Ruth Haines
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)/KPIT is a hub of activity, with a variety of commercial, cargo, and military aircraft taking off and landing on its runways. For aviation enthusiasts, plane spotters, or curious onlookers, there are several locations near the airport where you can witness these aerial spectacles. From the long-term and extended parking lots to specific spots near runways 28R and 28L, and even the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, whether you're a local or a visitor to Pittsburgh, grab your VHF radio scanner and head to one of these spots to experience the thrill of plane spotting at PIT Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Pittsburgh International Airport |
| Airport Code | PIT/KPIT |
| Location | Approximately 16 miles west of Downtown Pittsburgh |
| Runway Information | Runway 28R is commonly used for departures when the wind is coming from the west; Runway 10C is used for departures when the wind is from the east; Runway 28L is used for landings |
| Aircraft Variety | Commercial, cargo, and military aircraft |
| Aircraft Examples | P-8 Poseidon, E-2 Hawkeye, C-40 Clipper |
| Viewing Locations | Long-term and Extended parking lots, Allegheny County Airport terminal building, Butler County Airport hangars, Moon Park, Eat n Park's parking lot |
| Additional Information | VHF radio scanner or Flightradar24 can be used to track flights and access runway information |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Allegheny County Airport: Walk outside along the runway and see small planes, jets, and helicopters
- Runway 28L: Used more for landings, with a great view from the parking lot
- Runway 28R: Used more for takeoffs, with a good view from the Ewing Rd exit
- Runway 10R/28L and 14/32: Used by large military tankers, with a quick taxi to/from the southeast ramp
- Moon Park: Offers great views of planes taking off and landing, accessible via 376 West and Ewing Rd
Allegheny County Airport: Walk outside along the runway and see small planes, jets, and helicopters
If you're looking for a place to watch airplanes at Pittsburgh Airport, consider visiting the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin. This airport has a rich history, having once been the third-largest airport in the country and the main entrance to metro Pittsburgh until 1952. Today, it primarily serves small and mid-sized private, corporate, and commercial aircraft, making it a great spot to see a variety of planes up close.
At Allegheny County Airport, you can enter the terminal building and take a walk outside along the runway. This airport has two active runways and one helipad, so you may see small planes, jets, and even helicopters during your visit. The STAT MedEvac headquarters is based at the East end of the airfield, so you may catch a glimpse of their helicopters landing on the ramp or repositioning from other hospitals.
The Allegheny County Airport is also notable for its unique design. The main terminal, built in 1931, features a modern aesthetic with white brick and touches of black, silver, and green. Above the stainless-steel canopy, you'll find a semi-hexagonal doorhead flanked by Art Deco urns adorned with images of flight. The terminal has undergone renovations to comply with ADA standards, and extensive masonry renovation work is currently underway.
If you plan to visit the airport, you can find it in West Mifflin, PA, and its address is 12 Allegheny County Airport, Suite 1, with a zip code of 15122. While there, you can enjoy the convenience of its terminal amenities and experience the buzz of private and corporate aviation activity. The airport also has an interesting film history, having been featured in movies like "The Mothman Prophecies" (2002), "Gung Ho" (1986), and "Last Flag Flying" (2017).
For those interested in getting close to the action, Allegheny County Airport offers a unique experience. Remember to be mindful of airport security and any safety guidelines they may have for visitors. Additionally, if you want to get a sense of the wind conditions and runway usage, you can call the airport's weather information number at 412-472-0145.
London Airport Transit: Do I Need a Visa?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Runway 28L: Used more for landings, with a great view from the parking lot
Runway 28L at Pittsburgh International Airport is used more for landings than takeoffs, although this depends on the wind and ATC on the day. To watch planes landing on Runway 28L, one option is to go down Business 376 to University Blvd, where the runway starts about 1,000 feet from the intersection. Eat 'n Park's parking lot is right under the flight path and offers a great view of the runway. However, be mindful that the moon police may not allow you to stop there.
Another option is to park in one of the businesses' parking lots along that route. You can also try the gravel lot closer to the runway, near the intersection of Business 376 and Hangar Rd. While you can watch planes from your car in these lots, be aware that security staff may not always be happy about it, and there may be fees involved.
If you want to increase your chances of seeing planes, consider checking the wind direction and speed. Planes typically take off and land into the wind, so knowing the wind conditions can help you predict whether they will be landing on Runway 28L. You can call 412-472-0145 for Pittsburgh International Airport's weather information. Additionally, if you have a handheld radio scanner that can scan VHF frequencies, you can tune in to the airport's ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) for recorded messages with runway information. The frequency for arrivals is 127.25 MHz.
For a completely different experience, you might want to consider visiting Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin. There, you can walk outside along the runway and get very close to small planes and jets, as well as see medevac helicopters in action.
Airport Extreme: Can It Handle Gigabit Speeds?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Runway 28R: Used more for takeoffs, with a good view from the Ewing Rd exit
If you're looking for a good spot to watch airplanes at Pittsburgh Airport, one option is to head to Runway 28R, which is often used for takeoffs. To get a good view, you can take the Ewing Road exit from Business 376 and look for a pull-off to the left just before Cherrington Parkway. This spot will put you right under the short final for Runway 28R, offering a great vantage point to see planes taking off.
While this location provides an excellent opportunity to witness takeoffs, it's important to note that the usage of runways can vary depending on wind conditions and ATC directives on any given day. Therefore, it's a good idea to check wind information before heading out, as airplanes typically take off and land into the wind. By knowing the wind direction and speed, you can anticipate whether they are more likely to be landing to the east or west.
Runway 28R at Pittsburgh Airport is a popular choice for plane spotting, and for a good reason. This runway is not only used for takeoffs but also offers the advantage of being more accessible to the public compared to other runways. By following the directions provided and exiting onto Ewing Road, you can position yourself in close proximity to the runway without trespassing on airport property.
Additionally, the Ewing Road exit offers a convenient way to access Runway 28R without encountering the same issues with the authorities that you might experience at other viewing spots. While it's always important to be mindful of local regulations and respect any instructions from the police, the Ewing Road exit provides a safer alternative to spots that are directly adjacent to airport property.
In conclusion, Runway 28R at Pittsburgh Airport is an excellent choice for those seeking to observe airplane takeoffs. By utilising the Ewing Road exit from Business 376 and locating the pull-off area before Cherrington Parkway, you can position yourself for a thrilling and safe plane-spotting experience. Remember to check wind conditions ahead of time to maximise your chances of witnessing takeoffs on the day of your visit.
Arriving Early: Domestic Flights in Canada
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Runway 10R/28L and 14/32: Used by large military tankers, with a quick taxi to/from the southeast ramp
Runway 10R/28L and Runway 14/32 at Pittsburgh International Airport are primarily used by large military tankers due to their convenient access to the southeast ramp of the airport. The airport, located in Findlay Township and Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is about 10 miles (15 km) west of downtown Pittsburgh. It covers 10,000 acres (40 km^2^), making it the largest civil/public airport in Pennsylvania in terms of land area.
Pittsburgh International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s when the federal government recognised the need for a military airport in the region to defend its industrial wealth and provide a training base. Construction of the runways began in 1942, and the airport opened in 1952. Over time, the airport has expanded significantly, with the addition of runways, extensions, and the development of international capabilities.
Runway 10R/28L and Runway 14/32 are among the busiest at the airport, especially for military operations. These runways offer efficient taxi access to the southeast ramp, making them ideal for large military tankers that require quick manoeuvring. The airport's layout, with its southeast ramp location, caters to the unique needs of these aircraft.
While it is fascinating to observe airport operations, it is important to respect the boundaries and not trespass onto airport property. Additionally, when it comes to viewing aircraft movements, safety should always be a top priority. Staying in designated areas and following any guidelines or instructions from the airport authorities will ensure a positive and secure experience for all.
To enhance your viewing experience, you can utilise tools such as a handheld radio scanner with VHF (Very High Frequency) capabilities. By tuning into the airport's ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service), you can access valuable information about weather conditions and runway usage. This service provides pilots with essential data, and by listening in, you can anticipate aircraft movements and make more informed decisions about your viewing location.
Groton-New London Airport: Where to Park?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Moon Park: Offers great views of planes taking off and landing, accessible via 376 West and Ewing Rd
Moon Park is the perfect spot for plane spotting at Pittsburgh Airport. The park offers excellent views of planes taking off and landing, with the aircraft getting impressively close. To access the park, take the 376 West and Ewing Road exit, and you'll find the park straight ahead on your right.
Moon Park is conveniently located right off of 376 West. After taking the Ewing Road exit, you'll easily spot the park, which is known for its tennis courts. The park provides a unique vantage point to witness the majesty of aviation up close. The planes soar overhead, offering a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
From Moon Park, you can observe the graceful movements of aircraft as they navigate the skies. The park's proximity to the airport ensures that you get a front-row view of the action. The planes appear so close that you can almost reach out and touch them. It's a thrilling experience that showcases the power and beauty of flight.
For those passionate about aviation or seeking a unique outdoor activity, Moon Park is a hidden gem. The park offers a dynamic and ever-changing spectacle, with each take-off and landing presenting a new experience. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, whether you're a seasoned plane spotter or a novice enthusiast.
In addition to the visual spectacle, Moon Park also offers a unique auditory experience. The roar of engines as planes take off and land creates a captivating soundscape that adds to the overall excitement of the plane-spotting experience. It's a multisensory adventure that delights both the eyes and the ears.
Renting Ola Cars: Hyderabad Airport Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is located approximately 16 miles west of Downtown Pittsburgh. While there are no designated spots to watch airplanes, you can try the long-term parking lot or the landside terminal near the airline ticketing counters for a view of the airplanes.
Yes, you can try the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin. You can go into the terminal building and walk outside along the runway to watch small planes, jets, and helicopters.
Yes, there are a few spots outside the airport where you can watch airplanes. One spot is off the exit on Business 376 to University Blvd, where you can see the runway. Another spot is near Resurrection Cemetery, but be mindful of airport property boundaries.
You can use a radio scanner to tune into the airport's ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service), which provides weather and runway information. Additionally, websites like Flightradar24 offer real-time flight tracking and airport information.
