getting airport passes for photography

[Nathan]

Would it be feasible to call up a Regional/International airport to see if one could get a inside pass for a day for photography? Just curious if anyone here has done that?

Cheers,
Nathan

[Ztex]

It never hurts to ask...

Most large airports will either say no or need press credentials and/or charge you a "commercial" media permit fee.

At airports with scheduled passenger service you will run into a large wall called TSA. Security is paramount and us amateur photogs are not worth the trouble.
It is difficult enough at some airports to photograph outside the fence without the occasional hassle. Although some airports are quite accommodating and some groups have created a good relationship with some airports ( http://www.houstonspotters.net ) It is a rare thing nowadays.

Even access to general aviation airports has become difficult.

But just ask...you never know when you will catch a bureaucrat having a good day.

[Nathan]

Hi Zane, this is what I got back from the airport:

Nathan,

There is a couple things about taking pictures on the airport:
You would need to get permission from the aircraft operator prior to taking thier picture.
The airport does not have a "visitor pass" that would allow you in.
We would require some type of identification to verify who you are.
If you were to take pictures inside the fence you would need to be escorted.

[RyanShort1]

There is a couple things about taking pictures on the airport:
You would need to get permission from the aircraft operator prior to taking thier picture.
The airport does not have a "visitor pass" that would allow you in.
We would require some type of identification to verify who you are.
If you were to take pictures inside the fence you would need to be escorted.

No big surprises there. That's basically what you'll find at any FAA funded towered airport these days. Especially if you want to do anything inside the fence. That's how it is at our airport, and I work here! Now, because we lease part of the ramp, I can generally get out as far as the vehicle lane without being harassed, but that's only because we don't have as big of a TSA presence here.

Ryan

[Nathan]

What I don't understand it why would I need permission from the aircraft operator to photograph their aircraft?

[bdk]

What I don't understand it why would I need permission from the aircraft operator to photograph their aircraft?

Because the airport operator is probably the one that would escort you? I don't know that the FAA or TSA would escort you since they have no mechanism to collect any fee for doing so.

[RyanShort1]

What I don't understand it why would I need permission from the aircraft operator to photograph their aircraft?

It's one more level of red tape those in charge of the airfield can use to keep you out... "did you get permission to take pictures of X aircraft?"

Think of it this way, too. I know we all (myself definitely included) like to take pictures of the aircraft, but the airfield manager is probably thinking more like this: Said operator is my tenant, and possibly customer as well, I don't know if said operator wants his aircraft photographed by John Doe (and who knows if he's just taking pictures of aircraft, maybe he's a terrorist and is taking pictures of the operations at the field)... If there's some reason he shouldn't be photographing John Doe's aircraft, then I might get sued... I guess I'd better require him to get permission before letting him on the field.

For instance, we have Texas DPS troopers on our field as well as Airlife helicopters and police helicopters with their operations. There MIGHT be some operations they do that are sensitive on occasion (I know some of the guys ).

I think it's terrible that we've gotten to this point, but hey, until people start thinking and believing differently, we have to adapt and overcome.

The good news is that if you get with things and obtain your pilots license, maybe you'll find that you "belong" at the airport and people know you, your business, and don't worry about your being there!

Ryan

[wacoykc]

It does not say AIRPORT OPERATOR........it says AIRCRAFT.....which is a bunch of bull

[JDK]

You would need to get permission from the aircraft operator prior to taking thier picture.

It does not say AIRPORT OPERATOR........it says AIRCRAFT.....which is a bunch of bull

I'm with wacoykc here, that's a try on.

The rest of the response is reasonable, but that doesn't click.

While you are a 'guest' on private property, I can see accommodating to reasonable requests - however I've never encountered any serious attempt to require prior permission in a case like this. And on a non-privately owned airport? Hmmm.

Thankfully that is clearly not a rule observed anywhere very much, otherwise the spotters role in blowing the 'extraordinary rendition' aircraft activities wouldn't have happened.

[Liza]

What I don't understand it why would I need permission from the aircraft operator to photograph their aircraft?

Because it's private property. From what I understand about the law though, if it's in view from a public place then permission is not needed. It's a gray area.

[Nathan]

I went to Harris Hill yesterday and did some photography there. Then moved on to ELM and the Wings OF Eagles Museum. I drove around the airport looking for a good spot that might be good for a future trip. Any idea how to know what the active runway is? My plan is to try and get on an end or close to the end of a active runway for my work.

Thanks for the help,
Nathan

[RyanShort1]

Any idea how to know what the active runway is? My plan is to try and get on an end or close to the end of a active runway for my work.

If the airport has a weather observation station, it may have a phone number you can call and get the wind conditions. This will give you a basic idea of what runway would be logical for them to use.

Ryan

[Nathan]

I was thinking that too. Great minds think alike. haha

Thanks Ryan,
Nathan

[Holedigger]

I definitely have mixed feelings on the "security" at airports, on one hand, knowing it is necessary to a high degree, but on the other hand, the sometimes aggressive, STUPID actions of over-reactions in order not to actually have to think about something.

Make my own airport, don't have to worry about rent-a-cops! Actually did this for a little Metro Airport in the SE, left out the security fence in the foreground because it wasn't pretty!!! I can do that, I have an artistic license!!!

[wacoykc]

I can tell you that if you go to an airport boundary fence at a larger airport and sit at the end of the runway chances are airport security will pay you a visit and ask you to leave. Happens at KDAY all the time.