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Detroit Metro - DTW

Location 1 – McNamara Terminal:

1.1 McNamara Deck
The McNamara deck is a great spotting location. You have a great view of runway 3R/21L with no obstruction. You can catch takeoffs/landings from 3R very easily from level 6 of the deck. To access, walk right out of the tunnel from the terminal, and go all the way to the end. If you would like to catch takeoffs of 21L and 22R (lifting off over the McNamara terminal) to up to the top floor of the deck. Be aware that 3R/21L is the shortest runway at DTW, and typically the biggest aircraft they send to this runway are 757’s. You will need between 55-300mm zoom for these spots.

Photo Examples:

1.2 Curbside
At the curbside of the check-in level of the McNamara deck you can catch great overviews of the backsides of the McNamara. There is typically a lot of DC-9’s at the gates. You can usually watch DC-9 powerbacks in action as well. A bonus for this spot is that you can, at any time, enter the terminal to use the bathroom, take a seat in the air conditioning, or get something to eat or drink.You will need between 18mm-200mm at this spot..

Photo example:

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Location 2 – Big Blue Deck:
The Big Blue Deck is probably the most infamous spotting location at DTW. The deck offers a good view of runway 4R/22L and 3L/21R. To access the spot, enter the Big Blue Deck and go to the top floor *WARNING: This is sometimes confusing to get to, especially on foot. Just remember, if you don’t have a good view of the runways, your not there!* The new terminal construction at DTW has blocked departures off of 22L, so that is no longer accessible (arrivals are still good). You will need between 200-400mm zoom for this location.

Photo Examples:

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Location 3 – Wick Road Field:
Wick road is the best road for spotting. A main area to spot here is a spot known as “the field”. It is an empty field that is great for different angles, mainly side-ons. There is a little turn off that leads to nowhere that is good to park in. You can catch landings on either 22R or 22L from here. This spot is best for late afternoon because the sun will be behind you. *WARNING!! The building on the far side of the field (towards the hotels) is an FAA building. DO NOT stray towards it!* You will need 200-400mm for this spot. Directions.

Photo Example:

Location 4 – Wick Road Hotels:
Again, a great spot on Wick Road. There are a collection of hotels on Wick Road (and Wickham road). Each one offers a different angle or view, and each one is good for certain hours of the day. You really just have to go out and search for a good spot. Wick road runs East-West, Wickham runs North-South. You need between 20mm-200mm at this location. A map to the general area can be found here.

Photo Example:

Location 5 – Smith Road:
This is a spot that I don’t know about and have never spotted at. I have just heard of it. It is good for 22R approaches. Parking seems to be another road to nowhere. I estimate you need 200-400mm here. I will attempt to try out this spot soon. If anyone has spotted here before, please contact me Directions.

Location 6 – Wickham/Merriman Roads Hotels:
This is another collection of hotels on Wickham Road as well as Merriman Road. These spots are more useful for head-on shots, and 1/3 shots. I have not personally spotted in this area before. I estimate you will need 200-400mm zoom for this spot.I will try to spot here soon. If anyone has spotted here before, please contact me. Directions.

Location 7 – Wayne Road:
This spot is used for 4R approaches and 22L departures. The heavy departures are pretty low while the lighter departures can get pretty high. You can see action for all runways from here but can only really shot for 4R/22L. Directions.

Location 8 – Central Street:
This seems to be a few abandoned buildings. I have not spotted here, but I hear it is a good spot for 21L arrivals. The planes come over your head at this spot. If anyone has spotted here, please contact me. Directions.

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