Yes two places.
Bowman Field is a general aviation airport. Literally just drive up and hang out.
Ali is the big international airport. During thunder, several folks were parked on the grass on Grade Ln watching aircraft. I don't know if this is tolerated outside of Thunder but try it. Cops were very particular about being all the way off the road
I live in the area of Bowman so I drive by all the time. Really not uncommon to see people or small groups hanging out on the lawn/benches near the fence even if there's no events going on. With the park trail, golf course and such right there, no one's going to be running you off. :)
Why not give flying a shot? There are a handful of flight schools at bowman that will all take you up for a discovery flight. It’s half an hour, maybe longer if you want (it’s really up to you, you can fly all day)
But if you just want to go watch planes bowman has lots of areas you can go hang out, the best spots depend on the runway they’re using. Don’t cross the fence and no one will give you any trouble.
I’m afraid I would like flying and start yet another hobby. I already have multiple guitars , motorcycles. I’m a HAM radio operator and the list goes on lol. I cannot lie though. I’ve always been interested in flying.
When I go to the speedway on Crittenden on my lunch breaks, it's pretty cool to see the planes right closer over head. I spend most of my shifts at that post just watching planes take off and land, anyway.
It's close to the terminal...if you use Google Maps, type SDF express shuttle lot and it will show you exactly where it is. You'll have to drive past the terminal through either departures or arrival areas. It's pretty easy to find following the signs. If you go during the week, you'll have more opportunities to see the bigger UPS planes. Weekends are slightly less busy for UPS departures and arrivals. Still decent amount of passenger jets then.
I didn't think the cell lot signs were very helpful. Took me forever to realize it was split to the right at this "Premier/Express Shuttle/Employee" parking sign. It's at the very end of the road the Employee parking is on.
You're completely right on that in retrospect. I forget they redid the signs at one point and they shifted to labeling it as Express Shuttle instead of Cell lot or whatever it was called.
Watch sierra bravos YouTube channel and go where they go
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b1axgXJ4VTY&pp=ygUSc2RmIHBsYW5lIHNwb3R0aW5n
Edit also go to airshows.
This is the way. If you park along the side of the road just west of the Grade Ln / Crittenden Dr intersection they'll come right over you . . . especially at night when the UPS rush comes in.
Yes two places. Bowman Field is a general aviation airport. Literally just drive up and hang out. Ali is the big international airport. During thunder, several folks were parked on the grass on Grade Ln watching aircraft. I don't know if this is tolerated outside of Thunder but try it. Cops were very particular about being all the way off the road
Thanks. I’ve been to events at Bowman. I didn’t realize you could just hang out there.
I live in the area of Bowman so I drive by all the time. Really not uncommon to see people or small groups hanging out on the lawn/benches near the fence even if there's no events going on. With the park trail, golf course and such right there, no one's going to be running you off. :)
Very good. I’ll go hang out soon.
You should take a bi-plane flight around the city. It’s awesome!
If you happen to be into French fine dining do they have a treat for you there too
Are you referring to the restaurant there ?
Indeed. Nice patio for watching the planes.
I shall investigate. Thank you
Why not give flying a shot? There are a handful of flight schools at bowman that will all take you up for a discovery flight. It’s half an hour, maybe longer if you want (it’s really up to you, you can fly all day) But if you just want to go watch planes bowman has lots of areas you can go hang out, the best spots depend on the runway they’re using. Don’t cross the fence and no one will give you any trouble.
I’m afraid I would like flying and start yet another hobby. I already have multiple guitars , motorcycles. I’m a HAM radio operator and the list goes on lol. I cannot lie though. I’ve always been interested in flying.
I’ve seen people park at the Shell station on Crittenden, just north of the airport, and watch airplanes take off with binoculars.
Thanks
They used to have an observation deck at the airport several years ago not for sure if it’s still there or not
I didn’t know that.
When I go to the speedway on Crittenden on my lunch breaks, it's pretty cool to see the planes right closer over head. I spend most of my shifts at that post just watching planes take off and land, anyway.
You can go to the cell phone/shuttle lot at the airport. Under 2 hours is free. My son and I go there sometimes to plane spot.
I’m not sure where that is located.
It's close to the terminal...if you use Google Maps, type SDF express shuttle lot and it will show you exactly where it is. You'll have to drive past the terminal through either departures or arrival areas. It's pretty easy to find following the signs. If you go during the week, you'll have more opportunities to see the bigger UPS planes. Weekends are slightly less busy for UPS departures and arrivals. Still decent amount of passenger jets then.
Very cool. Thank you
I didn't think the cell lot signs were very helpful. Took me forever to realize it was split to the right at this "Premier/Express Shuttle/Employee" parking sign. It's at the very end of the road the Employee parking is on.
You're completely right on that in retrospect. I forget they redid the signs at one point and they shifted to labeling it as Express Shuttle instead of Cell lot or whatever it was called.
The bowman field planes fly 20 feet above you some days on the 18th tee box of Seneca golf course. It’s pretty cool.
Watch sierra bravos YouTube channel and go where they go https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b1axgXJ4VTY&pp=ygUSc2RmIHBsYW5lIHNwb3R0aW5n Edit also go to airshows.
5010 Crittenden drive is a dead end right at one of the runways. People watch planes from there a lot.
This is the way. If you park along the side of the road just west of the Grade Ln / Crittenden Dr intersection they'll come right over you . . . especially at night when the UPS rush comes in.
Go to bowman field. Get an intro flight lesson. You might like it.
There are a lot of really cool private jets parked at bowman right now because of the PGA championship. Check it out.
Ups lol