Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT/KPIT) is the primary airport for the Greater Pittsburgh region and the Tri-State Area, located approximately 16 miles west from Downtown Pittsburgh. After serving as a hub for Trans World Airlines and US Airways for decades, the airport has seen a resurgence after new leadership vowed to increase air service for the region. Currently, the airport serves as a focus city for Allegiant Air and Via Air, as well as being a site for heavy maintenance done by American Airlines and Republic Airlines. As of 2018, Southwest Airlines is the largest airline in terms of passengers carried and destinations served, while American Airlines is the largest in total flights.

In addition to commercial and cargo traffic, PIT is also home to the 911th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command and the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard. The 911th flies eight C-17A Globemaster III cargo jets, having recently transitioned from the C-130H Hercules in 2018. The 171st flies sixteen KC-135T Stratotanker aircraft and has been since 2004, having transitioned from the KC-135E. The 911th is active throughout the week and the 171st is very active during weekdays, typically having one or two tankers out for pattern work. PIT is a popular site for military aircraft to use for touch-and-goes; it is common for aircraft from other bases such as the P-8 Poseidon, E-2 Hawkeye, KC-135 Stratotanker, and C-40 Clipper to use the facility due to its size and long runways. PIT is one of a select few airports in the US that sees a nice variety of commercial, cargo, and military traffic.

Spotting at PIT is not so easy. The area around the airport is undulating and surrounded by forests. An if there is a gap you are facing with private propertys. Furthermore police and security is not so happy see people linger around the main streets. So please just use the spotting locations we mentioned below.

Written by local spotter Evan Dougherty (last updated February 2019)
 

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Airport Information
Runways
10R/28L	3.505 m (11.500 ft) concrete
10C/28C	3.284 m (10.775 ft) asphalt/concrete
10L/28R	3.201 m (10.502 ft) asphalt/concrete
14/32	2.469 m (8.101 ft) concrete
Terminals
Concourse A	Air Canada, Boutique Air, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
Concourse B	Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines
Concourse C	Allegiant Air, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Condor, Delta Air Lines (intl flights), Southwest Airlines (intl flights), Sunwing, SwiftAir, VivaAerobús
Concourse D	Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not required and recommend.
Car/Public Transport	Like always in the USA you should have a car.
Restrooms	There is nothing at the spots itself. Use the hotels or fastfood chains on the north side next to Spot 3 and 4 along University Blvd..
Drinks/Food	Next to Spot 3 and 4 there are some restaurants along University Blvd.
Hotels	The only hotel connected to airport grounds is the Hyatt Regency. It is attached to the moving walkway before the entrance to the landside terminal on the second floor. Next nearest hotels are along University Blvd.
Season	For traffic, it is best to spot in the summer, which provides daylight for the transatlantic flights and later afternoon banks. Wintertime offers the best lighting conditions, especially after snowfall.
Runway Usage
10R/28L	Main runway used for arriving commercial traffic and the 171st Air Refueling Wing during westerly flow. Seldomly used for all arriving and departing traffic during easterly flow.
10C/28C	Seldomly used for commercial arriving and departing traffic during westerly flow. Main arrival runway for 911th Airlift Wing. Main departure runway for all traffic during easterly flow.
10L/28R	Main departure runway for all commercial traffic during westerly flow. Main arrival runway for commercial traffic during easterly flow.
14/32	Crosswind runway. Used often for commercial traffic arriving in westerly flow. Main arrival runway for 911th Airlift Wing. Seldom used for commercial departures during easterly flow.

	Spot #1 – Ewing Road/Aetna Healthcare
WHERE	This is the premier spotting location for all arriving traffic into PIT located just past the intersection of Ewing Road and Hookstown Grade Road. Ewing Road exit off Business 376. Its a small Pull-off area on the right side of Ewing Road next to the former US Airways’ global flight ops center and actually vacant (you can go up on the path but its not recommend as security ask to leave). Aetna Healthcare, which is located a few hundred feet from this location, is also a better location due to the angle. However, it is to be noted that it is only viable during non-business hours on weekdays and all-day during weekends. We noticed by staff, you may be approached and asked to leave. The yellow gate across from Aetna is also a great location for overhead views of 28L arrivals and a nice view of the entire south side of the field.
WHAT	Best for RWY 28L arrivals.  If you plan on spotting 28C arrivals or 10C departures from this location, please note that you will need a lens with a reach of 400mm or greater to get shots that are adequate enough.
TIME	Most arriving traffic from mid morning until late afternoon in the summer. Note that sunlight glare can occur between 11:00am and 12:30pm in wintertime and between 11:00am and 1:30pm during summertime.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. For the alternative locations its better to go there during non business hours only.
FOCAL LENGTH	You are very close so 70-300mm covers everything on 28L. AF1 taken from Coventry Healthcare with 70mm

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	Spot #2 – Resurrection Catholic Cemetery
WHERE	Located off the Ewing Road exit of Business 376. Left turn beyond the roundabout, Ewing Road turns into Resurrection Road. The cemetery is located on the first left before the closure point of the road. Drive on it and find your prefered position.
WHAT	During normal operations, RWY 32 is mainly used by cargo operators and general aviation traffic, while seldomly used by Southwest. However, if strong winds are coming out of the northwest, RWY 32 becomes the primary arrival runway for all traffic.
TIME	Arriving traffic from noon until late afternoon.
MISC.	The cemetery typically closes whenever it gets dark. There is a tombstone engraved with the name “Damian” that is a part of Pittsburgh lore and attracts many throughout the area. Because of this, local police and the USAF patrol the area at nighttime.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-300mm

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	Spot #3 – Moon Business Park – Business 376
WHERE	Former entrance to the old Greater Pittsburgh International Airport terminal. Last exit before the intersection of Business 376 and University Boulevard.
WHAT	RWY 28R arrivals. Due to noise abatement procedures, 28R arrivals are limited. However, if 28L were to be closed, 28R would become the primary runway for all arriving traffic.
TIME	Most arriving traffic from mid morning until late afternoon in the summer. Note that sunlight glare can occur between 11:00am and 12:30pm in wintertime and between 11:00am and 1:30pm during summertime.
MISC.	When using this location on weekdays, it is important to try and keep a low profile while spotting arriving traffic from this location, as it is possible that you could be noticed and asked to leave. This is a non-issue during non-business hours however, as they are no longer in effect after 5pm and on weekends.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

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	Spot #4 – Atlantic Aviation Parking Garage
WHERE	Former entrance to the old Greater Pittsburgh International Airport terminal. Last exit before the intersection of Business 376 and University Boulevard.
WHAT	RWY 14 departures and RWY 32 arrivals. All traffic using Taxiways P and N4. This location is good to get any Southwest arrivals using RWY 32, Southwest and United departures using RWY 14, all cargo operators, and all traffic destined to park at the FBO.
TIME	Early morning until noon for the runway.
MISC.	However, just like Spot #3, it is critical to maintain a low profile when using this location. The garage is for local tenants only and Homeland Security utilizes the top level of the garage. Just be weary of the fact that you may be approached.
FOCAL LENGTH	55-200mm

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	Spot #5 – Employee Parking
WHERE	Former Concourse E ramp located between the landside and airside terminal. Although this location can only be accessed by airport employees by car, the lot can still be accessed by anyone on-foot beyond the alternate security checkpoint at the former Concourse E. The most ideal spot is the southeast corner of the lot near the fence, where that specific area is mostly vacant. The best way to get from the terminal to the employee lot would be going up to the 3rd floor of the landside terminal where the ticket counters for the airlines are located. You would then go through any of the double doors on the right where public transportation drop-off is located. You would then cross the street and enter a makeshift tunnel that takes you to the former Concourse E and alternate security checkpoint. You then would just exit through any of the doors on the former Concourse E which takes you outside into the lot.
WHAT	Departing or arriving traffic taxiing on the west ramp past Concourses C and D.
TIME	Early afternoon until late evening.
MISC.	It is to be noted that airport ops sometimes drive by the fence, so it is best to remain inconspicuous to them as well as fellow airport employees. This location arguably offers the best views of taxiing aircraft at PIT. All pictures were taken through the mesh without a ladder.
FOCAL LENGTH	55-200mm

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	Spot #6 – Clinton Commerce Park
WHERE	Located off the US Route 30 – Clinton exit of Interstate 376. Right tun onto Sweeney Drive. Lot of shipping facility on the west side of the complex. This location has become a good alternative to the Montour Trail, as the presence of law enforcement has picked up at that location due to ongoing construction of an innovation campus. In regards to the shipping facility, as long as you do not interfere with their operations during business hours, you should not be bothered.
WHAT	RWY 10L arrivals
TIME	Mid-morning until mid-afternoon.
MISC.	Nothing nearby bring with you what you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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