Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport - Spotting Guide

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport – Spotting Guide

February 15, 2022 - last modified on December 5, 2023

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA/KROA) is Virginia’s fifth busiest airport and the largest in southwestern Virginia. The airport’s first airline service began in 1933 and was initially named Woodrum Field. A runway expansion occurred in the 1980s which prompted a name change to Roanoke Regional Airport. To properly represent the growing region, the airport settled on its current name in 2014. In 2019, the airport accounted for more than 700,000 passengers and over 50,000 aircraft operations.

Today, ROA is served by Allegiant, Delta, United, and American, including their regional subsidiaries. These airlines regularly operate ERJ and CRJ regional aircraft as well as A319/A320 aircraft to the region. Additionally, the airport is served by three cargo airlines, UPS, Fedex, and Air Cargo Carriers serving multiple destinations year round. ROA also attracts numerous military operators from nearby bases such as Joint Base Andrews, Naval Air Station Norfolk, and MCAS Cherry Point due to the surrounding terrain. Lastly, charter flights are very common here due to numerous universities in the area that utilize Roanoke’s Airport. The most recent master plan for ROA includes a further runway expansion, cargo apron expansion, and a relocation of the FBO to the other side of the field for convenience purposes.

Written by Jake Oesterreich. Last Update: February 2022

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
06/24	2073 m(6800 ft)
16/34	1771 m(5810 ft)
Terminals	One terminal served by Allegiant, American, Delta, and United
Airport Chart
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not recommended to use. At spots 1 and 2 you have to shot through the mesh of the fence.
Car/Public Transport	Needed for most locations as public transport is not available. Spots 1-3 are in walking distance from the terminal but there are no sidewalks and you may attract attention by approaching without a car.
Drinks/Food	Nothing close except for in the terminal spots and at location 6. Plenty of supermarkets and restaurants are are located south of the airport.
Hotels	Numerous hotels nearby located on Valley View Blvd NW.
Season	Year round, slightly busier in summer and fall months.
Security	Follow posted signage, otherwise generally no issues with security.
Runway Usage
General Info	All dependent on the wind
08/26	Used for arrivals and departures in all directions depending on the wind.
11/29	Mainly used for arrivals as well as smaller departing aircraft depending on wind.

	Spot #1 – Old Terminal – 06/24 movements
WHERE	From the terminal continue by car on Aviation Dr NW past the tower, as the road curves to the left there will be a vacant parking lot on the left. Feel free to park your car here and walk over to the fence.

WHAT	06/24 departures and aircraft on taxiway B.

TIME	Sunrise until 2PM year round.

MISC.	Well known location, no issues with security. You have to shot through the mesh of the fence here or the gaps between two poles at the crash gate.

FOCAL LENGTH	40-100m for taxiway, E145=70mm, 70-200mm for runway, 737=90mm

	Spot #2 – Signature FBO Parking – 34 movements & ramp movements
WHERE	From the terminal continue on Aviation Dr NW past the terminal, then turn left on Waypoint Dr NW and follow the road until you reach the parking lot at the FBO.

WHAT	16/34 arrivals and departures, aircraft taxiing on A and T as well as aircraft pulling into GA ramp and terminal.

TIME	Sunrise to 10AM for runway movements and aircraft on A and T, all day for aircraft pulling into ramps.

MISC.	Keep a low profile as there is a chance the FBO may ask you to leave. You have to shot through the mesh of the fence here.

FOCAL LENGTH	25-100mm for aircraft taxiing and pulling into ramp, E175 on taxiway T=35mm 70-300mm for runway movements

	Spot #3 – Cell Phone Lot – 34 arrivals
WHERE	As you enter the terminal loop, take your first left and follow the road to the cell phone lot and park here.

WHAT	34 arrivals only.

TIME	Sunrise to 9-10AM depending on season.

MISC.	No issues with security.

FOCAL LENGTH	100-300mm E145=180mm, A300=150mm

	Spot #4 – CCS – 34 arrivals
WHERE	From Aviation Dr NW, turn right onto Hershberger Rd NW, then take your first right. At the stop sign, turn left onto Thirlane Rd NW and the CCS parking lot will be on your right.

WHAT	34 arrivals only.

TIME	1PM-Sunset.

MISC.	Should be no issues with security but keep in mind this is private property.

FOCAL LENGTH	100-300mm 737=120mm, CL300=250mm

	Spot #5 – UPS Lot – 06 arrivals/24 departures
WHERE	From location 4, continue on Thirlane Rd NW for approximately 1 mile and then turn right into the large UPS employee parking lot for 24 departures. For 06 arrivals, park your car in the lot and walk towards gravel lot near entrance.

WHAT	06 arrivals/24 departures.

TIME	Sunrise-2PM.

MISC.	Keep a low profile as you may be approached by security.

FOCAL LENGTH	100-300mm Arrival 757=130mm; Departure 737=220mm

	Spot #6 – North Market Village – 24 arrivals
WHERE	To reach this location, which is far away from the airport, drive on Aviation Dr NW, make your way to Peters Creek Rd and continue northeast until the intersection of Route 11. There is a Dollar Tree parking lot where you can stay.

WHAT	24 arrivals only.

TIME	Summer spot only from 5PM-Sunset.

MISC.	No issues with security. Numerous restaurants nearby

FOCAL LENGTH	100-300mm CRJ=250mm; A320=160mm