Spotting at Fujairah - A little known spot

September 21, 2009

Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates is slowly becoming more of a jewel than Sharjah in terms of the older and rarer aircraft that can be found both operating and languishing there, particularly old Russian types, and dying breeds such as the Lockheed Tristar.

Whilst Sharjah reintroduces its airside access scheme, Fujairah has always maintained its anti-spotter stance. And even though the hill outside the terminal offers a fantastic view over the ramps and resident aircraft, it is usually not worth the police interrogation that most spotters fear, if not experience.

An alternative spotting location recently came to my attention which offers as good, if not better, opportunities to log what’s on the ground at Fujairah. This is a road which runs the entire length of the runway, and can be reached by turning right on the road just before the airport perimeter when arriving from the mountain road leading into Fujairah. Follow it past the end of the runway, and then along the length of the runway with a fence alongside offering views across.

There are litter bins and laybys which suggest this is regularly used as a viewing area, but as always discretion is encouraged as the road is lined with cameras on poles.

5 of the best aircraft spotting cafes

August 10, 2009

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?

A Good Spot at Heathrow - Myrtle Avenue

May 30, 2009

I spent a little time at Heathrow recently - my first dedicated spotting visit since the Queens Building viewing area closed. It had certainly been some time!

This was a good thing, however, as plenty of new aircraft went into the log, and I was pleased to see my first A380s at close quarters.

Now, since there’s no official viewing area, I thought I’d check out the alternatives. My main focus was on the Myrtle Avenue area, underneath the flightpath to runway 27L. This tied in well, since aircraft were landing on that runway.

To get there, head for Hatton Cross tube station, then cross over the A30 and turn immediately right onto Hatton Road. Myrtle Avenue is the first right. Click here to see a map of the area.

This is a residential street, so don’t park outside the houses. Go to the end, where you should find a space. Better still - park at the underground station and walk.

There is a large open area here which is perfect for photos when aircraft are landing on 27L. It is also quite a good spot for watching action on the ground. You won’t be able to photograph anything on the airfield or other runway, but you can quite easily see registrations.

Here are a couple of pictures from Myrtle Avenue.

Singapore A380 over Myrtle Avenue

Singapore A380 over Myrtle Avenue

Lufthansa Regional RJ85

Lufthansa Regional RJ85

Oman Air's leased A330 at Heathrow

Oman Air's leased A330 at Heathrow

Spotting at Toronto Pearson Airport

February 3, 2009

Canada’s principal gateway in the east and a very busy airport, Toronto Pearson is worth the visit if you need any of the Air Canada fleet. Most of the country’s other airlines also visit, as well as various regional types from the main US carriers across the border.

The airport can be quite complex to negotiate, and never has one perfect solution to the spotter given the differing runway directions - especially if photography is your thing.

The best bet intially is to drive the perimeter road which will give you a good idea of what aircraft are in, and where the best spots may be.

The best place to join this road is at ground level outside Terminal 1. Look out for Silver Dart Drive and follow it as it passes the various ramps and runways. It soon turns into Convair Drive, and then Courtneypark Drive E. Turn onto Dixie Road, Derry Road E, and then Airport Road to take you back to the terminals and complete the loop.

There are various vantage locations around this perimeter road, although sometimes the police may move you on. A courtesy call to the airport police has often been very much welcomed, with the spotters being encouraged to carry on at will.

The best spots seem to be on the mound to the west of the FedEx ramp, and in the midfield cargo terminal area.

Spotting at Rome Fiumicino Airport

November 24, 2008

Since so many people ask, and so many visit each year, I think it’s high time I write a post on spotting at Rome’s Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) airport.

I’ve covered this in my Airport Spotting Guides Europe book, but for those doing web research, here’s an overview of the main locations when spotting in Rome.

1. Terminal B Gallery
Inside Terminal B, head upstairs above the check-in areas to the Terrazza Roma Gallerie. Here you’ll find a cafe with large windows looking out over the action. This is the best view you’ll get from the terminal areas, although a few windows near the cafe do have some views. You’ll be able to see action on two of the runways, and will see most of the aircraft at some stage in their visit. Beware - police patrol here, and you will also be expected to purchase food/drink in the cafe.

2. Runway 16L/34R
A road runs from the terminal area along the entire length of this runway. If you have a car, head in the direction of Fiumicino village. It may be a little far to walk along here. The road has a few pull-in points where you can stop to log movements. At the northerly end, you’ll find an area to the side of the road where you can pull over and photograph arrivals if they’re from the north.

3. Between Runways
Following the road from location 2, turn right at the first T-junction you come to. This track will eventually lead to an area with some views back towards the terminal area (parts you can’t see from the cafe), and also of aircraft on the 07/25 runway. This is a residential area, so be careful.

To order Airport Spotting Guides Europe, go to this link.

Free Bus Services at London Heathrow

September 29, 2008

Did you know there are some free bus services around London Heathrow that are ideal for spotters moving around the various perimeter locations?

Bus service between Hatton Cross and Terminal 5 are:

423 via northern perimeter road, Bath Road and Longford village.
441 between Central area and Terminal 5 via northern perimeter road
482 and 490 via Terminal 4 and cargo along southern perimeter road.

All of these buses are free between Hatton Cross and the terminals. They will help you travel between spotting locations at Runways 27L, 27R and 09L for viewing when runways change.

Zurich Viewing Deck Changes

August 9, 2008

After a while of speculating the future of the viewing decks at Zurich Airport, which are invaluable spotting locations at this airport, I can now confirm that the original Deck B will close from October.

Deck E will remain open, with a shuttle bus ferrying passengers across to it every 30 minutes.

Keep an eye on the airport’s official website for more details closer to the time.

Thanks to Thomas Jaeger at CH-Aviation for this information.

Spotting at Mahon Menorca Airport

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.

Newcastle Airport Spotting Location

June 15, 2008

Newcastle Airport in the north east of England is quite a busy little regional airport. In fact, it even has its own Emirates flight to Dubai each day, so it’s not that much of a regional airport, but more of an international gateway.

The summer months are always best for quality of movements. It’s also one of the last places to see easyJet 737’s before they leave the fleet.

The airport used to be good for viewing, but terminal expansions put a stop to that.

When I visited the other week I parked up near the end of runway 25. Follow signs for Dinnington from the terminal, and then turn right and you’ll soon reach the end of the runway on your right.

Although a tall fence stops you from being able to see what’s happening on the ground, this spot is actually pretty good for taking photos of aircraft using either direction of the runway (although better for landing shots on 25). There’s even a handy bench you can stand on to give you an advantage.

I’ve added a couple of shots from my visit below…

ThomsonFly Boeing 737 G-FDZG
Flybe. Embraer 195 G-FBEE

Spotting at Baltimore Washington Airport

May 29, 2008

There are two ‘official’ locations at Baltimore Washington Airport it seems.

From a recent report, the best one is that inside the terminal. This overlooks most action, though some will be missed on Runway 15L. There is also a preserved nose section from Boeing 737 c/n 19307 here.

The other location is to the south of the airport, under the approach to Runway 33L. Aircraft approaching Runway 33R can also be noted. You can reach this spot from Dorsey Road. It is not ideal as registrations are hard to see and photography is even harder. You are also have very limited views of any aircraft on the ground or departing.

Credit to Darren Kellett for the report.