KLUF - Spot 1
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July 13, 2022Luke Air Force Base – Spotting Guide
- last modified on September 21, 2023
Luke’s Air Force Base (IATA: LUF; ICAO: KLUF) is located in Glendale, AZ, 20 NM west of Phoenix Sky Harbor. Luke’s AFB was first opened in 09/1943 and is now home to the world’s largest fighter wing; approximately 205 aircraft and 25 Squadrons. You can expect to see a large amount of F16s and F35s at this base from Air Forces such as USAF, RSAF, RCAF, RNAF, and RDAF.
You can frequently see other aircraft types such as C17s, C130s, and more. Another major base aircraft is the Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. (ATAC) Dassault Mirage F.1s.
The “Luke Days” airshow is taking place in mid-march annually (in 2021 and 2022 it was canceled) for two days.
Written by Jake Youngs, Cole McAndrews, and Nick Nelson. Last change: September 2023 (Spot 1 updated)
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03L/21R | 10012 x 150 ft. / 3052 x 46 m, Concrete |
| 03R/21L | 9904 x 150 ft. / 3019 x 46 m, Concrete |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | The fence is pretty low but it is useful at some points but don`t place them directly at the fence. |
| Car/Public Transport | Having a car is preferred for the easiest access to all spots, however, bus stops are available in the vicinity and you can walk to the spots from there. |
| Drinks/Food | None of the spots at this airport really have easy access to food or drink, within a short walking distance. There are a number of restaurants, stores, and gas stations within about a 5-10 minute drive of each spot. |
| Hotels | The nearest hotel is the Wigwam located at 300 E Wigwam BLVD, however, a wider selection is available at the Westgate District. This is a comparable but slightly further distance than the Wigwam. |
| Season | Winter is best for mornings up until 2 pm. Summer is best for afternoons. Haze isn’t particularly an issue at Luke as you can get pretty close to the jets, although shooting 03R arrivals in summer afternoon can get bad. 21s are the best flow for summer. |
| Security | Security is rarely an issue at Luke, however, don’t do anything outside of common sense. Being that it is a military installation, just be careful and stay out of areas you should not be in. I would also recommend not entering any of the nearby farming fields/pastures as farmers will probably kick you out. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 03R/21L | Typically used for aircraft in the pattern and arrivals. Sometimes for launch but not always. |
| 03L/21R | Typically used for launches and arrivals. |
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Spot #1 – Northern Avenue- 21 arrivals |
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| WHERE | To use this spot, simply drive down Northern Avenue and pull off the road into the dirt shoulder. Typically best if you pull off right by 143rd AVE, about a quarter of a mile west of Litchfield Road.
There are NO parking signs installed but spotters still use it for hours. It seems airport security and police don’t bother as long as you don’t shine lasers at the jets, overnight park, or block traffic. If you feel unsure, park at the nearby golf course west of it and only went over when the scanner indicated inbound. |
| WHAT | Runway 21L/R thresholds are both visible, but this spot really shines for aircraft on short final for the aforementioned runways. 03 Deparutres can be spotted too but these are already very high. |
| TIME | This spot is usable at any time of the day, just make your adjustments according to where the sun is at. |
| MISC. | This is a busy road. Keep a very low profile here as this is and stay as much as you can in your car. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A 100mm zoom length was used for these pictures. |
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Spot #2 – Myrtle Avenue |
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| WHERE | To get to this spot, simply drive southwards from Northern Ave on Reems Road and turn left at Myrtle Avenue and drive till the end. Anywhere along that road will work, however, the actual spot is at the end of the road by the fence. |
| WHAT | Runway 21L/R thresholds are both visible, this spot can be used for aircraft beginning their takeoff roll, doing flyby’s, and more. |
| TIME | Afternoons typically work best for this spot. |
| MISC. | Ladders are not required for this spot, however, they may be useful. Be cautious and aware of the multiple farms in the immediate vicinity of this location. Farmers are generally okay with you spotting, just don’t trespass onto their land. As always, be cautious of Military police and other security forces. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | These pictures were taken at ~400mm. |
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Spot #3 -Bethany Home- 03 arrivals/21 departures |
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| WHERE | Bethany Home/Alsup Road bend. This spot is similar to Spot 1 because you can simply pull onto the side of the road, Park, and shoot from wherever you please. |
| WHAT | This spot shines with low fly-bys, departures using 21L/21R, and Arrivals using 3L. |
| TIME | This spot works best in the afternoons. |
| MISC. | Ladders are not required for this spot, however, they may be useful. Be cautious and aware of the multiple farms in the immediate vicinity of this location. Farmers are generally okay with you spotting, just don’t trespass onto their land. As always, be cautious of Military police and other security forces. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | All pictures were taken at 600mm. |
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Spot #4 – Alsup Road – 03 arrivals/21 departures |
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| WHERE | From Camelback Road, head north on Alsup Road. If you go all the way north (end of the road), just park along the side of the road and walk to wherever you need to position yourself. |
| WHAT | Both Runway 03 thresholds are visible from this spot. This spot works for arrivals, approaches, and departures on both 03 runways. |
| TIME | This spot can work all day, however, mornings are probably best. This spot can be adjusted for afternoon photography, however, you may be better off by relocating to spot 3. |
| MISC. | A ladder is not required for this spot, however, I would recommend using one depending on your angle in relation to the runway you’re photographing. Be cautious and aware of the multiple farms in the immediate vicinity of this location. Farmers are generally okay with you spotting, just don’t trespass onto their land. As always, be cautious of Military police and other security forces. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm is needed at this spot. |
Lots of F35s today. Was there from 10-1 and saw probably 25 jets. A handful of F16s
Just been to Northern Ave yesterday and saw the ‘No Parking, No Standing ANY TIME’ sign all over the street there, waited for couple of jets recovery and was told off by the local sheriff, got my ID checked and stated that part of the Northern Ave, including some fields north of it surrounded by fences with USAF installation sign on it, starting from the landing light pole, to the golf course, is a base area and could not park or stay there, I suppose there’s no spot for afternoon 21 arrivals now, but you can still use Litchfield road for morning actions
Hi Wolfe, What part of Northern Avenue were you on? Were you standing right off of the runway threshold like in the guide?
I was on the N 143rd avenue just a little bit north to the Northern Ave to get some afternoon shots
I got chased off by the police today for watching an F-35 land. I was parked under the approach path on Northern Ave. I’ve been enjoying this sight for 8 years (I come to AZ once a year). Now for some reason, there are “No Parking” signs everywhere. What gives? More arbitrary government rules and control I guess. This type of government overreach really pisses me off!
Note added, thanks. Sorry to hear that.
How often do these jets land, seeing that you are an occurring visitor you probably have all the info?
So there are definitely no parking signs, however…
I went in July for like 3 days. I spotted on Lichfield road initially. Much to my amusement, I saw people parking at the no parking location, waiting for them to be chased off. 15 minutes, they were still there. AN HOUR IN, still no attention from cops. I went and got lunch, and one car sat there for a good 4 hours (it was def a spotter) with no repercussions. I broke down and started parking there when the scanner indicated inbound, and each time I was joined by 2-3 other spotters. One time, I pulled over to the spot right in front of a cop…who apparently did not care. Neither did the MPs driving around the interior of the post.
What I’m getting at, is if you don’t shine lasers at the jet, overnight park, or block traffic, you will probably be left alone. To be extra careful, I parked at a golf course and only went over when the scanner indicated inbound, and I think that’s the best option (only hanging around long enough for pics) but again, people sat there for hours undisturbed.
TLDR: I think the reports of this spots death has been greatly exaggerated.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Jacob. I have changed the description and good to hear that police/security is peaceful 🙂
-Julian
Good guide, also how experienced it back in 2017! The only thing which I saw different is that they mainly used runway 03R at that moment for take off and landings. Didn’t knew that 03L/21R is the main runway here 🙂