FighterControl

Hello as anybody got any information on the best place
For photos and spotting at the above base
Many thanks
Regards
Howardf

Not sure if you can spot outside most people get a base tour

Base visits ended when Zip retired a couple of years ago. They chase you away outside. Honestly not worth going there now sadly.

Well that rather depends on what you want.
With decent optics/cameras you will get plenty of serials if they fly.
You won't get photos worthy of the photo section, but not all of us are that interested in doing that....

Was there a few years ago and outside the base can be tricky. If the planes are landing on 31L or R there are some rural roads where the jets are banking for final approach. Makes for good shots if the weather is nice. There are a few power lines that can get in your photos but they are easily avoidable. Lots of farmland so visibility is normally good. It would be worth it if Top Gun or a Carrier group is training when you are there. It's pretty busy then. Good luck if you go.

Andy Marden wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:44 pm

Well that rather depends on what you want.
With decent optics/cameras you will get plenty of serials if they fly.
You won't get photos worthy of the photo section, but not all of us are that interested in doing that....

Yes I was referring to taking photos, apologies. I personally wouldn't risk it outside but I've heard of people managing it, local residents do tend to call the cops if they see spotters.

That happens everywhere in the States. Paranoia has taken over...

KevinJ wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 21, 2025 1:40 pm

Andy Marden wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:44 pm

Well that rather depends on what you want.
With decent optics/cameras you will get plenty of serials if they fly.
You won't get photos worthy of the photo section, but not all of us are that interested in doing that....

Yes I was referring to taking photos, apologies. I personally wouldn't risk it outside but I've heard of people managing it, local residents do tend to call the cops if they see spotters.

Fallon uniquely has a local law (or statute) that forbids taking photos outside the base - this is the only base in the US that has this as far as I know, so expect to have an interaction with the police pretty fast telling you to move along.

I’ve taken photos from off base when aircraft are on finals and had no problems at all. I was on a public road by the Eastern end of the runway and obviously you never point camera towards the base or buildings.