Update: as of May 2018, General Aviation is now leased by TAC Air and is no longer available for public use. For plane watching, please visit Observation Park.
Here at RDU, we have the highly-acclaimed Observation Park, where you can view planes from an elevated platform, listen to the air traffic controllers and allow your kids’ imaginations to soar on our mini-runways. But, there’s another place to view planes that not as many know of. It’s the General Aviation Terminal, and there are 10 great reasons why you should check it out.
- Free Parking. Unlike Observation Park, you have to pull a ticket to park at the G.A. Terminal, but don’t worry. For visits less than four hours, parking is free.
RDU’s General Aviation Terminal offers floor-to-ceiling windows for plane viewing in all weather conditions. - The Balcony. One the second floor, step out on the balcony and literally be right above the action!
- Private Aircraft. The G.A. Terminal means you’re up close to the action on the General Aviation Ramp. Watch planes park, refuel and if you’re lucky, you’ll see U.S. Customs and Border Protection clear an international arrival planeside.
- Crosswinds Café. There’s nowhere else at RDU that you can enjoy a delicious meal and watch planes taking off without clearing security. Crosswinds is open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Indoor Comfort. Two words: air conditioning. From the floor-to-ceiling windows to comfy furniture, you can watch planes free of sticky humidity or biting winter winds.
- Two Runways. RDU has three runways. From the G.A. Terminal, you can watch planes on the long runway behind Terminal 1 and on the runway for our smallest airplanes.
- Nighttime Viewing. As the summer turns to fall, the G.A. Terminal is the place to catch a glimpse of the airport at night. Through the end of September, the building is open until 9 p.m., 7-days-a-week.
- Art. Be inspired as you look up at Heath Satow’s massive Dream of Flight hanging sculpture over the two story atrium of the terminal.
- Quiet Getaway. Quiet at the airport? It’s possible! Leave the kids with your spouse and get away for an hour or two. You can find a cozy chair and catch up on your reading or surf in peace with the airport’s free Wi-Fi. Caution: You may find yourself daydreaming about your next vacation getaway.
- Have an event. Nothing’s better than watching planes with friends! The G.A. Terminal is available for rent. We’ve hosted everything from business meetings to proms and wedding receptions. It’s the most unique venue in the Triangle! View rental information.
