KFLL - 5/4/2011 - New Spotting Location (image heavy)

[MarkLawrence]

For those that don't know, FLL currently has the main runway 9L/27R closed for repairs and for the next two months, only 13/31 and occasionally for small traffic 9R/27L are in use. Now, for anyone that has been to FLL, the viewing park is really out of play here as is the parking garage - distance and heat haze are the problems. So, today I went scouting out a new location. It is a public park called Greenbelt Park (google Greenbelt Park Ft Lauderdale for exact address) and it's located just off Griffin Road. It is on the south side of the airport. There is a parking spot and then I walked about 10 minutes east along the pathway until I found a nice location under the trees. Departure shots are the prime at this location - because of the heat haze, arrival shots are unfortunately out. This location is only really good from about 11am onwards. Because of the height of the sun, there is a fair amount on underside shadow, but, I think it's workable. Anyway - just wanted to let everyone know what I'd found and here are the shots from today.....

[steve1840]

That looks like a great location! If I make it down there this year to go spotting I'll have to have you show me that location. Great shots Mark!

[AirtrafficController]

Nice location find Mark. Love the 757-300 lifting off!

[LGA777]

Nice shots and good job on the find Mark. Think it might also work for 31 arrivals?

[MarkLawrence]

Oh yes - I'm sure it will Ron! Winds at the moment are staying out of the SSE to ESE - to everything is 13 - but - I'd love to go when 31 is in use! If I get some of those shots, I'll post them!!!

[Spunker]

As always Mark, great shots. Great ground level location. Closing the main runway is sure to cause a mess and put a crimp in some nonstop long haul flights. 13/31 is less than 7,000 feet if I remember correctly.