Tampa International Airport - TPA

Last visited: August 2004

Tampa at the time of my last visit was very friendly for spotters with a nice location available on the top floor of the parking garage right by the main terminal.

During my last visit runway 18L/36R was closed for repairs. All operations were from 18R/36L.

Location A: Excellent location for aircraft arriving on 18R. Make your way north of the airport to Hillsborough Blvd. If you're coming from the south you will go east on Hillsborough Blvd. and make a u-turn at the first opportunity. Heading west you will see the airport on your left. Immediately across from the runway turn right onto Benjamin Road. Make another u-turn as soon as you can and head back toward Hillsborough Blvd. Just before Hillsborough Blvd. make a right turn onto Jet View Circle. Make the first right onto Jet Port Industrial Blvd. You'll see some industrial buildings on your left. Park and shoot from anywhere along this area.

This location is good for side on shots while the aircraft are approaching. They're pretty low as they are within a half mile of the runway threshold. You can also try shooting from Benjamin Road to get a bit closer, but you'll be in full view and in today's worried climate that may prompt a visit by the local authorities. Not sure whether they will let you continue to shoot or chase you off.

Location B: During my last visit in January 2003 photography was permitted from the rooftop level of the parking garage. There were several of us taking photos on the rooftop and no one bothered us the entire time. I'm not sure what the thinking is today about photograhy from there. You'll just have to try it and see. There are two parking garages. The one I used, and I believe is best, is the one furthest north and closest to the Marriott Hotel. From the northwest corner you had a good view of operations on 18R/36L.

Location C: This was an extremely good location for shooting picture of inbound aircraft to 18R/36L. From here you can get side as well as front and 3/4 views of the aircraft. They're fairly low, although not as low as at Jet Port Industrial Blvd. Not much difference though. To get to this location: South of the airport on West Spruce Street there is a light. Heading east you would turn right onto E. Frontage Road. Follow East Frontage Road to the end. Make a right onto West Cypress and you will immediately pass under the freeway. Continue straight to the end of West Cypress. You will be in a coprporate business park. Make the last left possible go to the end and make a right. Continue to the end and park in the spots available near the water.