Long Island Aviation
An Unofficial Site based on Official Information
Most of the time, I will post information about aircraft visitors to Republic Airport, mostly because that is where most of the aviation acton is on Long Island. Here's a bunch of information regarding the airport that will make you more familliar with the place, so the next time I get excited about a new visitor, you will be able to enjoy it just as much as I will.
About the Airport
For all the little facts and figures that some of you aviation nerds may want to know, they can all be found at http://www.airnav.com/airport/KFRG. But if you are an aviation nerd, you probably know all that stuff already.
Here's a map depicting all of the key viewing areas. Once you are in the area, it is quite easy to locate the spots by simply driving circles around the airport. There are two runways; 14-32 and 1-19. The active runway is usually chosen based on the wind conditions. During the air show, runway 14-32 is usually used by the jets, including the Thunderbirds, since it is the longest and has arresting cables. The smaller aircraft usually use 1-19.
1) The American Airpower Museum (Admission Is Required): Good for: Parked aircraft, Landing/Departing 19.
Not only is this an excellent museum that covers the deep aviation history of Long Island, this is where all of the warbirds will be parked, along with several other civilian and military acts. This is where you can get up-close and personal with the planes and performers. It is definitely worth your while to stop in for a little bit and check out what they have to offer. Want to take a ride on the B-17? This is where you sign up.
2) New Highway: Good for: Landing/Departing 14 or 32.
A long stretch of road that runs along and around the south side of runway 14-32. There is plenty of room on both sides of the road to pull over and watch the action. It's a great place to watch the big jets depart and land, but it can be rather dead during the day, as most of the smaller aircraft will be using the other runway (unless the wind dictates otherwise). Watch your speed and keep an eye out for potholes; there have been several accidents here because people accidentally drive off the road, get into a rut, try to pull back on too fast, and end up flipping themselves over. Not too cool.
3) Main Terminal: Good for: Parked Thunderbirds, Landing/Departing 1
There is a small parking lot behind the Air Traffic Control Tower. It fills up fast, so you will want to get there early if you want to stay in that spot. It provides an excellent view of the terminal parking area, where the Thunderbirds will be parked, so you will be able to see them saddle up in the jets and taxi to the runway. You can also get a good view of the landings and departures on runway 1-19.
4) Home Depot Parking Lot: Good For: Landing/Departing 14.
Excellent views at the beginning of runway 14. Plenty of parking around the area, so you will easily find the angle you are looking for. However, be courteous to the store owners and try not to park near the stores, unless you plan on shopping there.
5) Dave and Buster's Parking Lot: Good For: Landing 19.
Excellent views at the beginning of runway 19. Once again, plenty of parking, but try to avoid parking near the storefronts.
Keep in mind that there is an 8-foot chain linked fence surrounding the airport, so this may impede your view. Be sure to obey all parking laws.
WARNING: The information provided on this page is intended for the sole use of the aviation enthusiast to properly practice their hobby. The creator of this page assumes no responsibility for the actions and/or conduct of any individual during their hobby practices, or any of the consequences resulting from following the instructions provided.
Here's a map depicting all of the key viewing areas. Once you are in the area, it is quite easy to locate the spots by simply driving circles around the airport. There are two runways; 14-32 and 1-19. The active runway is usually chosen based on the wind conditions. During the air show, runway 14-32 is usually used by the jets, including the Thunderbirds, since it is the longest and has arresting cables. The smaller aircraft usually use 1-19.
1) The American Airpower Museum (Admission Is Required): Good for: Parked aircraft, Landing/Departing 19.
Not only is this an excellent museum that covers the deep aviation history of Long Island, this is where all of the warbirds will be parked, along with several other civilian and military acts. This is where you can get up-close and personal with the planes and performers. It is definitely worth your while to stop in for a little bit and check out what they have to offer. Want to take a ride on the B-17? This is where you sign up.
2) New Highway: Good for: Landing/Departing 14 or 32.
A long stretch of road that runs along and around the south side of runway 14-32. There is plenty of room on both sides of the road to pull over and watch the action. It's a great place to watch the big jets depart and land, but it can be rather dead during the day, as most of the smaller aircraft will be using the other runway (unless the wind dictates otherwise). Watch your speed and keep an eye out for potholes; there have been several accidents here because people accidentally drive off the road, get into a rut, try to pull back on too fast, and end up flipping themselves over. Not too cool.
3) Main Terminal: Good for: Parked Thunderbirds, Landing/Departing 1
There is a small parking lot behind the Air Traffic Control Tower. It fills up fast, so you will want to get there early if you want to stay in that spot. It provides an excellent view of the terminal parking area, where the Thunderbirds will be parked, so you will be able to see them saddle up in the jets and taxi to the runway. You can also get a good view of the landings and departures on runway 1-19.
4) Home Depot Parking Lot: Good For: Landing/Departing 14.
Excellent views at the beginning of runway 14. Plenty of parking around the area, so you will easily find the angle you are looking for. However, be courteous to the store owners and try not to park near the stores, unless you plan on shopping there.
5) Dave and Buster's Parking Lot: Good For: Landing 19.
Excellent views at the beginning of runway 19. Once again, plenty of parking, but try to avoid parking near the storefronts.
Keep in mind that there is an 8-foot chain linked fence surrounding the airport, so this may impede your view. Be sure to obey all parking laws.
WARNING: The information provided on this page is intended for the sole use of the aviation enthusiast to properly practice their hobby. The creator of this page assumes no responsibility for the actions and/or conduct of any individual during their hobby practices, or any of the consequences resulting from following the instructions provided.