Spotting at Aldergrove?

[Jake Lewis]

Hello, My name is Jake Lewis.

This is my first post to 'Ni aviation' and I would simply just like to get a bit of information and recommendations as to where I should go for a spotting trip, keeping in mind, that I would not be taking any photos, just simply going to get a good up-close look at some aircraft. It will be my first spotting to Aldergrove, so any replies are greatly appreciated, lastly, if anyone knows, which time of day, and which day, is the most popular, during the peak season, please do keep me informed.

Sincerely,

Jake Lewis

[casper]

  Hi Jake and welcome to the forum. There are a few discussions on locations in the forum but this one gives quite a bit of information.

http://www.niaviation.co.uk/index.php?topic=3485.0

[Jamesmcil]

Jake,

I know this thread is a couple of years old but I find spotting at the 25 end quite a challenge.  I did find a spot a while back along to Ballyquillan road but the best place to park up is at the end of someones drive, which I rarely use (only if the aircraft is right).  As for 07 I would use Killead church car park.  Any other locations I would love to hear about.

James

[Angry Turnip]

There is a small car park at Ballyquillen Road opposite the graveyard at junction with Diamond Road,which is pretty good for stuff landing on 07,and climbouts from 25.
The police tend to be around there a fair bit-might be one of their take-away munching points.

[TCX49]

I sometimes use the Ballyquillan road for spotting i normally park up on the grass where it is marked red in the photo 1. it is a drive way for a house but just make sure u dont block them out. i have seen them before and they just waved at me so i was try this spot if any of yous havent tried it yet.

The planes go right above you here as well. Went here when the AN-124 took of and went over me low.

I also use Seacash road most days to look around to see if there is anything sitting around at RAF or Delta apron. It would have to be my best place to spot.

As for the other end the Drennans Road would be the place for me to spot. I normally wait in the church carpark to the aircraft is on finals and shoot up the road for photos. Also the Road closed road down the road a bit is even closer! You will not be able to take your car down and the main road where you will have to park your car is double yellow lines so i wouldnt park there to long incease the police arrive and book you!

As for the smaller runway when it is in use i would use Crumlin road which takes you right to runways edge almost. But make sure you park behind the yellow signs or the police will arrive as the place is full of cameras. As viewed in photo 2.

As for the other end the Seacash road would be the only place really to view aircrafts. They go over the top of you if you park up near the app lights for 17. It would be the best runway to view from jusr a shame they dont use it that much.

Cheers BFS BHD

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[Angry Turnip]

Tesco carpark in Crumlin is good if 35 is in use.

[Aldergrove]

I personally prefer to stand at the bridge on the British Road. Heading away from the airport, along the road and up over the bridge, there's a small opening immediately to your left past the bridge to park your car. From the British Road railway bridge there's a great elevated view of the airport, however the terminal obstructs views of the main runway. Nice place to stand on a summer evening to watch cargo planes depart between 8-9pm. Great views of planes taxing.

[Jake Lewis]

Must give it a go sometime!

Jake

[iSpy]

If you normally watch them land on 25 from Drennans Road, one place that would be closer with a similar angle would be the closed road that runs parallel to it. Can be accessed quite easily by going along Drennans road and turning right, then turning right again and parking by the barrier. Easy to walk in behind it and you are on a road which shares the airport perimeter fence.

[Pip137]

There is a closed road which runs along the airport boundary just up from the Ballyrobin restaurant on the main Airport Road.  The road is closed to traffic.  However, does anyone know if it is permissible to walk along this road (if the car can be parked somewhere relatively close) without drawing attention of the Police?

[The Gaffer]

At the other end of the closed road from the Ballyrobin, just past Killead village turn L towards Lisburn, there is a layby about 100m from the fence so you can park there legally.  walk in past the barrier fence to access the closed road.

[Pip137]

Thanks folks for your help.  Looking forward to maybe walking down the closed road just as an inbound crosses overhead.....

[lossie53]

Cant you walk past the barrier on the closed road just past dreenens road?

[Merlin]

Cant you walk past the barrier on the closed road just past dreenens road?

Yes.

Before it was scaled back it was inside the Control Zone and as such out of bounds (or at least monitored by the police/army).

At present there is only foot access but you can use it.