Post
by Malcolm » Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:57 pm
Never had any problems at Luke. The north end of the base has a public road running along it, and I've sat there all day - on the side away from the base fence. There is also a road that runs to an area of wasteland about half way down the western side of the base - that used to be opposite the ramp where the AFRES 'LR' F-16's lived and I believe the Japanese and Korean F-35's used it too. There may also be a road at the southern end - but I haven't been there since 1991 because they've always been landing from the north when I've been there since then.
With decent optics you can read off some of the F-35's under the sun sheds early morning - you can often get about 20+. The F-16's are generally closer and a bit easier though they are fewer now - perhaps another 20. Heat haze is a problem once the sun gets up though. It used to be possible to use the track down the western side of the fence, and you could bag 100+ F15/F16's just before sunset. However, that track is now fenced off.
On a good day they fly like stink, starting about dawn and not finishing till after dark. 40-50 F-35's and perhaps 30 F-16's, many frames flying 2 or 3 times per day.
If you've never been there, it's certainly worth a visit.
18-5884, MC-130J. Nellis AFB, NV. 17th May 2022 
08-8203, C-17A. Nellis AFB, 17th May 2022.
92-3290/GA, E-8C. Nellis AFB, 17th May 2022
“Thunderbird One”. Nellis AFB, Nevada. 17th May 2022
90-1795, C-130H. Nellis AFB, NV. 17th May 2022 
MM7335/32-04, F-35A. Luke AFB, AZ. 18th May 2022
