[MilCom] KCEF Lodging & Viewing Points for "Near Scene"/ "On Scene" Activities

[Ken]

Refer to www.airnav.com  (KCEF)  for some information/links to area 
hotels/motels & some frequency/airfield information, Grove's "Frequency 
Master File" (Military portion), as well as this list's archives for 
additional aero/support frequencies.

LODGING CLOSE BY (see: 
http://yp.yahoo.com/yp/Chicopee_MA/Travel_and_Transportation_Hotels_and_Lodging_Hotels_and_Motels/7737307.html )

*Plantation Inn, Motel 6 (Burnett Rd/Interstate 291 West ending point just 
after Interstate 90 Mass Pike exit 6)  -- Runway #33 approach & Runway #15 
climb out, local pattern work (also closest lodging facilites to Chicopee 
State Park).

*Quality Inn, Days Inn, Super8 Motel, Hampton Inn (all on US Route 33, 
Memorial Dr, Chicopee, Exit 5 Mass Pike Interstate 90) --- limited Runway #5 
approach Runway #23 climb out, local pattern work (closest to all other 
viewing areas).


ON SCENE/NEAR SCENE VIEWING AREAS:
*KCEF has a civilian general aviation/commerical terminal (Padgette St, 
Chicopee) see  http://www.wmass-arptcef.com/
and limited time parking may be allowed with a view of Runway #23 
takeoff/climbout & Runway #5 approach.  Stopping/parking along the perimeter 
fence line adjacent roadway is not permitted.  Hobbyists should not approach 
the perimeter security fencing at the civilian terminal.

*During the summer months Chicopee State Park, which is adjacent to KCEF's 
runways see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/chip.htm allows daytime 
activities that may allow view of runways & local pattern activity while 
swimming, walking/hiking, picknicing.  Hobbyists are again cautioned not to 
be too near perimeter security fencing & may be approached by military 
security response teams patrolling outside the fence line.

*Brown Ellison Park (Carver St), Granby, MA (not maintained in the winter) 
affords a great view for picture taking of the Runway #23 approach & on 
occassion runway #5 climbout.   Very good photographing opportunities.  It's 
been rumored that a covert security/surveillance camera has been installed 
at this location BUT I haven't been able to confirm this.

*Ludlow Recreational Area/Westover Golf Course (South St Granby leadint to 
Westover Golf Course Access Rd, Ludlow) -- during summer months launch a 
very small fishing boat onto Wade Lake --  somewhat limited view of low 
flying aircraft on final approach Runway #23, initial takeoff Runway #5, 
local pattern work.  Again stopping on roadway next to base perimeter 
security fencing is not authorized.

*Westover AirPark North (Industrial Park semi private) (entry at Griffith 
Rd, Chicopee)  see:  http://www.westernmassedc.com/wmdc/capknort.html 
provides view of Runway #33 landing/takeoff/taxi, climbout, Runway #15 
landing & runways #5/#23 low approach, parachute drops at Bean Bag DZ  --  
However, hobbyists must remain well away from any perimeter security fencing 
& truck parking/loading dock areas.

WARNING/DISCLAIMER:
Of course overall nationwide Homeland Security threat level as well as 
military nationwide/local Force Protection/Threat Conditions may further 
dictate the tolerance of allowing hobbyists to be in any area close to 
security perimeter fencing.   Also with the exception of public 
parks/recreational areas, all other locations are on private business 
property with public access authorized, BUT you might be requested to leave 
that area.

This information is provided to the milcom hobby monitoring community for 
your personal use without any warranty and any "on scene"/"near scene" 
activity is performed AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!  You may be subject to military 
security/local police response, temporary detention, & questioning to 
include, but not limited to:  Explanation of what you are doing; exterior 
vehicle inspection/requested full vehicle search/inspection, photo 
ID/driver's license & vehicle registration law enforcement computer records 
checks, so be sure your are legal in every aspect!  Of course there's still 
the lingering question about whether people questioned next to military air 
bases perimeter fencing are entered into a nationwide "suspicious" incidents 
data base for potential further investigative followup.

Other than the above, be safe & have fun!!!!

Ken