Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum
General Aviation Discussion => Spotting Trips => Topic started by: theflyingcello on July 14, 2015, 04:54:16 PM
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Thinking of indulging myself with a wee day return to the "mainland" for some heavy metal spotting. Options seem to be LHR, LGW and MAN. Now, LHR is likely to be both the best, and also most expensive. Also, I think spotting is pretty much limited to the old BAA Academy / Heathrow Visitor Centre. So I'd be restricted to 09L / 27R, and would have to aim for a week when arrivals were on 27R...
MAN looks most spotter-friendly, but I don't know it that well...there appears to be a pub with beer garden that looks good for 23R...I know very little about spotting at LGW.
Any suggestions? And could we make it a team event? :)
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I always found Birmingham quite interesting. Interesting mix of the Usual Suspects plus Biman, PIA, Air India, China Southern and freighters :) Last time I was there I had a 'moment' when I saw an An-26...
Gear-going-up photography is pretty good from the perimeter fence right next to the terminal. It is quite high but they seem relaxed about steps and even people standing on baggage trolleys.
East Midlands good for freighers ( if you like being up early ) but I've never tried proper spotting there.
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There are a lot more places to spot at Heathrow than the one you've mentioned. It's true that there is no dedicated area but there are loads of places around the perimeter, most famous of which is Myrtle Avenue which is best for arrivals on 27L.
I've included a link to a spotter guide below, the map shows the location, directions, and best times for all the points around the airport.
Spotting @ LHR (http://www.plane-mad.com/airport-spotting-guides/united-kingdom/london-heathrow-lhr-egll.html)
FYI - last time I was there I used Spot F listed in the guide.
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Thanks for the advice folks...nearly settled on MAN on 26th...anyone fancy it?