Just 45 km westwards from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is Goodyear located. 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 the land 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 is it referred. Following the closure of NAS Litchfield Park in 1967, the City of Phoenix purchased the airport as 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. But its not worth to visit this place as you are not able to make pictures as the planes are surrounded by the hangars and building around the ramp. You can just get a glimpse on the tails. Furthermore Lufthansa Aviation Training has a base there to train new pilots for the Lufthansa Group using Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, Grob G120A and Cirrus SR20.

Infos and photos provided by Tim Ames

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	Spot #1 – West Side
WHERE	On the left side of the only runway is the storage ramp. The planes are lined up just next to the perimeter fence and perfect for photography from both sides of the airfield. Look out for a dirt track off West Yuma Road. Enter the dirt track immediately after the end of the airport fence line on West Yuma Road. It is best to drive to the end of the dirt track and work your way back up but this isn’t mandatory. A SUV is strongly recommended.
WHAT	Static parked aircraft and runway movements are possible. From the west side you can photograph the inner and outer row.
TIME	This side is best to visit in late afternoon/evening to avoid the heat haze and have a good sun postion.
MISC.	Photos are possible from any point along the dirt track. A ladder is better but you can also use the rooftop of your car. 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	Low focal length is needed as you are very close.

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	Spot #2 – East Side
WHERE	This spot can be found at the eastern perimeter fence next to MC85 and at the opposite side off West Lower Buckeye Road. The best spot to park your car at 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.  East side is good for the “awkward squad” which you can´t photograph from the west side.
TIME	This side is best to visit in early morning to avoid the heat haze and have a good sun postion.
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	At least 400mm as you have to shot over the whole field.

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