SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

London Luton Airport

2007-08-28T16:43:15Z

Mallday: /* Other Traffic */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Luton Airport|location=Luton, England|iata=LTN|icao=EGGW|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.london-luton.co.uk|mapurl=|mapsource=|atctower=132.55|atcground=121.75|atcclearance=|atcapproach=129.55|atcdeparture=|atcatis=120.575|atcunicom=}}


Although Luton airport does not house any official spots there are many spot around the airport.
Luton is one of the best airports in London for spotting, it has many interesting arrivals and the authorities have no problem with photography and spotting so long as you do not tresspass on to forbidden land.

==Official Spotting Locations==

None

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Fire Station Access Road/The Bridge===

[[Image:G-EZJN.jpg|thumb|EasyJet 737 visible from the south side of the bridge]]

Besides taxiway Alpha, opposite the terminal. To reach this point you must head out of the terminal area and through the tunnel which goes under taxiway Alpha. You'll see a small hill straight ahead of you which is where the spot is. Beware that no parking is allowed here as it is a working area!
The North side of the taxiway can also be used, you get closer to the aircraft here, but it may become backlit in the afternoons and winter months, and so you may be advised to use the south side.
The authorities won't move you on from here.
{{anetlink|438677}}

===Taxi rank and set down area===

This is the closest thing Luton has to an official viewing area. As the roadway is higher than the apron there are views of the east apron and taxiway over the fence.
{{jplink|558829}}

===Crash Gate===

If you're most interested in number jotting then this is probably the best place to go. Head towards the M1 and then turn right at the third roundabout you reach. Then turn right again heading towards Wheathampstead. This road goes for a couple of miles before you take the 2nd left at a set of crossroads. Go under the railway and climb up the hill before turning left then immediatley bearing right. Turn left at the next junction and follow the road to the runway. The authorities are usually fine with you here, provided you don't block the gate with any part of your car.

===Outside of terminal building===

By the front of the terminal building, by the short term car park, you can see over the parking ramps which are often used by airlines such as Wizz and Monarch. Photography here isn't the best, as only the front aircraft are fully visible, and the taxiway in the distance may be too distant and hazy during the summer. The authorities won't move you on from here.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
EasyJet and business jets

===Other Traffic===
LTN is the place for business jets.
Many companies land at luton I have listed some below,
Aer Arran,
Wizz (320's),
Wizz Air Bulgaria (320's),
Ryanair (737),
Easyjet (737/ 319),
First Choice,
Monarch,
TUI,
Silver Jet,
XL Airways,

TUESDAY EVENING - Sunexpress (737)
WEDNESDAY MORNING - Onur Air (A321)

A good variety of CARGO also lands at LTN...
DHL (757/A300),
MNG Cargo ,
Air Atlantique (Bae ATP),
TNT,
Varig Log,
BacExpress (Shorts 360/DHC6)

==Facilities and Transportation==
All the facilities are inside the terminal building.

Luton airport parkway serves the airport, although it is not directly adjacent to it, a free shuttle bus runs about once every 10 minutes during peak times. The railway goes all the way from Brighton in the south, through London and up to Bedford, but there are faster services available which go much further north aswell.
There are numerous buses running from all over the south east.

*[http://www.freewebs.com/lutonspotters Spotters site]
*[http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/luton-airport-spotters-building-petition.html]

London Luton Airport

2007-08-28T16:42:05Z

Mallday: /* Other Traffic */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Luton Airport|location=Luton, England|iata=LTN|icao=EGGW|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.london-luton.co.uk|mapurl=|mapsource=|atctower=132.55|atcground=121.75|atcclearance=|atcapproach=129.55|atcdeparture=|atcatis=120.575|atcunicom=}}


Although Luton airport does not house any official spots there are many spot around the airport.
Luton is one of the best airports in London for spotting, it has many interesting arrivals and the authorities have no problem with photography and spotting so long as you do not tresspass on to forbidden land.

==Official Spotting Locations==

None

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Fire Station Access Road/The Bridge===

[[Image:G-EZJN.jpg|thumb|EasyJet 737 visible from the south side of the bridge]]

Besides taxiway Alpha, opposite the terminal. To reach this point you must head out of the terminal area and through the tunnel which goes under taxiway Alpha. You'll see a small hill straight ahead of you which is where the spot is. Beware that no parking is allowed here as it is a working area!
The North side of the taxiway can also be used, you get closer to the aircraft here, but it may become backlit in the afternoons and winter months, and so you may be advised to use the south side.
The authorities won't move you on from here.
{{anetlink|438677}}

===Taxi rank and set down area===

This is the closest thing Luton has to an official viewing area. As the roadway is higher than the apron there are views of the east apron and taxiway over the fence.
{{jplink|558829}}

===Crash Gate===

If you're most interested in number jotting then this is probably the best place to go. Head towards the M1 and then turn right at the third roundabout you reach. Then turn right again heading towards Wheathampstead. This road goes for a couple of miles before you take the 2nd left at a set of crossroads. Go under the railway and climb up the hill before turning left then immediatley bearing right. Turn left at the next junction and follow the road to the runway. The authorities are usually fine with you here, provided you don't block the gate with any part of your car.

===Outside of terminal building===

By the front of the terminal building, by the short term car park, you can see over the parking ramps which are often used by airlines such as Wizz and Monarch. Photography here isn't the best, as only the front aircraft are fully visible, and the taxiway in the distance may be too distant and hazy during the summer. The authorities won't move you on from here.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
EasyJet and business jets

===Other Traffic===
LTN is the place for business jets.
Many companies land at luton I have listed some below,
Aer Arran,
Wizz (320's),
Wizz Air Bulgaria (320's),
Ryanair (737),
Easyjet (737/ 319),
First Choice,
Monarch,
TUI,
Silver Jet,
XL Airways,

TUESDAY EVENING - Sunexpress (737)
WEDNESDAY MORNING - Onur Air (A321)

A good variety of CARGO also lands at LTN...
DHL (757/A300),
MNG Cargo ,
Air Atlantique (Bae ATP),
TNT,
Varig Log,

==Facilities and Transportation==
All the facilities are inside the terminal building.

Luton airport parkway serves the airport, although it is not directly adjacent to it, a free shuttle bus runs about once every 10 minutes during peak times. The railway goes all the way from Brighton in the south, through London and up to Bedford, but there are faster services available which go much further north aswell.
There are numerous buses running from all over the south east.

*[http://www.freewebs.com/lutonspotters Spotters site]
*[http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/luton-airport-spotters-building-petition.html]

London Stansted Airport

2007-04-06T20:07:06Z

Mallday: /* Approach Field 23 End */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Stansted Airport|location=London, England|iata=STN|icao=EGSS|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.stanstedairport.com|mapurl=|mapsource=|atctower=|atcground=|atcclearance=|atcapproach=|atcdeparture=|atcatis=|atcunicom=}}



==Official Spotting Locations==

Just outside of the terminal on the southwest end above the rail station. This doesn't allow you to get very close however, you have a good view of the runway and of the western most concourse (where most of the interesting stuff is).

==Other Spotting Locations==

If the weather is bad (rain, snow etc.) inside the main terminal, the windows by the point where people can meet those arriving on domestic flights. Also the grassy area above the rail lines next to the terminal provides excellent views of all the activity and there is a hole in the bushes 50 feet from the terminal that allows you get to it.

===Approach Field 23 End===

There is a field at the end of runway 23 where aircraft, if using that runway, will pass over you. Unfortunately no ground shots can be had from here as the runway is well set back with a hill a fence and trees in the way. Although this isn't the greatest place in the world to get pictures from, it is about the best Stansted has to offer and you are not going to be bothered here.

'''How To Get There''' - Coming off the M11, but pass the terminal area and head for Molehill Green and Elsenham. You'll need to go past Molehill Green and then there will be a turn on your left with a black sign for Hyteck Technologies. Turn left here and continue to the end of the road. You should be able to park your car at the end and walk in to the field for approach shots like those above. This map may help you. You need to turn left at "Gaunt's End" and continue down past "Mott's Hall" to the end of that road.

ALSO AT THIS POINT YOU MAY GET A VIST FROM THE POLICE - THEY WILL DO A STOP AND SEARCH (its just where they get info about you) THEY WILL NOT MOVE YOU ON THOUGH, JUST DONT ARGUE OR REFUSE TO THE STOP AND SEARCH. THE POLICE THAT I HAVE MET HAVE BEEN VERY FRIENDLY TO ME THERE AND IN FACT STOPPED FOR LUNCH AND DO SOME SPOTTING HERSELF WITH ME!

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
Ryanair 737'S and Easyjet Airbus A319'S

==Facilities and Transportation==

London Luton Airport

2007-04-06T18:22:58Z

Mallday: /* Other Traffic */

London Luton Airport

2007-04-06T18:22:15Z

Mallday: /* Regular Traffic */

London Heathrow Airport

2007-04-06T18:15:20Z

Mallday: /* Locations to Avoid */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Heathrow Airport|location=London, England|iata=LHR|icao=EGLL|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.heathrowairport.com|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=51.471119,-0.455246&spn=0.030780,0.076484&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.7, 118.5|atcground=121.9, 121.7
|atcclearance=121.975
|atcapproach=120.4|atcdeparture=118.5
|atcatis=|atcunicom=}}

==Official Spotting Locations==

===The Queens Building===
On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.

===Heathrow Visitors Centre===
Located on North Perimeter Road, many spotters choose to spot from here. This location is good for spotting but no good for photography, because of the perimeter fence! From here runway 09L/27R has very close views and also from here views of aircraft parked in Terminal 1 Stands and part of Terminal 3 stands can be seen. Also from here the mantinece area has clear views, here park up South African (747's and A340's)and Quantas (747'S). Also some executive and government planes can be seen. When the weather is right views of 09R/27L can be seen, the weather has to be perfect! Sometimes it is to hazey or sometimes to cloudy. Also at the vistors centre there is an [expensive] cafe - although this is only open on weekdays. But there is a Mc Donalds over the road. Also here is a a enthusiasts shop - where models, books, magazines, etc are sold. This location is only called the visitors centre, but really you are spotting in the car park it cost £1.00 per hour, so be aware of the weather. Happy Spotting at LHR , there are some interesting planes to be seen here, i have listed some further down the article.

==Other Spotting Locations==
===Rwy 23 threshold===
Early in the morning, if traffic is coming down on 27R, you could get lucky and witness dual rwy ops/landings. In such cases most the BA heavies will opt for 27L whilst a lot of the T3 traffic will land on 27R.
{{anetlink|802551}}
===Block 94 crash gate===
A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of a/c lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.
{{anetlink|881225}}
Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.
{{anetlink|887541}}
Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing a/c can be shot over the fence.
{{anetlink|887540}}
===09L Field===
There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.
{{anetlink|955969}}
===Hilton Hill===
Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.
{{anetlink|891165}}
===Line ups on 27R===
Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.
{{anetlink|949901}}
===Gate by Road Crossing===
Only good for 27R ops. Better for landing traffic than departing. Spot is by the mini roundabout near the white huts. Where the a/c cross the road from the airport to the maintenance area there's a red and white gate. Excellent spot for touch downs on 27R.
{{anetlink|950006}}
Aircraft being tugged across the road are also easily shot here too.
{{anetlink|802553}}

''This area has now been '''closed''' (as of mid March 2006) with the road being diverted around the back of the BA Maintenance Area, so any shots taken from the level crossing are now impossible.''

===Myrtle Avenue===
A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end. <br />

{{anetlink|956772}}
{{anetlink|930453}}
{{anetlink|907596}}

===09R banking/climbout shots:Tesco Dukes Green===
Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312.About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station.A good spot for shooting banking,heavy takeoffs when 09R is use(about 30% of the time)especially for heavy A340s.

{{anetlink|809816}}
{{anetlink|816157}}

===27L climbouts:Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road===
Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L.Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity!Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10minutes.Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.

{{anetlink|767759}}
{{anetlink|816429}}

===Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts===
The perimeter road in the far north-west corner also provides some excellent opportunities for 27R climbout shots although the sun is not far round enough for this spot to be effective during the winter and autumn months.

{{anetlink|836263}}
{{anetlink|890483}}

===27R final approaches from the mini trading estate===
Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer.This spot is on a small trading estate,just off the perimeter road,comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend.Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate.Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.

{{anetlink|818386}}

===Runway 27R touchdowns===
Like the 27R climb outs spot,the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography.A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.

{{anetlink|907626}}
{{anetlink|907656}}
{{anetlink|902362}}

==Airside Spotting Locations==
===Airside - Terminal 1; Gate 8 - bmi domestic Lounge===
Glazed floor to Ceiling overlooking the eastern end of the Northern Runway (27R/09L). Touchdowns on 27R, and taxiing aircraft visible. Aircraft landing on 09L have mostly left the runway and those for Terminal 3 turned away before getting close.

{{afleetlink|25901}}
{{afleetlink|25182}}

===Airside - Terminal 1; Gates 36-56 ===
Gates 36-56 are located in a glass and steel building at the extreme eastern end of the central area with views over runway 23 and B pier of Terminal 1. There are plenty of windows that line up with gaps in the parked aircraft and photography is best in the afternoon. On the down side the northern most gate offering the best views can be closed off by moveable barriers if it is being used for flights to Israel.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway)to check the monitors there.

===Airside - Terminal 4 ===
In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Locations===

===Airport Car Parks===
I use to use the airport short stay car parks to spot, but since security has rose the BAA security move you on VERY quickly. These are very expensive anyway, MY HINT IS TO NOT SPOT FROM THE CAR PARKS!

==Regular Traffic==
British Airways, BMI British Midlands, Heavy's from Asia, 777/767/747 from America.

==Facilities and Transportation==

London Heathrow Airport

2007-04-06T18:10:42Z

Mallday: /* Official Spotting Locations */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Heathrow Airport|location=London, England|iata=LHR|icao=EGLL|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.heathrowairport.com|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=51.471119,-0.455246&spn=0.030780,0.076484&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.7, 118.5|atcground=121.9, 121.7
|atcclearance=121.975
|atcapproach=120.4|atcdeparture=118.5
|atcatis=|atcunicom=}}

==Official Spotting Locations==

===The Queens Building===
On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.

===Heathrow Visitors Centre===
Located on North Perimeter Road, many spotters choose to spot from here. This location is good for spotting but no good for photography, because of the perimeter fence! From here runway 09L/27R has very close views and also from here views of aircraft parked in Terminal 1 Stands and part of Terminal 3 stands can be seen. Also from here the mantinece area has clear views, here park up South African (747's and A340's)and Quantas (747'S). Also some executive and government planes can be seen. When the weather is right views of 09R/27L can be seen, the weather has to be perfect! Sometimes it is to hazey or sometimes to cloudy. Also at the vistors centre there is an [expensive] cafe - although this is only open on weekdays. But there is a Mc Donalds over the road. Also here is a a enthusiasts shop - where models, books, magazines, etc are sold. This location is only called the visitors centre, but really you are spotting in the car park it cost £1.00 per hour, so be aware of the weather. Happy Spotting at LHR , there are some interesting planes to be seen here, i have listed some further down the article.

==Other Spotting Locations==
===Rwy 23 threshold===
Early in the morning, if traffic is coming down on 27R, you could get lucky and witness dual rwy ops/landings. In such cases most the BA heavies will opt for 27L whilst a lot of the T3 traffic will land on 27R.
{{anetlink|802551}}
===Block 94 crash gate===
A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of a/c lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.
{{anetlink|881225}}
Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.
{{anetlink|887541}}
Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing a/c can be shot over the fence.
{{anetlink|887540}}
===09L Field===
There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.
{{anetlink|955969}}
===Hilton Hill===
Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.
{{anetlink|891165}}
===Line ups on 27R===
Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.
{{anetlink|949901}}
===Gate by Road Crossing===
Only good for 27R ops. Better for landing traffic than departing. Spot is by the mini roundabout near the white huts. Where the a/c cross the road from the airport to the maintenance area there's a red and white gate. Excellent spot for touch downs on 27R.
{{anetlink|950006}}
Aircraft being tugged across the road are also easily shot here too.
{{anetlink|802553}}

''This area has now been '''closed''' (as of mid March 2006) with the road being diverted around the back of the BA Maintenance Area, so any shots taken from the level crossing are now impossible.''

===Myrtle Avenue===
A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end. <br />

{{anetlink|956772}}
{{anetlink|930453}}
{{anetlink|907596}}

===09R banking/climbout shots:Tesco Dukes Green===
Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312.About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station.A good spot for shooting banking,heavy takeoffs when 09R is use(about 30% of the time)especially for heavy A340s.

{{anetlink|809816}}
{{anetlink|816157}}

===27L climbouts:Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road===
Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L.Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity!Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10minutes.Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.

{{anetlink|767759}}
{{anetlink|816429}}

===Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts===
The perimeter road in the far north-west corner also provides some excellent opportunities for 27R climbout shots although the sun is not far round enough for this spot to be effective during the winter and autumn months.

{{anetlink|836263}}
{{anetlink|890483}}

===27R final approaches from the mini trading estate===
Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer.This spot is on a small trading estate,just off the perimeter road,comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend.Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate.Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.

{{anetlink|818386}}

===Runway 27R touchdowns===
Like the 27R climb outs spot,the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography.A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.

{{anetlink|907626}}
{{anetlink|907656}}
{{anetlink|902362}}

==Airside Spotting Locations==
===Airside - Terminal 1; Gate 8 - bmi domestic Lounge===
Glazed floor to Ceiling overlooking the eastern end of the Northern Runway (27R/09L). Touchdowns on 27R, and taxiing aircraft visible. Aircraft landing on 09L have mostly left the runway and those for Terminal 3 turned away before getting close.

{{afleetlink|25901}}
{{afleetlink|25182}}

===Airside - Terminal 1; Gates 36-56 ===
Gates 36-56 are located in a glass and steel building at the extreme eastern end of the central area with views over runway 23 and B pier of Terminal 1. There are plenty of windows that line up with gaps in the parked aircraft and photography is best in the afternoon. On the down side the northern most gate offering the best views can be closed off by moveable barriers if it is being used for flights to Israel.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway)to check the monitors there.

===Airside - Terminal 4 ===
In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==
British Airways, BMI British Midlands, Heavy's from Asia, 777/767/747 from America.

==Facilities and Transportation==