July 30, 2008
Antalya in Turkey is a major international gateway to the country. It handles a lot of international flights, as well as a healthy mix of domestic and military movements. The busiest times are in July and August, when a lot of European charter airlines pass through the airport, especially from Germany.
The airport has two parallel runways.
Views are possible over the ramp from the International Terminal, although many aircraft park in awkward positions so you have to wait for them to move.
The Domestic Terminal isn’t much use, although there are a few spots around the perimeter where you can see aircraft. Be warned, however, that security is tight with this being a military base.
The IC Airport Hotel has views over the action from odd-numbered rooms on upper floors.
July 30, 2008
Just a note to let you know that the BAe ATP aircraft stored at Woodford airfield, near Manchester, UK, are now in the process of being broken up.
These aircraft were formerly flying with Mandala and other airlines and have been stored here for a number of years. If you still need them, go get them quick.
A golf course to the south east of the airfield offers the best views. Head for the car park.
July 23, 2008
Stefan Krause writes another report from his spotting experiences in Taiwan - this time from Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport.
There is a mock-up control tower next to the museum at the airport. This offers probably the best views of movements, and both runways can be seen. It is closed on Mondays, however, and a good scope is needed for some aircraft.
If you have a car, a drive around the perimeter of the airport should allow you to log most aircraft on the ground.
July 18, 2008
The following message has been sent from Dutch Police to spotters at Amsterdam Schiphol airport:
Since 1-7-2008 there is 24/7 a new unit operational responsible for the security in the perimeters of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
This unit is equipped with Mercedes Jeeps and Volkswagen Touaregs in the well known Dutch Police colours.
Today on the Sramble forum the chief of this Unit, Mr. Warmerdam introduced himself and his unit to the Amsterdam spotters community an to explain what they are doing and why so.
This new unit is working closely together with local Military Police and the Airport Authorities, and the unit plays an important role in the security of the airport.
All members of this police –unit are appointed by Ministry of Justice and Inland Affairs.
The new unit stressed not to be there to make our spotters life miserable but they are there to guard and protect. They acknowledge the fact that spotters can be their extra pair of eyes around the perimeter. This is one of the reasons why these police officers are actively seeking contact with spotters in action and talk to each other.
However is must be clear that they will act immediately in certain circumstances:
- Do not park and do not stop sings must be obeyed at all time from now. So it is clear parking along the famous “Taxibaan” is not allowed anymore. Parking now is only allowed in the designated area’s for this.
- Pedestrians, cyclists etc will not be moved from public roads by them under the now active threat-level ( so not a guarantee under a scale up)
- The perimeter and area around the airport is a so called safety-risk area designated so by government. Therefore this unit has lots of permissions to take actions. Be aware of the fact that one person must always carry an ID with him like drivers licence, passport etc.
- Parking in front of crash gates will not be tolerated.
Furthermore the police notices that lots of spotters are more or less known to each other. So we could have the early and very first signs if “strange birds” are among us. In case of high priority he recommends 112 for alarming whilst in the meantime a special telephone number will be created for this purpose by the Airport Authorities.
I think this is a very positive move. You now know the rules, and know to co-operate with the police as they do not wish to move you on unless necessary.
July 17, 2008
Stefan Krause recently reported on his spotting trips to Kaohsiung airport in Taiwan. He has the following tips:
You can spot best from the walkway (covered) connecting the domestic and international terminal where you can see the domestic ramp, 1/4 of the international gates and the runway - though at a distance, and the International terminal blocks the view.
To check the parked JAL and another 1/4 of the Intl gates you have to exit ground floor (1st floor in Taiwan) and walk onto an elevated parking garage. As the JAL B747 parks in front of you it blocks the aircraft behind, one which was an Air Macau A321 which I missed on departure. Here you could also see aircraft lining up, but it is HOT (usually 30 C in KHH)
And be surprised, there is evena viewing area in the domestic terminal but don’t expect too much: you can see not even half of the domestic ramp and none of the Intl and runway is at distant and glass is very tinted making for some distortions. There are no chairs and no facilities in that “room”. The only reason to go here is to peek into the Uni Air hangar.
Finally, the inside gates of teh Intl temrinal are hard to see, you can see them from the departure level but as secutrity and passport control are right there did not flash out my binos there. (Usually Malaysian, Vietnam park here)
July 14, 2008
Following the petition held recently by aircraft enthusiasts in the Newcastle area to have a viewing area built, it seems the airport has finally given in and announced plans to build an area for viewing.
The airport recently bought the original 1930s terminal building and its owner Samsons Aviation on the south side of the airport. As well as developing GA and business flights, it will also add a visitors centre with a viewing area in the historic building.
This is great news for the area’s spotters, who have been deprived since the official viewing terrace at the terminal closed i 2003.
July 11, 2008
I’ve been an avid fan of Johnny Jet’s weekly newsletter for quite a few years now. It always makes a fascinating read as he travels week-by-week around the globe, taking up frequent flier deals with airlines and hotels, and often trying out new services, routes and aircraft.
Whilst his reports are geared around travel, and the places he sees around the world, I thought I’d give it a mention here because he travels almost exclusively by air. Therefore in each of his weekly newsletters, you get an account of at least two airports, and an airline.
Whilst this doesn’t help you much with spotting aircraft, it will surely be useful in giving you an overview of the various airports he visits (he covers everything from how modern the terminal is, to the price of a bottle of water). i know a lot of you travel by air to spot at different airports.
He runs a large website known as Johnnyjet.com, and has his free newsletter which you can sign up to. I really recommend it!
Tags: advice,
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website July 7, 2008
If you’re visiting Menorca, one of the popular Spanish Balearic islands and wanting a low down on where you can spot aircraft using the airport, read on.
The terminal itself is pretty useless for spotting, although once you’re airside you can see most aircraft and the runway.
Outside the terminal, head to the roundabout with a pyramid on and turn left towards San Climente . Then turn right after 300m down a track signposted restaurant. This spot faces the threshold of runway 19L and is ideal when approaches are from the north.
When approaches are from the south, a road runs past the threshold on its way to Binisfuller. This road joins the main San Climente to Es Canutels road. Various places to watch and photograph aircraft can be found along here.
Movements at Mahon are generally busier in summer, and consist mainly of charter airlines from the UK, German, Scandinavia and Italy, along with regional Spanish airlines. Sunday are usually the busiest day.
July 3, 2008
Some new aircraft around Europe worth looking out for this month include:
G-EZDM A319-111 - New easyJet delivery
G-TTII A321-231 - New GB Airways/easyJet delivery
G-FDZP 737-8K5 - Now flying for ThomsonFly, ex TUIfly
HB-JQG EMB-190 - New Baboo Airways delivery
TC-JGZ 737-8F2 - New Turkish delivery
TC-SGF 737-83N - Leased to Air Algerie
TC-SGG 737-83N - Leased to Air Algerie
As always, send us your comments and updates to this list
July 3, 2008
New aircraft around North America worth looking out for this month include:
N87513 737-824 - New Continental delivery
N38424 737-924 - New Continental delivery
N39423 737-924 - New Continental delivery
N75425 737-924 - New Continental delivery
N508AS 737-890 - New Alaska Airlines delivery
N617FF 747-121 - Flying for Logistic Air after storage
N575UP 747-44AF - New UPS delivery
N315AA 767-223F - Flying for Capital Cargo
N433QX DHC-8-400 - New Horizon Air delivery
N137HQ EMB-175 - New Republic/US Airways delivery
N962UW EMB-190 - New US Airways delivery
As always, send us your comments and updates to this list
