Tucson Arizona - ANG F16's

[AndyB]

Hi, When we eventually sort this Covid out I intend visiting Davis Montham. Whilst there I would like to see the AZ ANG F16's at Tucson International. Now here is the problem! I am restricted to going during May. I have received advice regarding viewing locations but I am very concerned that heat haze will be a major problem. My immediate thoughts would be to visit early morning and to read off the serials whilst they are parked in their sun shelters. Has anyone been there during May and can advise me of their success ( or otherwise). Thanks.

[raameagle]

At any military base it is always worth visiting at first light or an hour or so before last light (depending on sun position in relation to the aircraft) to read off serials. In Tucson’s case I’ve always done it at first light.
Regards
Mark

[Thunder]

Heat haze will be a problem in May, so as said above early morning, late afternoon. You could always try and arrange a ramp visit.

I’m surprised you are still able to read the serials since the erection of the sun shelters. I was there in 1996 and can remember it was hard back then, due to the distance. From memory the closet you could get was from next to an airport fire station, but I can’t find the position on GE.

[Mike]

I know of two people that booked Davis-Monthan overflights from Double Eagle Aviation at Tucson and they taxied right past the AZ ANG shelters slowly on both occasions, this enabled them to get loads of rather nice shots of the F-16s. Website is here :- http://www.doubleeagleaviation.com/

[Thunder]

We did that on our visit.

[Davem245]

Heat haze will be a problem in May, so as said above early morning, late afternoon. You could always try and arrange a ramp visit.

I’m surprised you are still able to read the serials since the erection of the sun shelters. I was there in 1996 and can remember it was hard back then, due to the distance. From memory the closet you could get was from next to an airport fire station, but I can’t find the position on GE.

I Have read the F16's in the sunshades at Tucson from 2-3 locations around the airfield last year in Sept and on previous years, the steel work requires you to move up and down a bit to get them. I would reckon we got 95% of them that were outside.

DAVEM

[martin condon]

You can also read a fair few off in the dark as the haze has gone and also there is a fair amount of lighting in the area, but you will stand out like a spare thumb to the local plod so take care.

[adderman]

Hi Folks

AndyB.
Suggest you get there shortly before dawn as you'll only get about 30 mins before haze becomes a problem.
Assume you have a decent mag pole?

Several locations, look on Google Earth.
1. Junction of East Medina Road/South Plummer Avenue. This is on the north east side of TUS.
Park on EMR on the dirt and you'll see the closer row of sun sheds that face 03/21. Should get about 20 from here. Plus a few on the row of sheds behind.

2. After Spot 1 carry on South Plummer Ave into the GA complex and park there. From here you'll have a different angle to the Spot 1 sheds though most are tail on, plus if they're empty you can see right through to the second row behind them and get a few there.

3. South Park Avenue(on west side of TUS). A fast road but gravel on opposite side enabling you to pull off(no parking signs but I've seen people stopped there before)

4. After spot 3 carry on south into East Teton Road to South Apron Drive as, this is where Double Eagle are based (6961 South apron Drive AZ 85756)
From here and further along you'll see the row of sheds that face out onto 11R/29L. Plus if you carry on alone South Apron Drive beyond the derelict hangars you'll see the closer end of the sheds at Spot 1.

They start flying quite early even in winter.

If you're here for the day before and after doing DM and get two sessions then a healthy log should be gleaned.
Good luck.

[Phil]

They don't tend to fly on Monday mornings.

[Freeman Lowell]

I know of two people that booked Davis-Monthan overflights from Double Eagle Aviation at Tucson and they taxied right past the AZ ANG shelters slowly on both occasions, this enabled them to get loads of rather nice shots of the F-16s. Website is here :- http://www.doubleeagleaviation.com/

Bear in mind that it has been reported DE will be moving their operation to Ryan Field. (Adds just 15-20 mins total to transit time.)
Freeman

[Gus0898uk]

Are you still restricted how many times you can overfly the boneyard, even on a Sunday morning?.
I know they brought restrictions in after 9/11, but when I had a couple of trips 95/96 time I had no problems whatsoever, but that was while the DM guys were still having their Maple Syrup Pancakes and Coffee.

[slogen51]

From memory the Double Eagle carpark also has a good view so it will be a shame if they do move

[AndyB]

Many thanks guys. Most helpful.

[AndyB]

Just one more thought. I have a good telescope but would rather travel light and only carry 20x50 binoculars. Can somebody confirm whether these are good enough or should I take my pole? Thanks again for all of your help.Cheers.

[raameagle]

If you’re a military spotter why would you not take a pole?!
Regards
Mark

[slogen51]

Agreed

The pole is the first first thing in the bag after the passport and maybe a pair of mini bins you can hide in your pocket just in case you need to be discreet. Don't forget two pens and a note book.

Are planning on doing the DM overflight?

Wish I was going to the SW states - paradise.

[tm74sqn]

I've given up on using a pole and note book - I'm happy using the very compact Cannon SX50 HS bridge camera I bought a few years ago - quality not up to much, but it does have up to 50x magnification (1200 lens). Just scan the aircraft from various locations around the fence! Another advantage is that a few years down the line you can check what you really saw . . . .
Hope your visit goes well, TM 74

[AndyB]

Eyesight issues make using binos easier than a pole. I will be travelling light so not much room for both. I do have a Sony bridge camera, with 50x magnification, so maybe that is the answer. Just take loads of photos.