KCLE Spotting Info
WARNING: The information provided
on this page is intended for the sole use of aviation
enthusiasts to properly practice their hobby.
OPShots.net or its members assumes no responsibility for
any actions and/or conduct during
their hobby practices, or any consequences of following
the instructions provided below. The user acknowledges
and understands that aviation enthusiasm can draw
attention and suspicion from others, and all enthusiasts
are encouraged to act in a respectful and open manner
towards law enforcement officers, to carry their ID on
them at all times, and to report truly suspicious
activity to law enforcement agencies.
Click the locations on the map
to read the descriptions below.
Location A – 100th Bomb Group Restaurant
Views: Much of the airport is visible from this spot.
Especially good for landings on Runway 24L, 24R and 28.
Directions: The 100th Bomb Group Restaurant is located next to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Brookpark Road between Grayton Road and West 220th Street.
Security: There have never been any issues with security
at the Bomber. It is a long tradition that families,
people taking a break and spotters sit in the parking
lot and watch the activities of the airport.
Photography: For most landing shots, anything in the
200-400mm is recommended.
Notes: If you frequent this area, please visit inside
and buy a dessert or a appetizer. Make sure to thank the
manager on duty for the opportunity that the restaurant
gives to us.
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Location B – Zin Technologies
Views: Outstanding unobstructed views of landing
aircraft when inbound on the 06's, as well as nice
departing views off of the 24's.
Directions: Located on Aerospace Parkway on the
southwest side of the field. Can be accessed off Rt. 237
south, to Grayton Rd. (Follow the signs to the
IX-Center). Continue around the airport on Grayton Rd,
which will change names and become Aerospace Parkway.
Pass through the landing lights for Rwy. 06L, and it
will be the first building you come to on the right hand
side. There is a large employee parking lot, and most
spotters park in the far corner.
Security: More than any other location, this one has
caused trouble for Cleveland spotters, for this reason
we recommend only going here on holidays, weekends, or
after normal business hours, and all the warnings
iterated above need to be adhered to. If you are
questioned, be cooperative. If you are asked to leave,
thank the officer for doing his/her duty and leave!
Consider yourself warned!
Photography: Fantastic evening lighting in the summer
months for approaches on the 06's, and departures from
the 24's. Morning hours are unfortunately backlit, but
still fun to watch. No fancy lenses or ladders needed
here as the runway is so close you may have to put your
little lens on!
Notes: Out of Towner's may be frightened away from this
spot because of all the horror stories, but if you use
common sense, and follow the rules above, you will be
rewarded with some of the finest shots available at
Hopkins. If you can get in touch with one of the local
photographers before your trip, someone should be able
to give you the latest scoop on this fine spot.
And keep the area clean! I have
even cleaned up trash I saw lying there from other
people.
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Location C – Brysdale Park
Views: Short final of planes landing 24L and 24R. This
position puts you on the other side of the approach path
than the Bomber Squad, so this is good for nice lighting
in the morning and in the winter time.
Directions: From Brookpark Road, go north on Rocky River
Road. On the right side you will see an industrial park
entrance. Turn right into it. Go to nearly the end of
the Cleveland Parkway Drive. On the left you will see
the entrance to a parking lot. This is a public park and
you can position yourself wherever you think is a good
location. The planes on the 24L approach will fly nearly
directly over you, on the 24R approach will be a little
further out.
Security: This location is a bit off airport and a
public park. We have not encountered anyone there yet.
If you run into any problems there, please share your
experience with us!
Photography: The planes on the 24L approach will be
rather close, something between a 100-200mm will be
enough. For the 24R approach you may want something that
reaches a tad further.
Notes: Keep this newly found area clean! Don't litter if
you see litter pick it up, it only takes a few seconds.
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