave
>
>
> YOu mean the one that the gas truck dinged this morning?

One of my partners drives the gas truck... :-)

[Skylune]

Does anyone know of a good airport in the northeast where there is a good
chance of witnessing a crash? They have alot at Leominster, Mass, but
most have gone down short of the runway.

[John Galban]

Skylune wrote:
> Does anyone know of a good airport in the northeast where there is a good
> chance of witnessing a crash? They have alot at Leominster, Mass, but
> most have gone down short of the runway.

I recommend that you go back to flight school, get signed off to
solo, then make your own. Crashes are much, much cooler when
witnesses from inside of the plane. Trust me!

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[Skylune]

You seem to have experience in this!

[George Patterson]

Skylune wrote:
> Does anyone know of a good airport in the northeast where there is a good
> chance of witnessing a crash?

There are no airports where there is a good chance of witnessing a crash.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.

[Skylune]

Here's a good site to watch.

http://www.lookatentertainment.com/v/v-732.htm

[John Galban]

Skylune wrote:
> You seem to have experience in this!

I do. Follow the voice of experience! Also, drop back by the
newsgroup and let us know what airport you're flying from. We'll have
someone video your adventure so you can enjoy it for years to come (or
not, depending on how well you do).

Good Luck!

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[Skylune]

Yeah, I know. Sigh. They seem to be landing more on houses and highways.
That airport at Leominster Mass seems like the best bet.



Small plane crashes in Leominster
By Boston.com Staff And Associated Press | October 26, 2004

At least one person was killed when an ultralight plane crashed into a
machine shop in Leominster Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

The plane crashed into the R&S Machine Shop on Monarch Street, which is
adjacent to the Fitchburg Municipal Airport. The person killed is believed
to be the pilot, said Sgt. Scott Range of the state police.

A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration said the experimental
aircraft was registered to Andrew San Clemente, of Shrewsbury.

There was no immediate answer at the R&S Machine Shop, which caught fire
briefly, according to Jim Peters of the FAA.

Monarch Street resident Roland Rivard, 39, said the fire was extinguished
by about 4:20 p.m. He said most of the five employees of the machine shop
had left for the day before the crash.

"The people working in the shop had just gone home," Rivard said, noting
that the workers typically leave at about 3:30 p.m.

Rivard, who did not witness the crash, said one of his neighbors tried to
help the pilot before fire engulfed the plane.

It was the seventh plane crash to occur in or near the airport in the last
seven years. The series of crashes have claimed a total of 12 lives.

On June 2 of this year a Fitchburg father and his 25-year-old daughter
were killed when their plane crashed into woods about three miles
southeast of the airport.

In 2003 a plane occupied by a New York developer and philanthropist
crashed into an industrial building near the airport killing six occupants
of the eight-seated, twin-engine Beechcraftt. A 13-year-old girl aboard the
plane of M. Anthony Fisher survived the crash.

On Oct. 31, 1997 a flight instructor and his student were killed when
their twin-engine Piper Apache crashed in a yard on Longedge Avenue which
is in a residential area near the airport.

There were also air crashes in Leominster on Feb. 11, 1999 and Dec. 22,
1999 that resulted in deaths. The October mishap that year was a mid-air
collision in which a Worcester inventor was killed.

In July of 2000 a plane went off the runway at Fitchburg airport but the
pilot was not injured.

[Peter Duniho]

"Skylune" > wrote in message
lkaboutaviation.com...
> Yeah, I know. Sigh. They seem to be landing more on houses and highways.

There are no houses or highways where there is a good chance of witnessing
an airplane crash.

[Judah]

"Skylune" > wrote in
lkaboutaviation.com:

> Does anyone know of a good airport in the northeast where there is a good
> chance of witnessing a crash? They have alot at Leominster, Mass, but
> most have gone down short of the runway.

Oh! You're a Mass-Hole, that explains everything!

I bet if you stand long enought in the center of any active runway, you
will eventually get the opportunity to witness at least one accident.

The short ones are fun - they hardly even take up any bandwidth!

[Morgans]

"Skylune" > wrote in message
lkaboutaviation.com...
> Does anyone know of a good airport in the northeast where there is a good
> chance of witnessing a crash? They have alot at Leominster, Mass, but
> most have gone down short of the runway.

Sick.

On the troll - a - meter, that isn't even a "1".

Does your mommy know you are playing on her computer?

*plonk*

[KertDawg]

Skylune wrote:
> Here's a good site to watch.
>
> http://www.lookatentertainment.com/v/v-732.htm


The announcer says, "There's a crazy landing going on here."


- Kertis

[[email protected]]

I know - no where near NC, but since someone mentioned San Jose.....

For plane watching - no light GA, but does have biz jets and the
airliners - is MSP. They have a parking area off of Post Road, just
for plane watchers. Never stopped by there when there were less than
three families sitting atop thier car watching the planes go by. The
spot is towards the south end of on of the two parallel runways.

If you want small craft - in the Minneapolis/St Paul area - Crystal
Airport on the north end of the metro and Flying Cloud near the south
end - are usually quite busy, especially on nice weekends.

Randy

[Montblack]

" wrote)
[snips]
> For plane watching - no light GA, but does have biz jets and the
> airliners - is MSP. They have a parking area off of Post Road, just
> for plane watchers. Never stopped by there when there were less than
> three families sitting atop thier car watching the planes go by. The
> spot is towards the south end of on of the two parallel runways.

It's got a Drive-In Theater, before the first movie starts, feel to it
sometimes doesn't it? People hanging out on the hood of their cars, sitting
in lawn chairs, sitting in their cars eating a Subway sandwich, kids running
around some days, limos parked waiting to roll, guys with scanners, etc. I
go there and sit - killing time, before heading to the terminal for a
curbside people pick-up.


> If you want small craft - in the Minneapolis/St Paul area - Crystal
> Airport on the north end of the metro and Flying Cloud near the south
> end - are usually quite busy, especially on nice weekends.

Crystal (MIC) is being kicked around as an airport that might get closed.
Stay tuned.

Flying Cloud (FCM) is the busiest reliever airport (1 of 6) in the MSP /
Twin Cities area. You'll see some corporate jet traffic.

Anoka County-Blaine (ANE) is our second busiest reliever airport. You can
park by the tower, but there's no 'plane watching spot.' No tables or
benches, no deck, no speakers, no group hang-out feel to the place like MSP
has. All that MSP has is a long parking area - but it still has that certain
'here's where you can watch planes' feel to it. To be fair, the parking lot
next to the tower at ANE is a good spot to see planes - it just doesn't feel
like a public viewing area.


Montblack

[Skylune]

ASH is a rally good spot. Park right behind the chain link fence off of
Runway 32. There are no amenities, but you can get right up next to the
runway. I usually see some guys hanging out there with pickup trucks, or
lately some bikers. (Its motorcycle week here in NH.) Below is there
website. They have a really good restaurant at the airport too!

http://www.nashuaairport.50megs.com/

[Greg Farris]

Well let's see - An NTSB database research shows eight crashes at Leominster
in the past 40 years. So what you have to do is find a good spot, stand
there, or sit, but do not sleep. You may not divert your attention at any
time, even for a moment. Theoretically, within five years (43,800 hours) you
should see at least an incident, if you do not lower you level of vigilance
for even one of those 2.6 million minutes.

Of course, probably no more than any two or three of these incidents would
have been visible from any one vantage point, so you will have to chose
carefully, and probably increase your wait time expectation by at least
10,000 hours. General aviation safety records have improved significantly in
the past 40 years as well - pad another 20,000 hours to your wait time
expectation.

You may choose to believe that the recent incidents there (you cite seven in
as many years) represent more than a coincidence, perhaps an identifiable
trend. So go for it! If you think one per year is a good bet, that's only
8760 hours (still add the "right spot at the right time" multiplier though
- say 12,000 hours expected wait time).

I think you're on to something. I would strongly suggest you do this.
Don't forget to send us your videos!

G Faris

[Morgans]

" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> I know - no where near NC, but since someone mentioned San Jose.....
>
> For plane watching -

On Bermuda, you can sit along a road, at the runway fence, that is close
enough you can wave to, and see the pilot wave back to you. The road also
crosses the centerline of the runway, also very close.

I have to admit, I wanted to sit at the end until a big one went over, to
see if the wake turbulence would make you do cart wheels, like in "Pushing
Tin."

<BFG>
--
Jim in NC