Aguadilla - Rafael Hernandez (CGAS Borinquen)

1Approach 8 - south side

As approach 08 is the mostly used, it seems logical to use road no.107, called Borinquen Ave. to reach the airport. Just before reaching the airport, a power house can be found on your right. The road to your right is named Parallel Rd and indeed, it runs parallel to the 08/26 runway, and was formerly part of the base. Now it leads to some airport facilities and the control tower at the south side of the runway (the old control tower to the north of the runway is much more visible but not in use). At the beginning of Parallel Rd, a large tree can be found where you can park your car in the shade and view activities on runway 08. The sun is excellent here for photography during most of the day.

2Runway 8 - south side

Angle-wise, spot 2 is even better than spot 1, although the background of your pictures may be a bit less attractive. Driving Parallel Rd you will cross a taxiway, continue until you reach a kind of fork or intersection in the road, of which the position is given here. From here, make a very sharp left turn, heading back west towards the fence, you can park your car here and enjoy the great overview. As the road is higher than the fence, it is an excellent spot to take pictures during most of the day. Alternatively, turn left at the fork towards the fence. Here, you are even closer to the runway and a heap of earth will provide very good views and photo-opportunities. Both spots are good for reading as well, especially in the early morning before the heatwaves set in.

3Hangars & aprons - north side

From spot 1 and 2, go back to road no.107 and round the 8 threshold. Turn right again and pass Ramey AFB old gate no.1. The road is called Ave Ing Orlando Alarcon. This road leads past the five hangars and cargo area and provides views on vast northern aprons. As the sidewalk is higher than the road, you may opt to park your car and take a stroll for better views. This spot is not suitable for photography as it is back-lit all day.

4Main apron - north east side

Coming from spot 3, you will have to turn right at the end of Ave Ing Orlando Alarcon, where the US Coast Guard compound can be found. Turn left, and right again to round the compound. You can turn right again and try to get some serials on the coast guard's apron, but better, turn left again and follow the fence to the right on road no.110. From here, excellent views can be head on the huge general aviation platform and all aircraft parked here are an easy prey for your binoculars. Photography is not good, due to the position of the sun.

5Runway 26 - south side

In the unlikely event that runway 26 is used, spot 5 may come handy. From spot 4 continue on road no.110, which rounds the 26 threshold, but way too wide. Turn right at road no.4466, which leads back west towards the airfield. After a few hundred meters, turn left on Calle Bo Aguacate, which is the nearest road to the threshold. Before reaching the bushy area, park your car along the road and do your thing. Photography should be okay for most of the day.