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?

The excellent ‘Krayzeekris’ website has been updated this week, with a number of airport spotting guides added for French airports and airfields.

The site is officially known as AircraftSpotting.co.uk

Go take a look.

I’m back from honeymoon now. Before I move on to details of spotting in Iceland and Copenhagen (stay tuned!), I’ll simply write this note I received about spotting at Rand airfield in South Africa – a very popular side-trip for spotters in the Johannesburg area.

Spotters are usually permitted to take an airside tour of the hangars and parked aircraft, escorted by the fire department at the airfield. You simply have to turn up at the Airport Manager’s office (ask at the Information Desk), sign a form, and they’ll organise it if possible that day.

I also got told that the Academy B&B nearby gives guests a key for the gate onto the apron and a token to get you through security. This seems a little unbelievable, so please let us know if you’ve found it to be true!

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.