Oklahoma City Tinker Air Base (TIK/KTIK) was opened in 1942 and named after Clarence L. Tinker, who died during WW2. Back then roughly 50% of the Douglas C47 Skytrain used in the world war were produced here. Today it is known for being the home especially to Boeing E3 AWACS as well as E6s. In addition, you will see some tankers like KC46s or KC135s from time to time as well as some fighters. Rarely Hercules’ or similar may also drop by, but spotters especially come to TIK for the E3 and E6. From time to time, the Tinker Air Show is also held at the air base offering exclusive views inside of the base featuring some old preserved aircraft like EC135 Team Tinker firefighting trainer: https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11026205

Written by Severin Hackenberger in cooperation with Garrett Heller and Zoltan Péter Pásztor. Last Update: Summer 2023

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	3048 x 60m
18/36	3383 x 60m
Spotting Information
Ladder	At Tinker AB you should keep away from the fences, so a ladder is not needed at all!
Car/Public Transport	A car is definitely needed as public transport is poor around the base.
Drinks/Food	Both, northeast and northwest of the air base are some restaurants and shops where you can grab some food/drinks.
Hotels	There are no spotter hotels around TIK air base.
Season	Winters can be very cold, but also offer clear sunny periods although the sun does not turn around as nicely. Summer is therefore hot, but sun comes around a lot. Best is spring/autumn.
Security	Remember that this is a USAF air base! Always try to keep a low profile (stow your camera at all times e.g.) and be aware of law enforcement. Police and USAF security forces are uneasy of photographers around the base and it is very possible you will be asked to leave. In addition, always keep an ID with you in case you are getting checked: stay friendly, simply explain what you do here and cooperate… Mostly if you just say you are watching planes (and try to not have your camera next to you), they will leave you alone and tell you not to make any pictures. But sometimes they do also run license plate checks, wanna see the pictures on your SD or they will even make you delete shots, so plan on either having throwaway shots or download shots to another device while spotting to be safe. In addition, also the residents around TIK are known not be understanding of what we do at all… Stay away from the fence! Do not use ladders at all!
Runway Usage
General Info	Runway 36 is in usage more often.

	Spot #1 – N Stanley Draper Dr – 36 Arrivals
WHERE	Park your car at the observation park (spot #2) and walk the 10-15 minutes over here by foot and thus you will cross the runway axis. Otherwise you can also just pullover here with your car and stop by the roadside for 1-2 pictures, but we do not recommend to stop like that for a longer time… You can position yourself along N Stanley Draper Dr here as you want depending on your favourite angle – that is why the example pictures have different angles!
WHAT	This spot offers nice views onto 36 arrivals.
TIME	From sunrise till early noon roughly.
MISC.	Nothing around here at all, keep a low profile and hide your camera!
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm E6/KC135/E3 all = ~100mm / F15 = 200mm

Angle varies due to various positions along N Stanley Draper Dr:

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	Spot #2 – Observation park – 36 Arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located of the Observation park located south of the big Interstate. You can easily park your car here and spot from right here or walk some meters back on the bicycle path to get a better angle, but always keep a low profile!
WHAT	Here you can nicely spot 36 arrivals.
TIME	This spot is good from noon till sunset.
MISC.	Nothing around here, keep a low profile and hide your camera!
FOCAL LENGTH	150-400mm E3 = 200mm / T38 = 400mm

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	Spot #3 – Palmer Dr – 18 Arrivals
WHERE	Position yourself along Palmer Dr next to the row of trees, which is located just a few meters north of Interstate 40 and 29th South street. You can stop your car sort of by the roadside at some points here and just wait for movements in the car.
WHAT	From here you can spot arrivals on runway 18.
TIME	From later noon till sunset.
MISC.	Keep a low profile as you are close to the highway and easy to spot – especially for the sheriffs station just 50m southwest of you.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm E-3 Takeoff = 120mm / G-III landing = 275mm / T-38 = 400mm

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	Spot #4 – Engle Rd – 18 Arrivals
WHERE	This spot can be found at the end of Engle Rd next to “The locker room” along the SE 29th street. There are some gravel areas here where you can easily park and wait for movements.
WHAT	Arrivals on runway 18 as well.
TIME	From sunrise till noon roughly.
MISC.	Keep a low profile as you are close to the highway and easy to spot. 500m east of this spot you will find some restaurants and shops. It is a bit tricky here to shoot through all the powerlines, be aware of that!
FOCAL LENGTH	Should be 100-400mm

Unluckily we have no examples taken from here yet. If you do, please let us know!