William P. Hobby Airport is Houston's second largest airport, and home to Southwest Airlines which comprise the bulk of commercial operations for Hobby. Also, Hobby is one of the busiest corporate aircraft airports in the United States with several FBO's on the field. It has been serving the Houston community for more than 60 years.
Nonstop or direct service to 31 destinations throughout the U.S.
Over 8.2 million passengers served in 2005 and 48 million
passengers through IAH and HOU.
Federal inspection services available on call
Major regional center for corporate and private aviation
Wide range of facilities and services available at five (5) FBO's
255 based aircraft, including 91 jets
25 major airport tenants
4,000 employees
42 hangars
Ground transportation services to downtown Houston
3,500-space structural parking garage
555-space surface parking area
40th busiest airport in the U.S. for total passengers (from ACI-NA, 2005 N. Amer. Traffic Report)
Publicly accessible areas that do not require any prior notification
to spot.
Areas such as parking garages that require prior approval or
notification to airport security to spot.
Areas that to not require notification to spot, but are at your own
risk! You may be asked to leave by Airport security or by police.
Restricted area! Do not spot here, or you will be asked to
leave by airport security or police.
Food / Drink! Spotting sometimes requires a lot of time out in
the sun. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and get food
when you need it.
Gas!
These orange lines indicate where the final approach path of a
runway intersect or pass near a spotting area.
WARNING: The information provided on this page is intended for the sole use of
aviation enthusiasts to properly practice their hobby. HoustonSpotters.net or
its members assumes no responsibility for any actions and/or conduct during their
hobby practices, or any consequences of following the instructions provided here.
The user acknowledges and understands that aviation enthusiasm can draw attention
and suspicion from others, and all enthusiasts are encouraged to act in a respectful
and open manner towards law enforcement officers, to carry their ID on them at all
times, and to report truly suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
Site 1: 1940 Air Terminal Museum
The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is the best location to view aircraft operations at Hobby Airport.
Admission is $2.00 during normal business hours. There are several benches located on the "back porch" with full views of the field.
If you wish to take pictures, a step ladder will be required to photograph over the fence.
While all operations can be viewed from this location, the best photographic opportunities will be aircraft landing on RWY 12R, 12L, and 17.
Also, the RWY 17 taxiway runs adjacent to the museum offering exceptional close-ups of corporate aircraft.
Since HOU is landlocked, there are photographic opportunities from the surrounding neighborhoods and roadways.
Respect personal property and obey any posted signs.
Spotting from behind the fence at the museum does not require prior approval,
however, if you have any questions regarding security at Hobby, contact Hobby Security Dispatch at: 713-845-6555.
The Air Terminal Museum provides photographers access to its ramp area on special occasions, usually the Wings and Wheels event on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Additionally, the Museum has special photographic events which can yield unusual access and opportunities.
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