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Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Las Vegas is home to some of the best spotting in the world from the late Fall - Spring seasons. McCarran International sees scheduled traffic from all over North America, Asia, and Europe. There is significant business jet traffic starting Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening. Furthermore, the famous "Janet" 737's make frequent visits to LAS taking employees to Tonopah. There's also Nellis AFB just miles up the road. Nellis is home to the famous Red Flag an Green Flag exercises.

The guide below is done with no guarantees. I've personally been to all locations except #4. I have had no issues, but this guide is simply a recommendation, and I hold no responsibility nor liability.

Radios:
Ground: 121.1, 121.9, 254.3, 270.8
Tower: 118.75 (1/19's), 119.9 (7/25's), 257.8
Approach: 125.025, 125.6, 282.2, 379.15
Clearance: 118.0, 379.95
Atis: 132.4


1) E. Sunset Road Spotting park: This location has roughly 30 parking spots right on the fence. You will need an SUV (ie: Explorer, Expedition, Tahoe or Suburban) or ladder. Keep in mind that the ladder needs to be kept away from the fence line. This location is best for 25L/R action in the afternoon, but will work starting in the morning depending on the time of year. You will see everything coming and going. You can also get some Terminal D movements. Keep in mind that 25R is closed until the middle of 2015 for re-surfacing work. Most of the traffic will end up on 25L for arrivals and departures will be on the 1/19's.

25L sunset arrival


25R departure

2) Location 2 is on the top of the employee garage. You will need to park in the long term garage on the top level and take the bridge across to the employee garage. Walk to the furthest corner and you'll see a "No Trespassing Past This Point" sign. This spot is best in the morning and is for the 1/19s only. This location is where you'll get the shots with the casinos in the background.

1L morning departure

3) TaylorMade Golf Experience Parking Lot off of Las Vegas Blvd. This location works for morning 1L arrivals.


4) Jack in the Box: I haven't been here, but it will work for 1L and 1R arrivals late in the evening.

CO777ER wrote:
4) Jack in the Box: I haven't been here, but it will work for 1L and 1R arrivals late in the evening.

I visited Las Vegas last month and tried the Jack In The Box spot. It does give a good overall view of movements on all runways but as a photo spot I’d say it was my least favourite of those I tried.

The restaurant’s parking lot really has no view of the approach to 01L/R as the restaurant itself is in the way. There is however a gravel track that leads southward, parallel to the Strip (cross the gas station forecourt) with space for a few cars to park. This gives a view of the approach but as the aircraft pass they are almost overhead meaning you’re going to shoot a lot of wing and engine.

These shots were taken in pretty dubious lighting conditions but I was really only there to investigate that spot and to get an idea of angles etc.



Biz jets sometimes prove a little easier to shoot, being that bit smaller.



Hope this helps someone.