Goodyear airport can be found 18 NM west of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Goodyear (GYR, KGYR) was built during WWII as a Naval base, and was known as NAF Litchfield Park. In 1941, the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation offered land to the U.S. Defence Plant Corporation. The US Navy subsequently used the facility to build aircraft flight decks, and to test fly and, deliver aircraft. The airfield’s main role following the end of WWII was that of storage of excess US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. In 1965, military aircraft storage was consolidated at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, or AMARC as it is referred to. Following the closure of NAS Litchfield Park in 1967, the City of Phoenix purchased the airport as a general aviation facility.

Today, the airport is home to several private firms offering aircraft maintenance, storage, and commercial pilot training. The main tenant, AerSale, provides aircraft maintenance, overhaul, and storage. Please note, when visiting this area of the airfield, there are numerous buildings and obstructions blocking some angles of the aircraft. Furthermore, European Flight Academy has a base there to train new pilots for the Lufthansa, Eurowings, and ANA using the Cirrus SR20 and a few Grob G120A’s. As a recent addition to the flight academy, United Aviate also has a base at GYR flying their Cirrus SR20s.

Information and Photos provided by Tim Ames, Updated by Jake Youngs February 2024 (Spot 1 updated)

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	Spot #1 – West Side
WHERE	Update 2024: On the left side of the only runway is the storage ramp. At the S Bullard Ave there are some warehouses and from there back you are getting to the perimeter fence, where the planes are lined up for photography. Park your car in this area and walk along the fence. There is even a hill where you can climb up to have a better sight. Parking directly at the fence is prohibited. GOOGLE MAPS is not up to date!!!
WHAT	Static parked aircraft along the perimeter fence.
TIME	Depending on aircraft positioning, this spot is best to visit in the late afternoon/evening to avoid the heat haze and have a good sun position.
MISC.	The fence is lower and you can hold your camera above it if you have a movable display. Security might come out to investigate but no need to be unduly concerned.
FOCAL LENGTH	A low focal length is needed as you are very close. a 24-70mm general works fine, however, up to 200mm can be required for the far row of aircraft. N554WN: 70mm. N910AW: 53mm. F-HTIC: 38mm.

	Spot #2 – East Side (MC85)
WHERE	This spot can be found at the eastern perimeter fence next to MC85 and at the opposite side of West Lower Buckeye Road. The best spot to park your car is the West Lower Buckeye Road and then cross the MC85 and Railroad to reach the fence.
WHAT	Static parked aircraft and runway movements are possible.  The East side is good for the “awkward squad” which you can’t photograph from the west side.
TIME	This site is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the heat haze and have a good sun position.
MISC.	Limited views and heat haze. A ladder is helpful. Security might come out to investigate but no need to be unduly concerned.
FOCAL LENGTH	400mm is generally a comfortable range of focus.

GYR-Spot2

GYR-Spot2

GYR-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Goodyear Parkway and Boeing BLVD
WHERE	This spot this the general road and parking lot between Boeing BLVD and the new warehouse next to the gate.
WHAT	Parked aircraft waiting to be scrapped, as well as aircraft currently on the chopping block. Not to mention the thousands of aircraft parts along the fenceline.
TIME	This spot is best in the mornings generally speaking.
MISC.	Limited views and heat haze. A ladder is required. Security might come out to investigate but no need to be unduly concerned.
FOCAL LENGTH	Small Planet A320 photographed at 200MM

Photo by Jake Youngs

	Spot #4 – D Avenue Parking Lot
WHERE	This spot can be found Located between the FBO and the Galaxy International Hangar.
WHAT	Static parked aircraft and runway movements are possible.  This spot is best for aircraft parked in the alleyway of the FBO, as well as Medevac helicopters fueling up on the apron at the end of the parking lot. Sometimes you can get a view of aircraft sitting inside the open hangar.
TIME	This spot is best in the mornings generally speaking, but it just depends on aircraft positioning.
MISC.	Limited views and heat haze. A ladder is helpful and mostly required. Security might come out to investigate but no need to be unduly concerned.
FOCAL LENGTH	Gulfstream shot at 33mm.

Photo by Jake Youngs