Rand Airport (QRA/FAGM) is a very busy general aviation airport located approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. Opened in 1931, Rand Airport was Johannesburg’s main airport and one of South Africa’s most important aviation hubs before commercial airline operations moved to Jan Smuts Airport (now OR Tambo International Airport) in the early 1950s.

Due to its proximity, Rand is a good option to visit when the sun is positioned over the runway axis at JNB. Expect plenty of traffic from local fixed-wing flight schools such as U-Fly, Johannesburg School of Flying, Phoebus Apollo Aviation Academy, and Springbok Air Academy, operating mainly Cessna and Piper aircraft. There is also a helicopter flight school, Henley Air, as well as several helicopter maintenance companies based at the airport. We recommend visiting the airport on weekdays, as the flight schools are closed on weekends.

There are several stored aircraft on the field, including  DC-9, DC-6, DC-3, Fokker F27, and even an ATL-98 Carvair. Unlike in the past, however, it is no longer possible to obtain airside access from airport management to walk around the ramps You may try asking one of the companies based at the airport for permission to visit their hangars or ramp areas.

Written by Julian Mittnacht. Last Update: June 2026

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
11/29	1.712 m (5.617 ft) Asphalt
17/35	1.493 m (4.898 ft) Asphalt
Terminals	There are no scheduled flights but the old terminal is still in use for general aviation flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed at any of the locations.
Car/Public Transport	We can’t recommend the use of public transport so a car is needed.
Drinks/Food	Two restaurants at the airport, Spots 1 and 4, offering views on the action.
Hotels	There is the “Dakota Lodge” located directly in the hangar of Springbok Air, with views into the hangar. Otherwise there is nothing around.
Season	Johannesburg is one of the cities with the highest sunshine rate worldwide and always worth to visit! Best season to visit Rand is in winter from end of May to August. There is less rainfall than in the summer and all spots are on the northern side of the airport so no backlit during the winter period.
Security	All spots are very safe, especially 1 and 2 are within the fenced airport boundaries. Spot 3 and 4 are right next to the museum and a restaurant so expect no issues as well. PLEASE BE CAREFUL DURING YOUR STAY IN SOUTH AFRICA. HERE ARE SOME GENERAL TIPS: – DON´T SPOT ALONE. ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY WITH YOU – STAY NEXT TO YOUR CAR WHILE SPOTTING – DON´T DISPLAY YOUR EXPENSIVE CAMERA EQUIPMENT, TABLET OR SMARTPHONE FOR A LONG TIME. – AT NIGHT, DON´T GO OUT BY FOOT, EVEN IF YOU JUST HAVE TO WALK A FEW METERS. ALWAYS USE YOUR CAR.
Runway Usage
11/29	This is the main runway for arrivals and departures whilst 29 is the preferred direction. 11 is very rare in use.
17/35	35 is second most in use for arrivals and departures. 17 is trying to be avoided.

	Spot #1 – The Harvard Cafe Rand Airport
WHERE	This is the best location at the airport and it’s on the outside terrace of the Harvard Cafe. At the main entrance take a parking ticket and drive to the old terminal building. Parking is available nearby. Go into the restaurant and request a seat outside on the terrace directly at the fence. You can spot from the fence/gate, there are several holes and its not even high or from Childs playground.
WHAT	Almost all ground movements which will pass by at this location. All flight schools and planes parked in front of the main terminal can be spotted. Helicopters fly in and out from the Henley Air ramp. Movements on the taxiway and runway can bee seen but  due to grown grass and heat haze not the best option.
TIME	Best light during the winter months as spotting throughout the whole day is granted. Only movements on the north-south taxiway will be backlit from afternoon onwards.
MISC.	You have to order something to drink/eat to use this location.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-200mm for Cessna/Piper/Helicopter, depends on which taxiway they use. EMB120 = 60mm

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	Spot #2 – Helicopter Ramp
WHERE	On the opposite side of the old terminal/restaurant there are some helicopter maintenance hangar of NAC and Capital Air. You can easily walk from the old terminal along the road until you see the ramp of the helicopters.
WHAT	Only helicopter can be spotted from here, either parked in front of the hangars or taking off.
TIME	Depends a bit how the helicopters are parked but in general best light during the winter months for the whole day. Most stuff will be backlit in the summer months.
MISC.	The fence is not very high and live view is the best option or one step to get a clear view.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-200mm Bell 407 take off = 150mm

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	Spot #3 – SAA Museum parking lot – 29 arrivals
WHERE	The location is outside of the airport on the parking lot for the famous SAA Museum. Just follow the signs to the museum, can’t miss it. Once on the lot, find a place near the fence.
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 29 only.
TIME	Best light during the winter months as spotting throughout the whole day is granted. Backlit during the summer months.
MISC.	No ladder needed as the aircraft are still high enough. Restrooms and refreshments inside the museum’s ticket office.
FOCAL LENGTH	200mm for Cessna/Piper

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	Spot #4 – Runway27 Pub&Grill – 29 line-up
WHERE	Right next to the museum is the Runway27 Pub&Grill. Once inside request a place on their outdoor terrace.
WHAT	View is limited and you can spot aircraft lining up for 29 departure only. 29 arrivals can be seen but just from behind after touching down. The view to the 29 threshold is blocked by a wall (see photo below).
TIME	Best from sunrise until noon all year long.
MISC.	You have to order something to drink/eat to use this location. No ladder needed as there is a huge gap between the fence and the barbed wire.
FOCAL LENGTH	150-200mm for Cessna/Piper

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The South African Airways Museum

Do not forget to visit the museum at the airport. The exhibition provides a huge variety of aircraft types like the mighty 747-200 and SP, Douglas DC-4, DC-3, L1649A Starliner and many more. Unfortunately, the aircraft are parked in a very tightly packed arrangement, which makes photographing them difficult. More details, ticket prices and opening hours can be found on the official website.