San Diego Brown Field Municipal Airport - Spotting Guide

San Diego Brown Field Municipal Airport – Spotting Guide

May 24, 2025 - last modified on June 6, 2025

San Diego Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM/KSDM) is located south east from San Diego International Airport, about half an hour drive. The airport is known for mostly being an entry airport for pilots, flying in from Mexico, trying to clear customs, plus as an airport for training. Expect to see private jets and general aviation.

The US marines have a strong presence at Brown. Fighter Jets such as F18s and F5s will arrive at this airport, F18s during the weekend and F5s mostly on weekdays. Navy and army jets can arrive at this airport for either a weekend stay or a fuel stop. Regular biggest plane you might see can be a C130 or a 737.

Written by Pablo A. Armenta. Last Update: March 2025

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
08L/26R	2,430 m (7,972 ft) – Concrete
08R/26L	971 m (3,185 ft) – Asphalt

Spotting Information
Ladder	Only needed at spot 1. We recommend the use of a pickup truck bed.
Car/Public Transport	Not available, car is needed.
Drinks/Food	There’s a Starbucks shop near runway 26R or a petrol station next to the airport entrance.
Hotels	Nothing nearby. The airport is close to the city of San Diego, therefore you’ll find plenty hotels.
Season	Avoid the hot summer months. At all of the locations heat haze is very visible even in winter. I had this happen at all spots in the guide but it usually dies down as it gets later. Early evening is when it usually ends.
Security	Nothing particular, just stay away from the fence and have a good behaviour.
Runway Usage
08L/26R	Main runway usage is rwy26R.
08R/26L	Used by general aviation time to time.

	Spot #1 – Air Center FBO Parking
WHERE	Use the 905 East freeway and join the Otay Mesa Rd to reach Boeing St. Continue to the building/tower and park behind it directly at the fence. This spot is the most common spot at Brown. A ladder is necessary but the use of a Pickup Truck is more recommended.

WHAT	Offers great views of the ramp and airplanes taking off, it can also be used for airplanes arriving using RWY 8L and 8R.

TIME	Summer: 11h00 until 15h00 Winter: all dayHeat haze can be a problem during the summer months and even in the mornings but in late afternoon the haze will go away.

MISC.	There is a restaurant called “The Landing Strip” in the parking area as well as an FBO with vending machines and bathrooms. A gas station on the other side of the airport with snacks and bathrooms.

FOCAL	Runway: C130 = 200mm / FA18 = 300mm Taxi Shots: GLF5/FA18 = 100mm or less depending on the angle

	Spot #2 – Starbucks
WHERE	Use the Otay Mesa Rd go east where there will be a Gas Station with a Starbucks. A lot of places to park and move around depending on the shot you are looking for.

WHAT	Arrival shots for RWY 26R/L. You can cross the street for a better view.

TIME	Summer: 11h00 until 15h00 Winter: all day Heat Haze is also a problem most of the day but golden hour with the winter light is amazing.

MISC.	There’s plenty of food options and restrooms in the area.

FOCAL LENGTH	GLF4 = 300mm & F18 = 400mm

	Spot #3 – La Media Rd
WHERE	Use the Otay Mesa Rd and once you reach the Chevron turn left to head North of La Media Rd and just park by the roadside. It is a dead end road and it is not very busy.

WHAT	Arrival shots for RWY 26R and L. You can get a variety of angles as you can move along the road to find your preferred angle for the airplane.

TIME	Because you can move along the road, this is the easiest place to spot depending on where the sun is facing.

MISC.	There’s a gas station with food and drinks.

FOCAL LENGTH	FA18 = 150mm