Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

General Aviation Discussion => Spotting Trips => Topic started by: casper on June 19, 2012, 10:17:39 PM

Title: Am I Mad?
Post by: casper on June 19, 2012, 10:17:39 PM
So the plan for tomorrow evening is to drop my daughters down to the Westlife concert in Belfast around 6:30pm and then sit at the City airport until it's time for them to come home. Just don't fancy driving down from Lurgan then home again only to have to drive down a few hours later to pick them up lol.

Might even try the bridge this time, never been there.
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Jake Lewis on June 19, 2012, 10:38:24 PM
Oh trust me, I'm a lot worse! :LOL

Definitely go to the bridge, it's a fantastic place to take pictures from and even if you have had enough, I would go to the bus turning circle as well!

Have a good time anyway.,

Jake
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: casper on June 19, 2012, 10:40:41 PM
Thanks Jake. Is it okay to park at the foot of the bridge?
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Angry Turnip on June 19, 2012, 10:47:58 PM
The footbridge is a great spot;the layby  has double yellow lines but they date back to the old airport entrance,and it is mainly used by taxi drivers to have a snooze or a burger break.

Just keep your wits about you for local hoods may take an interest if they see your camera.
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Jake Lewis on June 19, 2012, 10:52:41 PM
Yeah, as AT mentioned in his post, there is a lay by exactly at the foot of the bridge, in the circumstance that there are no spaces, just park up on the other side of the foot bridge - the side parallel to the train line!

I have never had any trouble whatsoever at the footbridge with the public or anything for that matter, a lot of people do tend to stop and look over into the airfield in hope that they might just see aircraft movement, but yes, almost certainly, do keep your wits about you, but I cant see there being much trouble!

Jake 
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: casper on June 19, 2012, 10:54:07 PM
Had thought about that AT. Maybe I won't stay to long when it starts to get dark.
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Midas on June 19, 2012, 11:06:42 PM
I would be a bit reluctant to park on the side of the road parallel to the train line due to the number of cars using the Sydenham By-Pass. You may be allowed to stop there (although I'm not sure) but I would instead go down through Inverary and park at the bridge, where it is more residential. You can still get up onto the bridge ok and at least your car isn't on the main route into Belfast.
You can also get a few good shots of the planes at Seapark and along the Esplanade at Holywood where I think you can (still) get well up towards the end of the runway and the fence. [It's been quite a while since I've been there so someone might be able to correct me]. Look forward to seeing a few photos posted on the website!
M.
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Dave on June 19, 2012, 11:30:38 PM
Parking at the footbridge layby is fine, although it tends to get busy in the evening with people waiting there before heading to the airport to pick up family + friends. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Angry Turnip on June 20, 2012, 10:54:20 AM
Casper, If the weather is as good this evening as the forecast suggests, I might meet you on the BHD bridge.  Is it definitely tonight that you're doing the dad's taxi job to the Odyssey?
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: casper on June 20, 2012, 11:00:23 AM
Yep. Leaving the kids down at around 6:30 - 6:45 so should be there shortly after. And when I say kids they're 22 & 9 lol
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: Angry Turnip on June 20, 2012, 11:37:25 AM
Twenty-two? That's old enough to know better about Westlife, is it not??  ;D  OK, I'll drop you a text 6.30ish, in case you relent and end up in the concert with them ...  Do you know the words to "Flying Without Wings", just in case?   :P  Oh now that's a different debate entirely - I'd love to take the 4 (or 5, or however many there's left) of them up about that one  ::)
Title: Re: Am I Mad?
Post by: casper on June 20, 2012, 01:22:34 PM
If you text at 6:30ish I could still be driving so don't take a no-reply as a no :)