Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Charlotte, North Carolina

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North Carolina claims to be "First In Flight" and is home to a significant milestone in the history of aviation 100 years ago and today, Charlotte is a winner.  There is only 1 official viewing area called Overlook Park (locals call it "The Overlook"), located on Old Dowd Rd.  It is called Overlook because it is on a rise which looks slightly down upon the west runway right near the holding point for traffic departing to the south on 18R.  It has a large area for parking and gets quite crowded.  This park was open before 9/11, but now you can expect it to be closed whenever the National Terror Threat Level goes to "orange" but the Airport managers realize the popularity of it and do their best to keep it open at all other times.

You will get a close view of planes waiting to take off as well as planes approaching for landing on this runway.  If traffic is operating to the north (36L) you will still get a decent view of planes after takeoff and those that have landed exiting the runway.

The largest airline here is USAirways and its Express affiliates and the variety of aircraft isn't too great, although now USAir operates an A330 to Europe.  Although the variety could be more diverse I still have to give it a 5 based on the location and view.

Click here to see photos from "The Overlook"

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