Oceana NAS

Getting There

NAS Oceana is located near the city of Virginia Beach and just 2 miles from the eastcoast. Norfolk is located approx. 20 miles to the northwest. If you are coming from Norfolk by the I-264 (Norfolk-Virginia Beach Expy) you have to take the exit 'Lynnhaven Rd/414'. At the end of the exit turn right onto the 414. Turn left onto Potters Rd to end up at spot 2. Another option is when instead of taking exit 'Lynnhaven Rd/414', continue on the I-264 and take the exit '1st Colonial Rd'. At the end of the exit turn right onto 1st Colonial Rd. Continue on this road by crossing the 58. After the intersection this road will become the Ocean Blvd near spot 1.

Runway 05/23

From this spot you can observe most of the action and is located at the northside of the S Oceana Blvd. You can see and photograph the landings at runways 23L/R and the take-off from runways 05L/R overhere. You can park your car at the municipal area which is located on you left in the righthand bend (when coming from the north). From this location you will have a good view upon aircraft landing at runway 23R. Aircraft for 23L will fly straight over your head so you will have to walk a bit to the south along the S Oceana Blvd to get more side views.
In the late afternoons and early evenings you might want to go a little more west on S Oceana Blvd, as the sun will light the other side of the aircraft then. After crossing the railroad take the first left, and then second left again: Southern Boulevard. When photographing from this spot, mind the power cables running alongside the tracks.

Potters Road

This spot is very close to the approach of runway 14L and runway 14R. Because of the fence you are only able to take photos of departing aircraft when you put yourself higher than the fence (e.g. with stairs). For landing aircraft you should not need more than 300mm. From this spot even take-offs from runway 32L/R are possible to photograph but the altitude of the departing aircraft can be a problem sometimes. It is already commonly known that security can give you a hard time at this spot.

Flame of Hope

This spot is the official designated place to watch aircraft at NAS Oceana. It is located at the Flame of Hope Memorial along the S Oceana Blvd. Unfortunately the landing aircraft on runway 32L/R can not be seen because they are behind the trees. Departing aircraft from the two 32 runways are visible from this spot for just a few seconds with quite a distance. You will need at least 500mm for some decent photos.

Landing runway 05R

The exact locating of this spot can vary for time to time, due to the construction work that is done in the surroundings, but is located somewhere along the 'Taylor Farmer Rd'. You will only see the aircraft on approach for runway 05R. The view upon the landing itself is blocked by trees.

Frequencies

Preserved

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