My Experience at #AeroFotoFest2019
Detailed Coverage of #AeroFotoFest2019
AeroFotoFest is an event organized by Carrasco Airport and the Volemos association, with the goal of enjoying (and photographing) aircraft traffic and airport operations. The event is aimed at photographers and aviation enthusiasts in general. It has been held since 2015, and to participate, you must register on the website; attendees are then selected by lottery. This year, more than 1,000 people registered, and the capacity was 160 people. The event took place on Saturday, November 9.
This story begins a little over two weeks ago. While I was waiting during a layover at the Lima airport, I found out that I had been selected to participate in AeroFotoFest! Since I had already registered in previous years, I was very happy to be able to participate this year. Besides, what better way to kick off the experience than by finding out at an airport?
After confirming my attendance by making a $500 payment to benefit the Cimientos association, I received all the information I needed to enjoy the event to the fullest. I want to highlight how detailed the information was—it was extremely clear and comprehensive, including the event schedule, tips, and recommendations.
The event started very early, at 7 a.m., with check-in at Gate 9 on the first floor of Carrasco Airport. It’s always nice to go to the airport, and this is what the line looked like when I arrived:
This is how AeroFotoFest 2019 began
While waiting in line, we were given our vests and credentials. Then, we went through a security scanner and immediately boarded the bus that would take us to the tent where the event would be held:
Bus to the event tentI think it’s important to note that, while one of the event’s highlights is the chance to take photos, I don’t have any photography equipment, so I simply went with my cell phone. I believe any aviation enthusiast can enjoy it, even if they don’t have a particular interest in photography. It’s a real treat to have the planes so close by, to see and hear their engines, to learn about airport operations, and to discover details about the world of aviation. In particular, I found it very interesting to listen to the communications on the control tower frequency and to understand a little better the interaction between pilots and air traffic control. As a suggestion for future editions, it would be really interesting to have some insights from the control tower staff!
Once we arrived at the tent, there was a welcome session where the event’s format was explained, and some details were clarified. To help you get your bearings, the tent was located next to Runway 06/24 (the airport’s longest runway, at 3,200 meters):
Location next to Runway 06/24
Right after the presentation, we got started with the landings and takeoffs. The first was an Amaszonas Uruguay CRJ 200 departing for Asunción:
Next, an Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737, bound for Aeroparque:
To get a different angle for the photos, the boarding stairs were available:
We had breakfast and watched the Latam A321 arrive from Guarulhos:
And one of the highlights of the day, the controversial (and now quite old) American Airlines Boeing 767, arriving from Miami:
Once the AA 767 landed, one of the demonstrations began, led by Cetrería del Sur, who explained how they work to mitigate the risks associated with bird strikes and other problems caused by local wildlife. They explained in great detail the different animals they use and the preventive and reactive techniques they employ. This activity is vital at our airport because, given the variety of coexisting ecosystems (beach, grassland, wetlands, and even a nearby landfill), there is a very large number of birds in the area. I found the explanation very informative in helping us understand this activity, which is fundamental to the airport’s operations.
Later, with a little sunshine in the sky, the Latam A321 that we had seen land took off bound for GRU:
Staying with Latam, we watched an A320 arriving from Santiago, Chile, land:
At that time, the Copa 737 was scheduled to take off for Panama City, but it was listed as delayed (it was later canceled altogether):
At approximately 11:45, the Latam A320 took off, bound for Santiago, Chile:
Next, we had another activity, where a Uruguayan Air Force helicopter put on a demonstration just for us:
As noon approached, we had lunch, which consisted of a beef sandwich, a cornstarch alfajor, and water or soda. I thought the lunch was just right, and there was nothing nicer than enjoying it while sitting on the grass, looking out at our airport’s beautiful terminal:
Once lunch was over, we got to enjoy a demonstration by the airport fire department. Another really enjoyable activity! They showed us their trucks and equipment, and best of all, we got to chat with the firefighters, who told us about their training (they take courses in Mexico, where they practice on various aircraft simulators) and shared different anecdotes about their daily work at the airport. It’s great to be able to talk with the people who are key to the airport’s smooth operation. It’s a real treat to learn about the different tasks involved (and the people who make them possible!) that ensure aviation operations are so safe and increasingly efficient.
This is what the terminal looked like around 1:00 p.m., with very few clouds left in the sky:
As the day was winding down, we watched an Austral Embraer 190 land, arriving from Ezeiza:
And, one of the most eagerly awaited flights, Air Europa’s A330, taking off for Madrid:
We said goodbye with an Azul Embraer 195 arriving from Porto Alegre:
And so ends a spectacular day, during which I enjoyed myself and learned a great deal. Once again, I’d like to highlight the event’s organization, as everything went according to plan, and it was an experience that, for me personally, was very enriching. AeroFotoFest is an event that anyone passionate about aviation can enjoy, regardless of their level of knowledge or whether they have photography equipment, since it’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of airport life and operations.
As suggestions for future editions, I’d add more activities featuring the “key players” of day-to-day airport operations. As I mentioned earlier, perhaps with air traffic control personnel, a flight dispatcher, a mechanic, or even a flight crew member. I can just imagine all the stories and details they could share with us!
A huge thank you to everyone who made #AeroFotoFest2019 possible, and I hope these initiatives continue to grow and include new activities!
Here are some links you might find interesting:
See you next time!