Access (or lack thereof) to military installations
Wed Nov 14, 2012 4:21 pm
Just looking for some feedback concerning the lack of access granted to civilians to AFBs, ANG units, Forts, etc (haven't had any experience with naval bases yet). In the last couple of years, I've traveled quite a bit, and when I get the time, I go looking for aircraft. Like a lot of people here, I'm a pilot and enthusiast that likes to look and photograph airplanes - especially military or WWII era. A good place to find these aircraft are at the installations mentioned above. Many installations have airparks. I've found some to be available, but the majority are closed to John Q taxpayer like me. Initially, I would just show up at the gate and try to drive in. I've had some success at that, but typically get turned around. Then, I was told I needed to call beforehand and get approval. Tried that, no success so far. Maybe it's just the places I've tried. Maybe it's the times we're in (post 9/11, although that seems to be used as the end all excuse nowadays). And I'll throw this out there; a group of us tried to do a car show for an army base in central Texas to show appreciation for the troops and simply to say "Thank you". We tried to get discount tickets for servicemen/women to the local racetrack for the weekend, coupons, etc. We were turned away for that too. I know some responses will be that if they let one in then they have to let everyone in. I don't think that is the case. I've asked how many people call for base access specifically to look at the static airpark planes and have been told its pretty rare they get those calls. I realize there is a security level involved, and not trivializing that aspect at all.
So, just wondering what anyone else has experienced? Has anyone experienced the same thing?
Thanks! Tommy
So, just wondering what anyone else has experienced? Has anyone experienced the same thing?
Thanks! Tommy
Re: Access (or lack thereof) to military installations
Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:49 pm
Although I have decided (Along with a lot of others) to no longer frequent this site and post a friend told me about your question and asked me to help.
I feel your pain so here are some tips:
1. Call the base public affairs office and ask to speak to the XO (executive officer). This officer has the authority to help you and get you on the base. The low ranking enlisted person who answers the phone and talks to you first does not, and will tell you NO to get rid of you.
2. If there is an active flying unit at the base try calling them and ask for the Operations officer or Officer of the day if you will be visiting same day. If there is a number for base operations call that as well, they can maybe point you to someone that can help. This officer will almost certainly be "winged" and will understand you as an aviation enthusiast.
Give them a specific reason for why you want to visit, such as you are building a model/painting a picture/ knew someone who flew that particular A/C, etc etc. Just saying you want to get on base and take pictures of planes is not going to sound good if your base sponsor has to answer to higher levels of authority. Remember they are worried about if the base CO or squadron/ wing commander walks up and wants to know who you are...
Be polite but firm, do not hem and haw but give them who you are, what you want, when you want to do it, and where you want to go or see. Be super nice, offer to send them copies of your pictures if you get a good one, make a contribution to the snack fund, etc. Be prepared to make several phone calls trying to get someone and don't be afraid to leave voice mails.
Give them notice if you can, a day or two if possible. You can find the phone #'s in the blue pages of the phone book in the USA. 1 or 2 people are usually OK but no large groups. You will probably have to give up some ID at the gate and are subject to search of your person and vehicle at any time.
Depending on what's going on at the time there simply may not be time or personnel available and you are out of luck.
Most units will try and accommodate reasonable requests if able. The trick is finding the right person to talk to.
Best wishes, Robert
I feel your pain so here are some tips:
1. Call the base public affairs office and ask to speak to the XO (executive officer). This officer has the authority to help you and get you on the base. The low ranking enlisted person who answers the phone and talks to you first does not, and will tell you NO to get rid of you.
2. If there is an active flying unit at the base try calling them and ask for the Operations officer or Officer of the day if you will be visiting same day. If there is a number for base operations call that as well, they can maybe point you to someone that can help. This officer will almost certainly be "winged" and will understand you as an aviation enthusiast.
Give them a specific reason for why you want to visit, such as you are building a model/painting a picture/ knew someone who flew that particular A/C, etc etc. Just saying you want to get on base and take pictures of planes is not going to sound good if your base sponsor has to answer to higher levels of authority. Remember they are worried about if the base CO or squadron/ wing commander walks up and wants to know who you are...
Be polite but firm, do not hem and haw but give them who you are, what you want, when you want to do it, and where you want to go or see. Be super nice, offer to send them copies of your pictures if you get a good one, make a contribution to the snack fund, etc. Be prepared to make several phone calls trying to get someone and don't be afraid to leave voice mails.
Give them notice if you can, a day or two if possible. You can find the phone #'s in the blue pages of the phone book in the USA. 1 or 2 people are usually OK but no large groups. You will probably have to give up some ID at the gate and are subject to search of your person and vehicle at any time.
Depending on what's going on at the time there simply may not be time or personnel available and you are out of luck.
Most units will try and accommodate reasonable requests if able. The trick is finding the right person to talk to.
Best wishes, Robert
Re: Access (or lack thereof) to military installations
Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:33 pm
Or you could just fly your own B-17 into the airbase as David Tallichet used to do.At the time he was one of the few that had some pretty serious access to bases around the country.Of course it helped he was a WW2 vet flying B-17s.Nobody lived it better than Dave.Did I ever tell you the story of Dave blowing/busting the TCA at LAX coming out of El Toro MCAS? You wouldnt believe it anyway. 