made in usa: blog 
made in usa's blog
rdu - march 08, 2009
Published March 16, 2009Views: 221
Three weekends ago, I visited for the first time the Observation Tower at RDU. You might have seen my image gallery of the photos I took on that day. Well...I enjoyed it, even if it was a cold and windy day! But underneath that coat I was wearing, I was freezing my tail off after a while!
The following weekend, which was the weekend of March 8th, I was riding around looking for something to do. The weather was so nice that day I just couldn't stay at home any longer. Guess where I ended up? You got it...back out at the Observation Tower at RDU! When I got there, the place had a crowd. The wind was blowing just as hard as it was the week before, But this time it was a warm breeze...a breeze similar to the one you'll have at the beach - never letting up. It felt so good!
I had a better time this time than last, yet both trips were a lot of fun. There were more people here on this second trip because it was so much warmer, and the nice weather made it twice as enjoyable for everyone. People were walking their dogs on a leash. Some were having a picnic. One family even brought their kids armed with kites...and a perfect day for them to fly them it was!
So now...if I have you wanting to go visit the RDU airport's playground for plane-watching, let me give you some tips before you go...
With a little planning ahead, you can make this outting a lot more fun. First, check the weather. You want to come on a warm day. There's not many trees to break any winds, and a cold day could prove a bit brutal on the ole body. Bring the kids. They are going to really enjoy watching the planes. And if it's supposed to be a windy day, bring each one of the youngsters a good kite. To enhance your fun...bring a picnic too. Or plan on eating at the restaurant inside the nearby General Aviation Terminal. Bring your camera and a pair of binoculars if you have them. And poochy can come too. Just be sure to put him on a leash. Want to "fly" out here first class? A blanket and some folding chairs would enhance you enjoyment. This place can easily make for a one-day family vacation! And for cheap too! There's even a little minature runway in the middle of the playground that would be perfect for the kids to race their remote-controlled cars and trucks if they have one. The mini-runway is even marked off like the real thing.
Ok...here's some more photos I took on this last trip. Enjoy, and plan on doing this yourself. It's an inexpensive way to have some fun and enjoy the outdoors after a long, long winter. And with the economy we are all having to deal with, a trip to your airport's playground is in order because it won't cost you anymore than what you bring with you. Not a bad deal for some springtime fun. Keep in mind that the month of March is the best time for flying a kite. The kids would love you for that! Just keep in mind to not let it go too high up!
The photos... http://www.wral.com/golo/image_gallery/4744768/
Be sure to click onto {View AS A Slideshow}...much easier!
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Filed under: Outdoors
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GOLO member since August 20, 2007
March 16, 2009 10:04 a.m.
I know they park her at T4, gate A6 and then hard-stand her somewhere else when the 777 pulls up...the question is if there is any way to see the A380 from inside the T4 common areas before security?
There looks to be a mezzanine level with plenty of windows but I don't know if it's good enough of a vantage point to see all the way down the A concourse or if one can get a good view of the tarmac between T4 and T5 (the old Saarinen/TWA terminal).
Not that it would stop me from going out there...there's tons of hardware out there that you just won't see at RDU...A330, A340, 747 (unless the President comes visiting), etc.
Anyone got experience spotting at JFK (without being on the mosquito infested Mounds, that is!)? It looks an easy trip by train from Manhattan on the A (or E to Jamaica) and then on via AirTrain...
March 16, 2009 8:19 a.m.
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An option if you really have the jones for some plane-spotting and the weather is chillier than you like is the observation deck at the General Aviation terminal.
There is a lounge area upstairs that is publicly accessible that gives a great view of the GA ramp as well as Terminal 1 (Southwest and US park on that side of the terminal).
From the lounge, you can actually go outside on a terrace deck which is really fun when one of the bizjets lights off their engines.
Ah...the wonderful smell of JP-4. Nothing else quite like it... :)
The best part is that even though the parking lot is behind a gate, it's free if you're out in four hours. Just stick your parking ticket in the machine and it'll zero it if you're out in time. :)
March 16, 2009 8:12 a.m.
GOLO member since February 5, 2009
March 16, 2009 7:49 a.m.
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
March 16, 2009 7:48 a.m.
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
March 16, 2009 7:13 a.m.
GOLO member since August 28, 2008
March 16, 2009 6:54 a.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
March 16, 2009 6:22 a.m.
I very rarely use Pilot Briefing for weather unless there is a fast moving front of severe weather in the area and I don't have access to TV/net and I need to know.
Local ports may be up to an hour old, but it helps tell you whats moving in IF you know the direction the system is moving. By calling field west of me I can see whats moving in a few hours before it hits me. I can call north west of me and due west of me. South there isn't really a distant field to go by, but there are 2 I'll check about a 25 minute flight away.
If I'm in the city I can call all four corners using airports for weather and see how it is where including the center of the metro. Strange? yes. But it is helpful being able to check with a call for comparatives on weather conditions.
March 16, 2009 5:04 a.m.
GOLO member since March 6, 2009
March 16, 2009 2:20 a.m.
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