Arizona is a great place to visit if you’re an aviation enthusiast. Not only does it have a couple of major airports, but it’s also home to many storage bases and the incredible AMARG collection at Davis Monthan AFB near Tucson.
Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona, and it has a number of airports in its vicinity that are easy to visit and definitely worth stopping by. Below, I’ve listed a few details of each, but please feel free to comment with your own opinions and details.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
This is the main airport of the state, and certainly the busiest. It is a hub for US Airways and Southwest Airlines. All major US airlines, both passenger and cargo, visit daily, and there is a large enthusiast community who ensure the hobby is accepted. Try the top level of the car park for some good views.
Scottsdale
Technically another city, but you’d never know. Scottsdale is situated to the east of Phoenix, and it’s airport is a busy base for executive jets. You can view movements from the airport’s perimeter roads, and see aircraft on the ground from the main terminal area.
Deer Valley
This airport is situated in the north of Phoenix. It is one of America’s busiest general aviation airports, so if you collect light aircraft this is the place to be. It’s quite hard to see everything, but the main access road is your best bet.
Mesa Falcon Field
Another airport to the east of Phoenix in the district of Mesa. Here you’ll find a lot of GA movements, and some services by Pet Airways. On the field is also a couple of DC-3’s and a DC-4.
Mesa Gateway Airport
This airport serves as a hub for Allegiant Airways and its MD-80s, serving various destinations around the country. It is technically Phoenix’s low-cost airport. You can see aircraft from the terminal area.
Phoenix Goodyear Airport
There are a lot of storage airports in Arizona, and Goodyear is the nearest to Phoenix. AeroTurbine is one of the main operating companies here, disposing of many older types that have reached the end of their life. It’s quite difficult to spot aircraft here, but a number of roads and tracks surround the field which give glimpses.
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