April 2026: as mentioned in the medias, a student from China was arrested at JFK airport prior departure, who had been taking pictures at Offutt airbase recently. We decided not to delete the guide as all spots listed below are on public roads. Usually the airbase is spotter friendly and  has hosted big airshows in recent years showing off aircraft way more detailed than any of the spots would allow. However, you should never take pictures of military facilities or any kind of the airbase itsself! We refuse of any quick panicking on here.

Omaha Offutt Air Base (OFF/KOFF) is situated 15km south of the city of Omaha, the biggest city in the state of Nebraska. The air force base houses several USAF reconnaissance aircraft like the RC-135 and E4-B that practice regularly on weekdays. This allows for plenty of opportunity for photography, especially if you can stay there for a few weekdays.

More infos are avialable on the official website or social media channels.

Written by Gautham Kurup and other local spotters. Last Update: April 2026

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	3.567 m (11.703 ft) Concrete
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed and absolutely not recommended!
Car/Public Transport	Car is needed as there is no public transport around the airport.
Drinks/Food	Mainly north of the field along the Hwy370 and the city of Bellevue.
Hotels	Samson Way has several hotels which are close to the northern spotting locations and offer a view of  runway 12 approach.
Season	Late fall-winter has best lightning and least heat haze.
Security	No issues if spotting is done on public areas and you are not visible. Only spot #1 and 2 are tricky and need a low profile. Do not shoot any base infrastructure and focus on ground to air photography only!
Runway Usage
General Info	No preferred direction and used in both ways.

	Spot #1 – Harlan Lewis Road – 30 arrivals, 12 Departures
WHERE	This spot is located on a small unpaved area off Harlan Lewis Road and Cunningham Rd. Fastest access is from  HWY34, then drive north till the approach. Park in the unpaved area under the trees and will get a good view of approaches to runway 30.
WHAT	Runway 30 approach, head-on shots of runway 12 departures are also possible here.
TIME	From noon to sunset all year round.
MISC.	No facilities here so just stay in your car or next to it.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-200mm = approach shots 200-400mm = departure shots

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	Spot #2 – Willow Lakes Golf Course – 30 departures
WHERE	There is a huge golf course at South 25 St. Get to the parking lot of a golf facility. Parking is free.
WHAT	The sight is pretty blocked by trees and you will see runway 30 departures only. You can drive to spot #4, when the heat pops up.
TIME	From noon to sunset all year round.
MISC.	Short drive or walk to nearby restaurants going north on the street.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #3 – Nebraska Medicine Bellevue Health Center – 30 departures
WHERE	Another possibilty to get 30 departures where you are a bit closer. It is on the visitor parking lot of a large medical facility, just a few jump from the previous spot.
WHAT	Runway 30 departures. Depending on the flight pattern, this location can allow for a good side shot, however if the pattern is different, you may end up with a belly shot. Possibly runway 12 arrivals.
TIME	From noon to sunset all year round.
MISC.	Restrooms inside building but may be restricted access.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #4 – Samson Way – 12 arrivals
WHERE	Parallel to highway 370 runs the Samson Way, which hosts some fast food restaurants and hotels. Get on it and drive till the eastern end of it, next to the next to the WoodSpring Suites. Park on the side of the road and beceuase of the open field you get an onubstructed view.
WHAT	Runway 12 arrivals.
TIME	From noon to sunset all year round.
MISC.	There are many hotels and restaurants along the road.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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