How could I find an AFB within a reasonable drive to my home where they run touch-n-go’s (or equivalent) as a frequent exercise? I’d love to show my young son (without going on Base, of course), but he couldn’t take the noise of an airshow. Any ideas? I may be closest to the Norfolk, VA area…
You are near a big AF base
And a Naval Air Station
http://www.mybaseguide.com/navy/oceana/
BTW, that site can be used to find others. I believe there is an auxiliary airfield near Oceana where the planes actually practice touch & gos.
As a slight aside, every few weeks I get to watch Bombardier planes (usually Challengers, sometimes a Global) do touch-and-gos at Montreal (Trudeau) as part of their certification process. It might happen more often than that, but I don’t always pay attention and I can only see one of the three runways from my office. I presume the same can be seen at any airport that serves an aircraft manufacturer. It might not be as exciting as a fighter jet, but it’s still pretty neat to watch!
The Air Force and Navy will send fighters to normal US airports to practice using them. About 5 years ago a Navy fighter crashed on takeoff here , the pilot ejected and was OK. I guess the theory is that in a big war their bases could be bombed and they are forced to use whatever runway they can find so they practice using a non standard runway.
Thanks to those who posted. And, just to clarify: I didn’t say I am close to Norfolk…I said I MAY BE closest to the Norfolk area. Hence, it is still a hike. And, I’d hate to go all that way for nothing.
If you’re near Norfolk, there’s no reason for you and yours to be satisfied with just air force jets. It is the largest Navy base in the world, and there are always plenty of aircraft carriers, warships, amphibious ships and submarines. I remember seeing a carrier leaving the bay while going through the bridge/tunnel.
Do they have to be military planes? I grew up near a base (dad was a pilot) and drove by it fairly often; it was rare to see much activity out on the runway. On the other hand, some civilain airports have the planes landing and taking off about as close as they can squeeze them together, and the airlines publish schedules so you know when things are supposed to be happening.
Sadly, the security can be a little nuts. I remember when some airports had actual balconies where you could go out and have a pretty good view of the planes coming and going. Nowadays, not so much.
An air show may be a better bet.
I second Cheshire Human on Oceana. I couldn’t say when a good time would be though. I lived near there for years and heard them (fighters) all the time but you rarely see them. If you visit Virginia Beach for any length of time you will see planes and probably ships too.
When you cross the Hampton Road Bridge Tunnel into Norfolk you have a great view of any number of carriers, although there won’t be any planes flying off.
If you are near DC you can see planes landing and taking off around Andrews AFB.