Waco Regional Airport (ACT/KACT) is a small regional airfield in the heart of Texas serving the City of Waco, Texas. The airfield serves the city with daily flights to the American Airlines hub Dallas/Fort Worth. Apart from that, you will get to see some general aviation at ACT.

Freeman Jet Center is the sole Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that serves Waco Regional. It serves all private and general aviation transient aircraft. The Navy/Air Force has a fuel contract with Freeman Jet Center so you will often see T-54 (King Airs), T-45s (Goshawks), T-6 (Texans) stopping in for fuel.

Written by Josh Holsenbeck and Denton Finley. Last Update: Summer 2026

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
01/19	2166m (7107ft)
14/32	1555m (5103ft)
Terminals
T1	There is one passenger terminal with two gates. Only one airline serves Waco Regional, American Eagle operated by SkyWest or Envoy depending on the season.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not required, but helpful at spot #5.
Car/Public Transport	Car needed, public transportation not an option
Drinks/Food	Several restaurants and fast food chains on the northwest side of the airport around spot #1
Hotels	No hotels nearby, closest is 15 minutes away
Season	Temperatures can get very hot in the summer. Fall – mid-Spring is the peak season. In March, charters slow down as basketball season winds down to a close.
Security	Security is usually not a problem, however, if you are stopped, remain calm, respectful, and cooperate if they ask you to leave a spot.
Runway Usage
General Info	General Info: 01/19 is used for normal operations. If a high crosswind is in effect, 14/32 will become active for small piston aircraft and light jets.

	Spot #1 – Sunoco Parking Lot – 19 Arrivals
WHERE	This spot is just off the intersection of China Spring Rd and Flat Rock Rd. Just pull into the parking lot and step out to take pictures near the street as the gas station roof might block your line of sight on 19 arrivals. There is a ramp which is good to stay close to as it provides the best line of sight from the lot for 19 arrivals. You can obviously also move down the road for a better angle.
WHAT	Offers great views of runway 19 arrivals. Runway 19 lineups and takeoffs can be viewed but shots from this spot tend to get heat hazed from that distance
TIME	Noon to sunset.
MISC.	Places for food across the street and (restrooms inside)
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm 170 mm for A320

ACT-Spot1

ACT-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Dirt Way – 19 Arrivals
WHERE	It’s a small paved road in front of some mailboxes that is easy to zip in and out of. It will put you just on the east side of the final approach course. The nearby businesses shouldn’t bother you.
WHAT	Offers great views of runway 19 arrivals.
TIME	Sunrise to noon.
MISC.	Places for food just across the street at spot 1.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-250mm Front CRJ700 = 210mm

ACT-Spot2

ACT-Spot2

ACT-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Roadside Hill – 01 Movements
WHERE	This spot is located off Skeet Eason Drive. To the west of runway 1, there is a slight hilly portion off of Skeet Eason across from the guard rail. The hill will get you over the fence line and allow decent angles of runway 1 arrivals and taxiway A movements.
WHAT	Runway 1 arrivals, takeoffs and taxiway A movements
TIME	Noon to sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. It’s advised to park at spot #4 and then walk to this spot, however if you want to quickly grab a shot of an arriving aircraft, you can pull over on the side of the road and grab a photo, however it is not advised for long periods of time.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm B757 Line-Up = 170mm / B767 landing from behind = 100mm

ACT-Spot3

ACT-Spot3

ACT-Spot3

	Spot #4 – Waco Dam Trail Lot – 01 Movements
WHERE	Located on the southeast side of the airport off Skeet Eason Drive. There will be a sign for the lot that says “Waco Lake Hike and Bike Trail.” This lot provides a good angle for runway 1 arrivals and if you step foot on the hill to the west of the lot, you can get a good line of sight of taxiway A movements
WHAT	01 Arrivals plus Taxiway A movements.
TIME	Sunrise to noon.
MISC.	Nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm B737 front = 300mm

ACT-Spot4

	Spot #5 – Parking Lots – Ramp
WHERE	Located off Karl May Drive, the road that connects to the main airport terminal. Then turn off to any of the parkings north of the road: the fence there provides a good angle on any charters parked on the Freeman Jet Center ramp.
WHAT	Nearby ramps: Freeman Jet Center, Chiota Aviation, Universal ramp movements.
TIME	Generally all day, depends a bit on the angle.
MISC.	Nothing nearby. It’s advised you bring a ladder to this spot or stand on the hood/roof of your car. This lot will be very full and busy especially in the afternoon hours Monday-Friday in the fall and spring as flight training occurs here. Be mindful and courteous and comply if you are asked to leave.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-200mm Gulf5 front on parking = 125mm

ACT-Spot5

ACT-Spot5