Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - IAD Day Sept. 24 - Hit or Skip?

I see the sign for "Dulles Airport Day" (or whatever it's called) every day on the Toll Road, and keep meaning to ask about it. Is it anything interesting? FWIW, I live in Bethesda, so I'll take both absolure feedback on the event itself and considerations of whether driving out to IAD for it is worthwhile.

Can't say I've ever been, but this is it:

http://www.planepull.com/

FWIW, I'll be going to the Irish Festival in Fairfax that day :D

Thanks for the link! So it looks like it's pretty much just a car show and assorted events around the plane pull, so nothing too exciting.

I've been to 4 or 5 of the last Dulles Day events - and enjoyed each of them. Parking is free and the event is free. There are lots of static displays: private planes, military planes, big commercial planes. It is on the ramp area between the cargo buildings and runway 1C/19C - and there is usually active runway activities almost close enough to touch.

It can be a fun day for a family activity too. And they sell decent food at a fair price.

I've been to 4 or 5 of the last Dulles Day events - and enjoyed each of them. Parking is free and the event is free. There are lots of static displays: private planes, military planes, big commercial planes. It is on the ramp area between the cargo buildings and runway 1C/19C - and there is usually active runway activities almost close enough to touch.

It can be a fun day for a family activity too. And they sell decent food at a fair price.

I forgot about the choice spotting opportunity...that could be pretty sweet!

I've been once and had a great time. You can walk through a variety of equipment that is out there (my group particularly enjoyed the big snowplows they had put out on display), get a team together for the Pull if you want (proceeds go to charity) and watch the activity on the runway. No TSA involved with accessing the airport or event, although there was a booth trying to recruit when I went :rolleyes: Sometimes an airline or few have tables set up, too.

There are threads from 2006-2008 at least if you search on plane pull

I love this event and cannot wait for it this year. Lots of satic aircraft and airport ops displays.

Plus you can watch the plane pull the active runway is feet away, so amazing spotting opportunities.

Plus, it's all free. Though bring water. I highly recommend. I'll be there this year with a fellow air nut from Germany.

i guess dulles isnt exciting enough for FT?

im amazed this seems to be a nonevent.

http://www.omalleyspub.com/dulles/ap-19th-annual-dulles-day-family-festival-plane-pull-after-party-1313006221.php

one hour open bar, i think at 5:30 but not sure

ah, so not really commercial air oriented

kind of close to some runways, but not too close

Went this past Saturday and it was great. Free parking, event was well managed.

Lots of static aircaft display, of course the FedEx plane pull and lots of airport equipment too.

Best of all, it bordered he taxiway that was taking all the European heavies. So got to watch the AF A380 land, then taxi mere feet away.

They also had an amazing bus tour of the airport -- from a moon buggy -- that took in some great views too.

Highly recommend next year.