Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Arlington, Virginia

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The only viewing area is located in Gravelly Point Park, which is just north of the airport off George Washington Parkway.  Planes approaching runway 19 make a left turn over the park as they must follow the river bend - across the Potomac River is Washington DC which is a "no-fly" zone.  This park is a great place to come and relax whether or not you are watching planes.  There are running trails and boat ramps for small boats & jetskis.  Planes on approach will be very low and you get a good view of the end of the runway where planes will taxi into position to depart toward the south.

The most common type of aircraft seen here are 737, MD80, Regional Jets, and turboprops and the larger planes (737, MD80) will only be using the north-south runway (1/19) which is 7,000ft long.  The largest airline at DCA is USAirways.

Overall, a very good choice for planespotting.  It's a safe place and usually quite crowded, and there are no entrance or parking fees.  Not much has changed since before 9/11.

Click here to see photos from Gravelly Point Park

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