Airport Spotting Blog

I just read an e-mail about Biggin Hill in which a security guard has indicated that soon access to the hangars area, where many of you spot aircraft at the airfield, will be restricted in the near future.

The gates which you must pass through will be only for those with the pass number, or with a swipe card.

Will this hinder spotting at Biggin Hill much? I’m not too familiar with the airfield. Where else can you spot from?

Fancy a trip away to pursue some spotting with like minded enthusiasts in 2010? Aeroprints, one of the longest established aviation spotting tour firms in the UK, have released their 2010 brochure, listing all of the tours you’re able to book on, along with details of which aircraft/flights involved in each trip, and the day-by-day opportunities for spotting.

I’ve personally used Aeroprints for a tour a few years ago and highly recommend them.

You can download the brochure here

As the new airport at San Bernardino, CA nears its official opening, the locals are asking whether it will ever actually attract and airlines.

The San Bernardino International Airport is opening on the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which closed in 1994. A new terminal has been built, and is already fitted with check-in kiosks, arrivals and departures screens, escalators, offices, and an automated voice which warns passengers not to leave baggage unattended. Coupled with 3000 new jobs being created in the surrounding areas recently, on paper the outlook seems rosy. But in these times of airlines cutting back routes or closing down, and recession hitting hard, does this part of California need another airport?

You can read the full story here.

If the airline does start to attract operators, you can be sure we’ll cover the opportunities for enthusiasts. If you’re a local, why not tell us what the new airport is like by leaving a comment?

Around the world, many airports have had the good thinking to provide eating and drinking facilities within their terminals which offer fantastic views of the aircraft action. In many cases, these count as the best places to watch aircraft at that particular airport.

In some examples, the facilities are not within the terminal, but a private establishment at a convenient location around the perimeter.

Below, we offer you five of the best cafes and restaurants around the world.

1. In ‘n’ Out Burger, Los Angeles LAX
In our eyes, this is one of the best fast food joints in the world. Situated conveniently a few metres from the end of runways 24L/R, you can enjoy a burger whilst snapping pictures of aircraft just before touchdown. You can find the In ‘n’ Out just off S. Sepulveda Blvd.

2. McDonalds, Terminal 2
One of the unofficial spotting locations at Frankfurt/Main is the McDonalds restaurant in Terminal 2. This is situated in the mezzanine food court, before proceeding to departures, making it ideal for those not flying. The views over the Terminal 2 gates, commuter ramp and runways is fantastic, although a lot of Terminal 1 traffic is missed if it uses runway 18.

3. Reef Club, St. Maarten
We’ve all seen the amazing close-action shots at St. Maarten in the Caribbean. Whilst enjoying the view on the famous Maho Beach, enjoy a drink at the Reef Club, which has excellent views of aircraft both on the ground and on approach.

4. Hotel Royal, Corfu
Situated alongside the runway at Corfu’s airport is the Hotel Royal. Non-guests can enjoy a meal or drink at the hotel’s cafe, with a terrace overlooking the action. The hotel is situated in the Kanoni district.

5. Arizona’s Bar & Grill, Toronto Pearson
Situated on the airport strip, just outside the perimeter, this Arizona’s Bar and Grill serves excellent food and has views of the action to match. In particular, you’ll see arrivals on runways 24L/R. Wandering out into the car park allows for some great photographs.

Where else would you suggest from your travels? Which terminal has a particularly good cafe or food court with a view?

Jaunted blog recently ran an interesting piece on New York’s Citi Field stadium, where the Mets play their baseball games. Whilst those in the highest seats have usually paid the least for them, and suffer the long climb and distant views of the game, there is actually the benefit of having a view of arrivals at La Guardia Airport. Planes will also depart right over the stadium.

Take a look at the blog post here for an interesting picture of what you can see.
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/7/23/132132/122/travel/Watch+For+Fly+Balls+And+Landing+Planes+At+NY%27s+Citi+Field