Spotting in South Carolina?

[pjotrtje]

Hi,

Been asked to go to Charleston this Sunday, for approx. two weeks. Now I found I am fairly close to Shaw (seen the airfield description already) but also to MCAS Beaufort. What are the conditions at Beaufort, spotting-wise and security sensitivity-wise? And that last question also applies to Shaw AFB, knowing that all but the last times I came across them, they were using ‘the far runway’ or I was not allowed to photograph them...

Rgds,
Pieter

[tally]

When you are in public and taking pictures you can do whatever you want. Base security cant do anything as their jurisdiction stops at the fence. When they call the local authorities just ask them if you have committed a crime. If they cant articulate that tell them to stop bothering you. AND DONT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

Take a copy of the 2010 DHS memo on public photography with you. Google it and you will find a redacted copy.

It’s priceless in our hobby in the US.


Tally.

[Arjan]

Don’t forget about Savannah and Mc Entire

[d14]

At Beaufort you can get to the approach to the north east (Perryclear Drive), but I couldn't find a way of getting to the waterfront, so very little reaction time for landings.

At Charleston be very careful on South Aviation Avenue, parts of the non-airfield side opposite the C17s have nice areas to pull-in, but these are USAF property and I've found the airport police to be very vigilant around there! As Tally said, if you are in a public place then you should be fine, but on USAF property they can be a real pain. The FBO gets a decent selection of military visitors too.

[pjotrtje]

Thanks guys, this really helps! (Savannah is a bit too far away but indeed I have a plan to stop by McEntire as well.) And thanks for the heads up on the C-17s at CHS, I saw that the view was almost too easy there - apparently there's a reason.
Will post the result (if any, work may get in the way... ) here!

[raameagle]

It’s my understanding that the multi storey car park at the Terminal at Charleston is the perfect place to read off the based C-17s. I haven’t used it myself though.
Regards
Mark