Airport police and security are cracking down. Found that out for myself today. I was on the garage taking pictures, two officers came up and told me to leave. No pictures allowed. They said the Department of Airports will only allow people to take photos if they have a photography permit from the Airport Director, then gave me a phone number to call. I even had my security badge on. I didn't say this, but I wanted to, "You're telling me I can go past the fence with this badge, physically touch an airplane, go inside of the airplane, unescorted and unquestioned. But I can not stand on top of a garage with a camera, 1,000 feet away from the airplane, and take pictures." Ironic, isn't it?
My advice, any of you who like to take pictures of airplanes, go out to the airport more frequently. And call the number before you do it. They will notice a large influx of this and realize it's an actual hobby, and they are in fact infringing on the rights of the public. There is no law, FAA Regulation, or otherwise that prohibits photography on public property, unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting it and listing the exact areas where it can not be done.
Atlanta recently was an on-permit only basis, but the shear volume of requests made them completely do away with permits, and call ahead "let us know"'s. It's free-for-all to take pictures at Atlanta's airport, no requests or permits are necessary.
680-3200
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