Aviano Air Base (AVB/LIPA) is an Italian Air Force military base located in northeastern Italy, 15km north of Pordenone. Construction begun in 1911 and it was used during WW1, and later by axis forces until the end of WW2. For the next two years it had been ruled by RAF, and later by the Italian Air Force again. Since 1994 Aviano is the homebase of the 31st Fighter Wing, comprising the 510th FS (Buzzards) and the 555th FS (Triple Nickel), both using F-16CM and, since 2018, the 56th Rescue Squadron flying with HH-60G Pave Hawk. The almost entirety of the movements are training sortie by the local F16s, flying almost daily, and by few HH60 Pave Hawk. Sometimes ItAf jets visit Aviano during their training missions, usually performing low passes or touch&goes. Unfortunately larger transport aircraft are not as common as in other USAF bases in Europe, while Ramstein’s C130s (86th AW) can be seen relatively often here.

Written by Andrea Spoladore. Last Update: Summer 2021

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	2616 m (8583ft) Asphalt
Spotting Information
Ladder	No need at all for a ladder. Keep in mind it’s a military base therefore the use a ladder near the fence it’s a highly forbidden.
Car/Public Transport	No public transports around the spots, so the use of a car is recommended.
Drinks/Food	There are few bars and restaurants around the base, but none directly at the spots.
Hotels	None close to air base.
Season	Traffic is decent all year round, although summer may be hazier, but sunnier.
Security	As every military bases keep a low profile and do not stand close to the fence. Do not photograph anything inside the base! Obviously Police could always come for a check, but generally there aren’t big issues. However, have your ID and the explaination prepared at all times. Many thefts has been reported recently from cars parked close to the restaurant at spot 1, be extremly careful there!
Runway Usage
General Info	RWY 05 is the main runway used for landings and takeoffs. RWY 23 is used when the wind blows from southwest or in other rare occasions.

	Spot #1 – SP31 East – 05 arrivals morning
WHERE	You can take the photos from the sidewalk of Via Rastello (SP31) or on the dirt road of the field close to Restaurant “Il Baffo” (now closed). It is possible to park the car at the restaurant or at the end of the dirt road on the field, without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, especially if farmers are working there. Obviously try to avoid walking through the field if it’s farmed.
WHAT	All RWY 05 landings, but it can be also used for RWY 23 departures.
TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon.
MISC.	Many thefts has been reported recently from cars parked close to the restaurant, be extremly careful then! The sidewalk of SP31 is also a cycling path, so mind the bikes if you want to stop right there.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm B744 = 155mm / Fighter = 250mm

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	Spot #2 – SP31 West – 05 arrivals afternoon
WHERE	Continue northwards from the previous spot on the sidewalk along Via Rastello (SP31), north-west of runway 05. It is possible to leave the car close to the intersection with Via V. Bellini.
WHAT	All RWY 05 landings, but it can be also used for RWY 23 departures.
TIME	From later afternoon till a few minutes prior sunset. Mind that mountains will hide the sun earlier.
MISC.	The sidewalk of SP31 is also a cycling path, so mind the bikes if you want to stop right there.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm P8 = 220mm

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	Spot #3 – Field West – 05 light departures
WHERE	On the field behind a grove, close to a fuel station at the SP7, on the east side of the airport. Walk from the parkings spaces at the fuel station through a small forest (100m) to the open field.
WHAT	Runway 05 departures, especially for fighter jets, while bigger transport aircraft could be already quite high here. Also used for RWY 23 arrivals, but it happens pretty rarely.
TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon.
MISC.	As for the other spots, avoid walking right over the crops if the field is farmed. Try to keep a low profile here and do not attract attention with your camera or your car. Police is very strict here and did send spotters away!
FOCAL LENGTH	+300mm for fighters

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	Spot #4 – Field East – 05 heavy departures
WHERE	Continue from Spot 3 southeastwards from the farmed fields and position yourself wherever you prefer.
WHAT	Good for large transport aircraft departing runway 05, while most of the fighter jets are too far from this spot.
TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon.
MISC.	As for the other spots, avoid walking right over the crops if the field is farmed. Try to keep a low profile here and do not attract attention with your camera or your car. Police is very strict here and did send spotters away!
FOCAL LENGTH	150-400mm for transport aircraft C17 = 190mm

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