North Carolina claims to be “First In Flight” and is home to a significant milestone in the history of aviation more than 110 years ago. There is only one official viewing area at the Charlotte airport called Overlook Park (locals call it “The Overlook”). The Overlook has been a feature at this airport for many years and is a very popular place. In June 2024 the airport opened a new Overlook west of the original location and it overlooks the departure end of runway 18R. They had to relocate it due to construction on new taxiways for runway 18C and within the next few years a new runway. You can see traffic landing on 18C from the new Overlook but there may be trees or possibly construction equipment blocking part of the view. The new Overlook gives the best view of traffic waiting to take off and approaching 18R for landing. Photography would be best in the morning all year due to facing west. If traffic is operating to the north (36L) you will still get a decent view of planes climbing out and those that are exiting the runway after landing. There are play areas for kids, food trucks, and educational displays with ample parking here. It is a very well designed area that the airport authority has created for the planespotting and aviation enthusiast community. The new Overlook is located on Overlook Drive off of Old Dowd Rd. See the map above for a better look at the location. It is so new that the satellite maps haven’t been updated as of August 2024.
Another attraction on the grounds of the Charlotte airport is the Sullenberger Aviation Museum which has a number of aircraft and other artifacts, including a Piedmont DC-3 and the “Miracle on the Hudson” US Airways Airbus A320.
The Charlotte airport is a hub for American Airlines and its regional affiliates and the variety of aircraft isn’t too great. The most common planes here are Airbus A320s and regional jets. The only foreign flights are served by American and Lufthansa to various major cities in Europe as well as Air Canada Express flights to Toronto and Volaris to Mexico. Domestically, Charlotte is also served by Delta, United, and Southwest along with their regional affiliates.
Examples of Photos From The OLD Overlook
Examples of Photos
