Signposts

Just down the road from the corner on Creed Road are a set of signposts. They offer alternate angles for RWY21R departures and an angle for RWY3R landings. While the sign posts aren't hard and fast locations, they offer good reference points for places to get shots.

This spot is good for mornings. The runway has light on it from sunrise to 1-2PM from October through early April. During the summer, planes will be tail-lit in the morning. The closer to 1PM, the more the planes will be nose-lit for RWY21 ops.

The signposts offer a more side on angle compared to the corner spot. The further you are from runway centerline, the more of a side one the shot will be. If you think a plane will be very light, the third sign post is a good place to be. Conversely if you think a plane will be heavier, the second sign post is a better spot to be. A heavy departure won't clear the fence until quite late down the runway from the third and fourth signposts.

Note during the summer, departure shots may be hazed from the third and fourth sign posts.

The third and fourth signposts offer a good view of RWY3R landings. The runway centerline pretty much runs right over the corner spot. The third signpost gives more of a head on angle with more belly while the fourth signpost offers a more side on angle.

Here's some sample shots of rare occasions:

1) Occasionally during pattern work, planes will bank very late off of RWY21L. The signposts, as opposed to further down Creed Road could offer a good angle. 

2) Only once have I seen a plane cleared for a low approach for RWY21R. 

3) T-38's are small! Don't underestimate their small size. A RWY3R approach for a Beale T-38 is very rare as they usually come through in the early morning when winds are calm.

4) A much rarer Recce Town jet! U-2's are not common by any means at Travis. Had I known better, I would've repositioned down to the fourth signpost for this. The U-2 was cleared for a low approach for RWY21L.