Spotting at (KIWA) Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport was built in 1941 and opened as Williams Air Base.  It was used to train military pilots during World War II, and converted to training of jet pilots until the decision to close the base was made in 1991.  Prior to closing in 1993, growing traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport lead to the consideration of keeping the airport in operation for civilian use.  The airport was opened in 1994 as Williams Gateway airport, eventually being designated by the FAA as a “reliever” airport to address growing congestion at Sky Harbor.

Today the airport is used for a multitude of purposes, and offers spotting opportunities unlike those available at the Valley’s largest airport – Sky Harbor.  For those fans of the MD-80 family, Allegiant operates a number of scheduled flights daily from the airport.  ASU flight training brings light prop traffic to the airport, and the FBO is used frequently by business jet traffic. Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft both have service facilities at the airfield guaranteeing a steady stream of these aircraft.  While the flight training and biz jets are unscheduled and difficult to plan a spotting trip around, they provide great distractions if you are waiting for the scheduled Allegiant traffic.

For many aviation enthusiasts the best feature of KIWA is the frequent visits of military aircraft.  Harriers, T-38’s, T-46’s, F-18’s, F-5’s and transport aircraft often make the airport a temporary base for local training or a fuel stop on a cross-country transit.

The primary spotting location is on the west side of the airfield right next to the General Aviation Center containing the Flight Deck Café and Gateway Pilot Shop.  There is free parking available, with a small open area containing a viewing mound, gazebo and benches.  Transiting military aircraft and business jets park right in front of this viewing area generally, so the action is right up front and visible.  A short ladder will allow unobstructed photography from the mound or close up to the fence.  There are usually a number of local spotters there to chat with about potential incoming traffic, and drinks, snacks and washrooms are quite handy in the General Aviation Center.

Photography of the biz jets and military fighters in the parking area on the ramp needs only 80-200mm of lens reach, while departing or arriving MD-83’s can be captured with 180 to 300mm.  The light for photography is most ideal in the afternoon and evening.

If you are planning a spotting itinerary in the Phoenix area, an afternoon at KIWA will provide some variety to the standard commercial fare seen at KPHX Sky Harbor.

Story and Photos Provided by:    Peter Nickerson

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