Boca Raton Airport - Spotting Guide

Boca Raton Airport – Spotting Guide

November 11, 2024 - last modified on September 18, 2024

The airport of the city of Boca Raton (IATA: BCT; ICAO: KBCT) is adjacent to the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and I-95. With more than 200 daily movements on average the airport is quite busy, Predominantly, traffic is provided by business jets and general aviation. There are even seasonal scheduled passenger flights operated by JSX to two destinations within the USA. With just one single active runway you won`t miss any movement at BCT.

Written by Julian Mittnacht and Thomas Okaty. Last Update: March 2024

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	1.913 m (6.276 ft) Asphalt
Terminals	There are several FBO terminals on the west side of the airport.
Spotting Information
Ladder	At the first two spotting locations you need a Pickup-Truck or car rooftop to clear the fence for ground shots, or shoot through the mesh.
Car/Public Transport	Public transport is not available here. A pick-up truck is recommended to clear the fence.
Drinks/Food	Nothing available next to the locations mentioned below.
Hotels	There is a Fairfield Inn next to the FBO terminals which offer limited views.
Season	Try to avoid the summer months. You will be confronted with heavy rain showers and high temperatures. Best conditions for spotting are from December through March.
Security	Security passed by several times, but did not seem to consider us a threat.
Runway Usage
General Info	Equipped with a single runway you won`t miss any movement here. No preferred direction.

	Spot #1 – FAU Tech Warehouse – 23 movements
WHERE	The spot is behind a warehouse of the FAU Tech, north of the University area. Access to the complex is via FAU Boulevard. Just park on the lot behind the FAU Tech Warehouse directly at the fence.

WHAT	All runway 23 arrivals and line-ups as well as taxiway B. You need a pick-up truck or car rooftop to clear the fence for ground shots. Taking pictures through the mesh is possible, too, as the planes are moving slow. For arrivals it is not necessary to be elevated, just stand a bit back on the lot.

TIME	From sunrise until early afternoon.

MISC.	Airport security passed by several times and did not cause any problems. There are trees providing shade.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-300mm C172 runway = 300mm; ERJ145 runway = 70mm

	Spot #2 – FAU Sport Comples Parking Lot – 05 movements
WHERE	This is also a location, which is right at the fence. Drive to the FAU complex and get on Volusia St via W University Drive. Park on the lot directly by the fence, next to the sports complex of the university.

WHAT	All runway 05 arrivals and line-ups as well as taxiway B. You need a pick-up truck or car rooftop to clear the fence for ground shots. Taking pictures through the mesh is possible, too, as the planes are moving slow. For arrivals it is not necessary to be elevated, just stand a bit back on the lot.

TIME	From sunrise until noon.

MISC.	The fence is pretty high and will be partially visible if you take photos of planes on the runway.

FOCAL LENGTH	C172 runway = 300mm; ERJ145 runway = 70mm

	Spot #3 – Cinema Parking Garage – 05 movements
WHERE	The location is on the opposite side of the FAU. There is a cinema with a parking garage, which offers a nice view of the runway. The garage is accessible from Airport Rd via Glades Rd.

WHAT	All runway 05 arrivals and line-ups as well as taxiway B. Because of a wall and bushes, the sight on the taxiway is limited.

TIME	Only possible in the evening during the summer. The sun doesn`t really come over to this side in the winter.

MISC.	The garage is free of charge.

FOCAL LENGTH	55-300 mm