Madrid - Mayor Justino Mariño

1CAMAN ramps & 24 approach

After leaving road no.50 as described in the Getting There section of this airfield guide, take the second road on your right, and then the first on your left. You will see a small sportsfield right in front of you, which borders the airport fence. Park your car here and walk along the side of the field to the fence, the heaps of earth contribute to a slightly elevated view of the south side of the base. Although back-lit, you can read off most aircraft parked in front of the CAMAN hangars, active aircraft on the apron further down the runway as well as some of the preserved aircraft on the field. Depending on the local youth you may feel comfortable and stay a bit longer than necessary to wait for some flying or towing activity.

2Helicopter spot

Head back to the sideroad of road no.50 to find the base on your right hand side. Although heavily blocked by CAMAN hangars, a glimpse of the base can be obtained here. The presidential helicopters appear to be here often, so not a place to linger around, rather a quick drive-by.

3ESUFA instructionals

Rather than following the airfield perimeter on your right, cross the main road only to find fence of the southern part of the base on your right. This part is very open and you will have no problem to quickly read off the handful of instructionals placed in the open or under sheds. Not suitable for photography though.

406 approach

Making a U-turn at spot 3, simply follow the perimeter of the base on your left, to get back to the main road, which divides the air base in two parts. After turning left, you will head west now and pass the gates, but unfortunately you are not allowed to stop here to thoroughly inspect the gateguards on both sides, both are visible though. A little wall and omnipresent guards prevent unhindered views of the runway. After passing the 24 threshold you may be brave enough to stop and envisage how to enjoy the view if aircraft were inbound for runway 24.

5Dump

Save the best for last. Take the dirt road rounding the 24 threshold. Simply keep the airfield on your right and you will see the propliners on the dump right in front of you. Being very close, you do not have to stop to read them off, but between these and the runway many smaller wrecks can be found as well. Guards are vigilant but aiming your binoculars quickly from inside your car may not hurt their feelings too much.