Baltimore, MD - KBWI

Yet again we have an airport where Southwest dominates; with the only saving grace being your chance of getting a shot of a special scheme increases.  There are 2 public viewing areas, yet only one provides for any kind of photography. (the other is in the terminal)  Known as the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Observation Area, this spot provides for some great afternoon photos provided you can find a spot to park.  It is co-located with a playground and bike trail and the 50 or so spots are always full especially on weekends.   Location:  http://welcometobaltimorehon.com/watch-airplanes

N561UA - United B757-222 landing runway 33L

N33262 - United B737-824

N403QS - NetJets Gulfstream IV

Raleigh Durham, NC - KRDU

Raleigh is another airport that has a great mix of domestic traffic.  Unfortunately with the proliferation of regional jets, you have to watch 5 or so of those operators before being able to get a glimpse of a Boeing or Airbus.  There are 2 parallel main air carrier runways oriented 050 and 230 allowing for great sunlight from morning through to around 2 pm.  The airport is surrounded by trees so afternoon perimeter shots are rare.

The one bright spot is that there is a public viewing area between both runways that is elevated and gives a decent view of the traffic on 23L/5R. (Southwest uses the other runway, so you don't have to be overwhelmed by canyon blue all day)  The viewing area is located north of the passenger terminal and south of the cargo apron next to the FBO.  Signs clearly direct you to the "Aircraft Observation Area".   http://www.rdu.com/whileatairport/obpark.htm

N535US - Delta B757-251 rotating off 23R

N405US - USAirways 737-401 departing 23R

C-FUJZ - Air Canada JAZZ CRJ-705 wheel up off 23R

If the winds are favoring 23R you get two chances to capture your subject as the aircraft have to taxi by you to get to the end of the runway.

N676CA - Comair CRJ-900 taxiing to 23R

Portland Jetport, ME - KPWM

If you fancy a trip to the northeasternmost state, stop by the Portland Jetport.  There is a public viewing area located just south of the east/west runway which provides for some great views of the entire airfield.
Here is an interesting article about the viewing area: http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/plane-spotting-enthusiast-frequent-portland-jetport_2011-08-19.html

Photography can be accomplished throughout the entire day as the sun stays low enough to lighten up every subject passing by your lens.  The viewing area is located at the intersection of Westbrook St. and Aviation Blvd.

N294JB - jetBlue E190 landing runway 29

N960AT - Air Tran 717-2BD landing runway 29

N13553 - Expressjet E145 rolling out on runway 29

Albuquerque, NM - KABQ

This is another one of those airports that has a main operator which you'll see more than anyone else. (Southwest)  There are 2 different public viewing areas which cover 2 of the 4 runways.  The first one is just north of the passenger terminal and is abeam the approach end of 17. (a runway not used very often)  The other one is located south of the cargo ramp and GA area which is abeam the approach end of runway 3 or departure end of 21.  Both areas are clearly marked with signs titled "Aircraft Viewing Area".

N555LV - Southwest 737-7BD departing runway 21

N124UP - a very light UPS A300F departing runway 21

Boise, ID - KBOI

My old home airport doesn't get a huge variety of subjects and is pretty much unshootable in the summer months as the runways run east/west.  During the winter months the sun is low enough throughout the day to catch just about every subject.  There is a mix of commercial, GA, and military (A-10s mostly) that provide a fairly constant stream of traffic.

If they are landing to the east, just head south on Orchard St. just past the approach lighting system and make a right on Wright St.  Approach shots are fairly easy with any lens bigger than a 150mm

N609QX - Horizon CRJ-700

80-0276 - Idaho ANG A-10

N3753 - Delta B737-832

If the traffic is reversed, just make your way to the east side of the airfield on Production St., drive south of the centerline, climb the hill, and you'll see a pullout for your vehicle.  You'll need a little longer lens here as you are farther away from the runway. 

N437QX - Horizon Q400 Boise State colors

N675FE - FedEx A300F

 These two spots are pretty much it as the entire southern part of the airfield is known as Gowen Field and is an active miltary base making any kind of "on the runway" shots impossible.

Paine Field, Everett, WA - KPAE

I don't think much needs to be said about this airport.  It's just where Boeing manufactures their heavy iron. (747, 767, 777, 787)  Thousands of visitors a year make the "pilgrimage" to PAE as part of their visit to the Seattle area's aviation attractions.  Photos can be taken from many locations around the field and it would be a dark day in you know where if you found yourself being the only photographer up there.  The best vantage point is the parking lot of the Future of Flight Museum which allows unobstructed views of the plant's ramp and airfield.  (Just be prepared for the sun to not cooperate with you)

TC-JJN - Turkish B777-3F2ER

N5573S - Cargolux B747-8F during testing

Other areas are located by the control tower and on the south end of the field near the fire station.

N6067E - Boeing Aircraft Co. B747-8i first flight

N787BA - Boeing B787-8 fly-by

Renton, WA - KRNT

Renton Municipal Airport is where Boeing has its narrowbody manufacturing plant.  If you've ever ridden on a 707, 727, 737, or 757, this is where it was born.  About 85% of all the Boeing aircraft that leave here for the first time never come back as they are flown to BFI for outfitting and customer delivery.  Some of the aircraft are painted at Renton and some are flown green to BFI.  Some do return to Renton after their first flight which can lead to some good shots from the public viewing area located at an elevated position just northeast of the Rainer Ave and Airport Way intersection after noon.

N1796B - Boeing 737-900 destined for Turkish Airlines



JA337J - JAL Express B737-846 doing compass swings