PTI, Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO/KGSO) is the 3rd busiest airport in North Carolina avereging 280 takeoffs and landings each day, serving Piedmont Triad region of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. The airport is currently served by four commercial airlines, Allegiant, American, Delta and United as well as a variety of cargo airlines like FedEx, which use GSO as a regional hub.
Piedmont Triad will soon be home to the Boom Supersonic Superfactory where all of the manufactures planes will be built and tested. It is not unusual for the airport to recieve military traffic due to its location and the HAECO maintenance facility that serves multiple airlines including United, America, Alaska, and the U.S. Air Force. Furthermore charter carrier iAero, formerly known as SwiftAir, has its headquarter here. And last but not least, one of the last remaining active DC-8 aircraft, the Samaritan’s Purse N782SP, is based at the airport.
Written by Peyton A. Stikeleather. Last Update: October 2022
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Airline Variety
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Airport Information
Runways
05L/23R
2,743m/9,000ft – Asphalt
05R/23L
3,048m/10,001ft – Asphalt
14/32
1,945m/6,380ft – Asphalt
Terminals
Concourse North
Gates 20-34: Delta, United
Concourse South
Gates 40-51: American
Airport Chart
Spotting Information
Ladder
Yes, a ladder may be useful for spots 1,2, 3, 8 and 10 but we recommend to shot through the mesh or use a pick-up or something similar.
Car/Public Transport
A car is mandatory because the spots are far apart and there is no public transport. Be aware of unexpected runway changes.
Drinks/Food
Directly at the spots there are no opportunities to buy food/drinks so be prepared.
Hotels
There is a Marriott next to the terminals. More options are next to the I40/Highway 68.
Season
No special season. Heat haze ist an issue in the summer months so be aware of that.
Security
Security is usually high all around the airport. Their have been problems with ops as well as police
Runway Usage
General Info
There is not really a system and airlines don’t prefer a special runway. 05R/23L tends to be more in use for commercial traffic as it is closer to the facilities. 14/32 is rarely in use
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Spot #1 – Signature Parking Lot – 05/23L ops, some of taxiway Kilo
WHERE
From the terminal circle just follow the signs to General Aviation and drive to the Signature Flight Support Hangars. Park on the lot and start shooting through the fence but a ladder or pick-up bench would be helpful.
WHAT
View of all 05R/23L ops, some of taxiway Kilo, as well as the Signature ramp
TIME
From afternoon until sunset is the best time.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby
This is on a economy parking lot, which is accessible by car if the barriers are open. If not, you can park right outside for a short amount of time. It is also just a short walk from the terminal. Shooting through the fence is possible but a ladder or pick-up bench would be helpful.
WHAT
View across the airfield to the HAECO Americas Ramp as well as nearby terminal ramp movements and taxiway Kilo.
TIME
From afternoon until sunset is the best time.
MISC.
Food, Drink, and restrooms available in the airport lobby nearby
FOCAL LENGTH
Not available
We cannot provide photos from this location. If you do so, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Spot #3 – Ex-Samaritians Purse Parking Lot
WHERE
This spot is on the former Samaritians Purse parking lot, next to taxiway Echo and the fire department. From the terminal follow the signs to the fire station. Pass it and drive till the end of the road. The parking lot is at the corner of taxiway Echo and Kilo. Shooting through the fence is possible but a ladder or pick-up bench would be helpful.
WHAT
View of 5R/23L ops, some of taxiway Kilo, as well as taxiway Echo
TIME
From afternoon until sunset is the best time for runway and taxiway Kilo. Taxiway Echo from noon.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby. Be careful with security. They sometimes dont like people over here.
This location is close to the previous spot on an a hill, overlooking taxiway Ech and it is only accessible by car from PIT Drive. Park on the side of the road shortly before the tunnel (Cargo Dr) below the taxiway and go up the hill.
WHAT
Movements on taxiway Echo only
TIME
From noon until sunset.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby. Be very careful. Security is not very friendly here, dont stay long.
Not the best place for spotting but the only option for 23R arrivals. It is on the side of the road at Ted Johnson Pkwy, which is the main access road to and from the terminal. Pull over as marked on the map.
WHAT
All 23R arrivals can be seen from here.
TIME
You can use it almost the whole day. In the summer evening just switch over when the sun has turned around.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby
FOCAL LENGTH
Not available
We cannot provide photos from this location. If you do so, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Spot #6 – Schneider Electric Parking lot
WHERE
Next to the treshold of runway 05L, at Burgess Rd is a industrial complex where you can spot from. Head to the Schneider Electric building and park on there lot from where you can photograph the arrivals and departures.
WHAT
Best for 05L arrivals ahd heavy 23R departures.
TIME
Best time during the summer month from late afternoon until sunset. Backlit during the winter months.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby. This is private property but we have never had a problem here but we would still keep a low profile
To get to the ramp where the Samaritan DC-8 is parked get to W Market St on the southern end of the airport. Then drive into Airline Rd and park there on the parking lot. Depending on the light park either on the Koury lot or on the Davis Aviation Lot. Don`t stay to long here. Just make the photo and leave the place. Shooting through the fence is possible but a ladder or pick-up bench would be helpful.
WHAT
Ramp View. The Samaritan DC-8 parks here so when she arrives, this is a good option to get her in action.
TIME
Hit or miss all times of day at Koury. Afternoon is best for davis aviation
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby.
Get on Radar Rd on the southeast corner of the airport. Follow the signs to the HAECO/Textron and pull through the gate and park at the end of Ballinger Rd. Shooting through the fence is possible but a ladder or pick-up bench would be helpful.
WHAT
5R arrival and departures as well as 23L departures
TIME
Morning is best to spot here. Before 12
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby. The company is usually spotter friendly
Get on Old Oak Ridge Rd and turn into the gravel area next to the 23L approch. Find your preferd postion around this area.
WHAT
Best for 23L arrival.
TIME
From sunrise until early afternoon.
MISC.
No food, drink, or restrooms open to the public nearby. Be quick and careful where you park. Security does not like people in the lot or on the side of the road.
I’ve gone to this spot before and security showed up within 15 min. Even though it’s outside the fenceline, they don’t want you there. The guys were friendly though.
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I’ve gone to this spot before and security showed up within 15 min. Even though it’s outside the fenceline, they don’t want you there. The guys were friendly though.
Which location are you talking about exactly?
-Julian