VQQ-Spot1
Jacksonville Cecil Airport – Spotting Guide
Cecil Airport (VQQ/KVQQ) is a small airfield west of Jacksonville in the state of Florida. It does not handle any regular/passenger flights at all just some GA, but more importantly also military operations and is a licensed spaceport. The most interesting and common sight in VQQ are the UCBP P3s, which do fly on a regular basis however you cannot expect lots of movements a day. Similar to that are the movements due to the local maintenance facility, where you may see some common aircraft (like American B737, Delta A321 or JetBlue A220 in the past) or sometimes also rare pieces sitting on their ramp in the airfield’s north. Apart from jets, VQQ is also home to a handful of Marine CH53s and other military helicopters as well as some USCG ones, most of them are parked right next to the P3s in the south. Furthermore you may see some F18 fighters and sometimes even NASA P3s or USN P8s sitting around Cecil’s ramps.
Only a few kilometers east of Cecil Airport you will find NAS Jacksonville with more P3s and P8s. If this airbase should be closed, you may astonish some diversions to Cecil. Cecil Airport (opened in 1941) was known as NAS Cecil Field itsself till 1999 once the Navy closed its big base here.
Written by A. Hackenberger and Phenom188. Last Update: April 2022
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 09R/27L | 2439m |
| 09L/27R | 1353m |
| 18R/36L | 2439m |
| 18L/36R | 3811m |
| Terminals | There is no “normal” terminal at Cecil. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not recommended as the military and maintenance operators are not loving this. Just shoot thru the mesh or if absolutely needed quickly from your car’s top. |
| Car/Public Transport | A car is definitely needed: in order to keep a low profile and get around as public transport is poor. |
| Drinks/Food | There is honestly nothing here. But the airport is very calm, so rather a stop and go place anyway where you do not sit for hours. |
| Hotels | There are no hotels here with special spotter views. |
| Season | Summer is better as you can then nicely shoot the P3s on the apron with better light than during the rest of the year. There is no big variety regarding traffic/movements throughout the year. |
| Security | Keep in mind that spotting is still not such a known hobby especially around military facilities like here. Of course be prepared for an ID check by the police but in general spotting around Cecil is pretty safe as the airfield is pretty calm and you should not be harassed by police/security. Just do not hang around too long in the parking lots, especially at the fence with your big gear. More imprtant for the military (Marine + UBCP) ramp at spot 1 as they may cause problems and make you being send you away.
Some police officers may react rude to our hobby as they suspect terrorism by photography of airplanes. Always stay polite and stay in car when a police officer stops for a check. Do not leave your car unless you are told to do so! The spots underneath are mostly safe but check the MISC box for further info. Spotterguide.net is not liable for any inconvenience and misbehaviour towards the police of fellow spotters. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | The 09/27 runways will be used more often, 27 is used for/by most civil movements – mostly the southern one. |
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Spot #1 – Aerospace Way – UBCP/GA Ramp + Taxiway + 09/27 |
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| WHERE | This position is located at the airport gate at the eastern end of Aerospace Way next to the Lockheed Martin hangar (west of this one should be the USCG facility and then an army hangar). Here you will find a small parking lot where you can stop your car and get to the fence. |
| WHAT | From here you can see the UBCP ramp with some parked P3s normally in the south, plus the taxiway and western ends of the 09/27 runways in the backdrop. In the southwest you can additionally spot the GA ramp with (normally) Marines CH53s parked in the back. |
| TIME | Best on late summer evenings or overcasted days. |
| MISC. | Ladder not recommended. As you will mostly shoot static traffic anyway try to shoot thru the mesh. Just hope there is not too much ground stuff parked along the fence on the day of your visit as this may block your view onto the ramp. In addition, keep a low profile here, rather just stop and spot, then leave again to avoid problems/attention! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-200mm Helicopter = 100mm / P3 = 95mm |
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Spot #2 – Flightstar Aviation Service – Maintenance Ramp |
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| WHERE | This spot can be found in the airfield’s northern parts along the fence (running along Flightline Dr) around the Flightstar Aviation Service ramp. Actually you can spot wherever you want but due to some ground stuff parked airside along the fence northwards, the southwestern corner might be best. But just park your car here and then try it yourself. |
| WHAT | This position offers views onto the maintenance ramp. |
| TIME | Good from noon till sunset. |
| MISC. | Yet again: Ladder not recommended. As you will mostly shoot static traffic anyway try to shoot thru the mesh. Just hope there is not too much ground stuff parked along the fence on the day of your visit as this may block your view onto the ramp. In addition, keep a low profile here, rather just stop and spot, then leave again to avoid problems/attention! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 24-200mm B738 = 40mm |
This is a nice spot but the Craig Airport has a better location, but really helpful guide!