When spotting in the USA, it is generally a good idea to let the authorities know that you are there and what your intentions are. In most cases, if you speak to the right person, you’ll be thanked for the information and given permission to carry on.

Here are some contact details for various airports:

Washington Dulles – contact Ops on (703) 572-2730 and you’ll be fine from the car park.
Washington National – contact dispatch on (202) 610-7515

For spotting information on nearly 70 US airports, check out our new book – Airport Spotting Guides USA

The Best Plane Spotting Happens Just Outside Of DC’s Restricted Airspace || Jaunted

Jaunted has posted a nice piece about spotting at Washington Reagan National Airport in the USA. The Gravelly Point Park passes the end of the runway giving some spectacular views of departing aircraft at close range.

The park is popular with cyclists and walkers, and shouldn’t draw too much attention if you want to watch the movements – as that’s what most people are doing anyway!

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A recent report from spotters visiting Washington Reagan National Airport states that Gravelly Point Park, just off George Washington Memorial Parkway, is an excellent spot.

This is particularly the case if aircraft are landing from the north, as they will pass very close to you.

If aircraft are landing from the south, you can still read off most movements from this location, although photography may be unfruitful.

This also seems to be a location that is tolerated by the local authorities, as the report states the spotters had no problems being there.