John F. Kennedy International Airport - JFK

You can see from the various aircraft sizes and the fluctuations in the mm of the lens that this location does require a good long lens. It all depends on where they rotate and begin that procedural left turn.

Point B - For departures on 31L: This spot is a small park located at the tip of Howard Beach and pretty close to JFK. To reach the park turn left (if coming from the Belt Parkway direction) onto 157th St. and then make a right turn onto the first one way street heading in that direction. Follow this to the end, make a left and park at the east most end of the park. We've tried this spot only once and feel it could be good or bad depending on where they turn and how heavy they are. You'll definitely miss a lot of shots because they will turn early and the Sun will be wrong, but the few you might get could be good. I definitely need to explore this park more. Probably a good spot for 13R arrivals when, and if, they are ever doing that. Lighting here may be a challenge and very dependent on time of day.

Point D - For arrivals on 22L: This is an afternoon spot that we use frequently for arrivals on 22L. Usually when 22L is active they are departing on 13R with a few departures also on 13L and landing on 13L. Usually (most often true but not always!) 22L will have the European arrivals where 13L will have the domestic and arrivals from the west). During July 2003 it seems that they've been putting more and more arrivals on 13L and leaving 22L for the sporadic few, but you just can't tell. You might have some long waits between aircraft at this location, but if it's like it used to be it will be pretty active. You can get some good inbound shots from here.

Follow Rockaway Blvd. past the airport. Make a left at the first light, Brookville Blvd., past the airport property. Continue on Brookville to the next light and make another left onto 147th Ave. Proceed to 230th St. and make another left. Go to the end where there is a soccer field and school. On the left side of the soccer field you will see a mound of dirt about 10 feet high. Take up a position on this mound and click-away. They'll come from your left and pass right in front of you.

You can see from the shots above you're either shooting at max mm capabilities or pretty close in. Just about all of the approaching shots will require 400 mm's and the straight side on shots about 135 mm (Those are the digital mm equivalents. For normal lens on a film camera without the digital factor you're looking at 600 mm and 200 mm for the same results.

Point E - For arrivals on 31R: This is an afternoon spot that we use frequently for arrivals on 31R. It's a well known spot that is frequented by many New York area photographers and visitors, the parking lot of the COSTCO on Rockaway Blvd. Depending on factors not yet known you may be approached by NYC police, questioned, searched and whatever else they may do before determining you are not a threat and then telling you to leave the parking lot. We've been lucky so far and never stopped by the police at this location, but we know many who have. If approached, keep your cool and cooperate. You may not be allowed to continue taking photos at that spot, but you shouldn't be unnecessarily detained if you cooperate.

Inbound aircraft will come from your right and proceed in front of you. You'll have to keep an eye open for power lines and other obstructions that can get in your way.

Point F - For arrivals on 04R, departure lineup for 04L and departures on 22R: This is an morning spot that we use frequently for arrivals on 04R and departures on 22R. If it's not summer bring your long johns as you'll need them and if it's summer bring your bug repellent because you might need it. Also, bring a pair of old shoes, preferably waterproof if it's been raining. For everything except 04R arrivals you're going to need a really long lens at this location. When they are landing on 04R you can get good shots of the inbounds and in the distance the line up for 04L departures. If they're departing 22R you'll need a long lens to get anything worthwhile. Also, sometimes when 04R is active they'll put a few arrivals on 04L. You can get touchdown zone shots from here with a very long lens of the larger aircraft.

These photos were taken from Bayswater State Park at the end of Mott Ave. To reach the park take Rockaway Blvd. to the light by COSTCO. Turn right at the light (believe it's the Nassau Expressway) and go to the second light and make another right. I believe this is Burnside Ave., however, it will change to Sheridan Blvd. at some point. Follow the road about 2 miles to a light on the corner of Mott Ave. Turn right and follow all the way to the end. Park on the street and then walk through the gates to the park area. If it's rained recently expect an inch or more of standing water and some very muddy areas between you and the viewing area.