The Corner Spot

The corner spot is the most popular spot at Travis. It offers a good overview of the base, a good view of the cargo ramp, and a good vantage of the threshold of RWY3L/end of RWY21R. The spot itself is best for RWY3L arrivals and ground shots of planes on the cargo ramp, but can also be good for RWY21R departures if they are heavy. As mentioned, you don't want to linger too long at the base fence. For this spot, it is highly recommended not to loiter here as base security may approach you. A small step ladder is recommended to clear the fence here.

Note as of early 2022, the fence here has been raised to deter spotters. In mid 2023, a sign was added that the area is under video surveillance, but no noticeable security cameras have been added. Exercise caution when using this spot.

Where is this spot?

This spot is located at the intersection of Branscombe Road and Creed Road. Branscombe Road is the street that intersects Highway 12, or Rio Vista Road. Once you turn off Highway 12, drive a mile down Branscombe until it makes a sharp right hand turn.

Please note that this spot is right next to someone's house. While they usually do not mind spotters, they will call law enforcement if spotters are obnoxious or look suspicious. Because of this, I usually don't hang out here. I will either hang out further down Creed Road or at the Marsh Overlook next to the landfill entrance. Bathrooms and food are available at the nearby Walmart complex.

In general, DO NOT HANG OUT AT THIS SPOT

There is a small gravel pullout on the base side of the road where you can temporarily set up. A small step ladder is recommended to clear the fence.

Focal Length

A medium range lens will suffice here. The spot is only around 1000 feet from centerline so a lens with around 100-400mm of focal length is sufficient (70-300 should also work here). A 200mm lens may not be enough for this spot if you want more head on shots.

Lighting

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.

Sample shots for RWY21 ops

Since this location is at the end of RWY21R, departures will tend to be very high up at this point. This means that shots will mostly be of the belly of the aircraft. That being said, the corner is the only departure spot for RWY21R where you have an unobstructed view of the takeoff roll. You can get more head on shots. Shots from the sign post are often of the plane side-on.

More standard departure, high up, 9:30AM spring, 450mm

More standard departure, high up, 450mm

More standard departure, high up, 9:30AM spring, 300mm

More standard departure, high up, 10AM fall, 300mm

In some instances, the aircraft will be heavier and pass the corner spot at much lower altitudes. In general, most E-6's will be heavier on takeoff. Also KC-10's departing on long sorties or transiting long distances will be heavy. If you don't have a scanner to listen to clearance, here is a rule of thumb: KC-10's departing in groups will be lighter, whereas single ship KC-10's tend to be heavier on departure.