USA Southern Border Jan/Feb 2018 - MIL

[EHAM]

Hello all,

Earlier this year I made a two-week spotting trip, once again to the south western part of the United States, to enjoy blue skies, perfect winter light, mild temperatures, a beautiful desert scenery and of course some interesting aircraft.
Even in this extremely dry area near the Mexican border, the weather can be tricky this time of the year. So I monitored the weather forecast closely and booked the tickets only a few days in advance (for a surprisingly affordable price). As a result, I ended up with sunshine for about 90% of the time.

Anyway, here are some of the MIL highlights (CIV highligts will be posted in a separate topic). The entire photo collection as well as my trip report can be found at my website http://www.aviaspotters.nl.

1. Alamogordo - NM


2. Las Cruces - NM


3. El Paso - TX


4. Phoenix Mesa Gateway - AZ


5. Phoenix Mesa Gateway - AZ


6. Phoenix Mesa Gateway - AZ


7. El Centro - CA


8. El Centro - CA


9. Tucson - AZ


10. Tucson- AZ


11. Tucson - AZ


12. Tucson - AZ


13. Tucson - AZ

[Basman]

Even better than the civil report Joost


Bas

[LarsS]

Amazing photos Joost! Love them. I have a question thoug, maybe you might know. For e.g. Mesa Gateway, is there a site or list with expectations to be found? And what time is the best chance for catching mil stuff like the Harriers?

Thank you!

[Optimus]

Even better than the civil report Joost


Bas

Nah... each to their own. I just see a bunch of greyish aircraft

Kees

[EHAM]

For e.g. Mesa Gateway, is there a site or list with expectations to be found? And what time is the best chance for catching mil stuff like the Harriers?

Thank you!

For CIV stuff an (incomplete) list of expectations per airport can be found on FlightAware. For MIL stuff it's just a matter of luck. Mesa Gateway has military visitors on most days, even (or maybe especially) during weekends. I took the Mesa Gateway photos on a Saturday; there were about 40 visiting MIL aircraft that weekend.

[Basman]

Even better than the civil report Joost


Bas

Nah... each to their own. I just see a bunch of greyish aircraft

Kees

Oh well, like you say, each to their own. At least we share our preferred airline, judging by your profile picture.

Bas

[Optimus]

Even better than the civil report Joost


Bas

Nah... each to their own. I just see a bunch of greyish aircraft

Kees

Oh well, like you say, each to their own. At least we share our preferred airline, judging by your profile picture.

Bas

Hahaha