NOVEMBER 5, 2025 - SIDEWINDER AIRCRAFT FIELD TRIP
Led by Andrew Lewis
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, LPA will gather in the Sequoia National Forest to go fishing for airplanes. (Fishing, not catching). We will be sitting on a hillside, amongst the bushes and boulders, as aircraft MIGHT come through the canyon at low levels and high speeds (500 feet, 500 knots). We could get traffic from Edwards AFB, Naval Air Station Lemoore, Air National Guard planes from Fresno, Nellis AFB or other places. Planes we MIGHT see could include F35s, T38s, F/18s, F15s, odd and assorted helicopters, perhaps some surprises or unicorns. (Cargo planes, bombers, F117s COULD come through, again....nothing is ever guaranteed)
We will depart the Sierra Gateway Market (13432 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238) at 8:00 A.M. Get there early to grab snacks, drinks, use the restroom, get gas, etc. We will caravan about 14 miles to the turnoff, then head one mile up a very well-maintained dirt road (easily passable with a passenger car) to where we'll park. It's about a 300 foot walk to where we will sit to watch the planes. It's not a strenuous hike, but it is in between the bushes, and you want to watch for rocks, stumps, and other tripping hazards. It's an easy walk.
Things you need to know:
- There is NO SCHEDULE for the flights. We are NOT guaranteed any traffic, and we do NOT know when or if anything is coming.
- We are on the side of a hill. There are NO facilities. There are pit-style toilets a mile away at a campground.
- There is no cell signal.
- Things to bring:
- Camera with the longest lens you have. I shoot with a 180-600 mm.
- Empty/extra memory cards
- Full/extra batteries
- Folding, camping-style chair
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Scanner (optional) - sometimes we get warning, sometimes we don't
- Patience. We can go an hour or two between passes. (Did I mention there's no set schedule, nor guarantee that we'll see anything?)
- Camera with the longest lens you have. I shoot with a 180-600 mm.
The planes can come through anywhere from sunrise to sunset. My goal is to be in location and set up by 9AM. We usually stay until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Remember, we have a 3(ish) hour drive home. Some may choose to stay in Kernville the night before or after the trip. There are decent motels, restaurants, stores in town.
Hit me with Questions - Andrew (805)512-2277
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