Copenhagen Kastrup Airport: Difference between revisions

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aptype=Commercial|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.cph.dk|
website=http://www.cph.dk|
mapurl=https://maps.google.dk/maps?saddr=Amager+Landevej&daddr=Kystvejen+to:Kystvejen+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:T%C3%B8mmerupvej&hl=da&ie=UTF8&ll=55.604234,12.661333&spn=0.08233,0.264187&sll=55.60101,12.635441&sspn=0.041168,0.132093&geocode=FXSZUAMdSrnAAA%3BFe7QUAMdZ2HBAA%3BFe6IUAMdinjBAA%3BFfpmUAMdUJrAAA%3BFTF8UAMd8oXAAA%3BFRSGUAMd833AAA%3BFYw1UAMdzjfAAA&t=w&dirflg=w&mra=mi&mrsp=6&sz=14&z=13|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=118.1 (arrivals), 119.350 (departures)|
atctower=118.1 (arrivals), 119.350 (departures)|
atcground=118.575 (taxiing southwest of runway 12/30), 121.625 (arrivals on apron), 121.9 (departures on apron)|
atcground=118.575 (taxiing southwest of runway 12/30), 121.625 (arrivals on apron), 121.9 (departures on apron)|
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psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-copenhagen/}}
psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-copenhagen/}}


<!-- Introductory paragraph goes here -->
 


==Runway Usage==
==Runway Usage==
Most days (about 60%), whenever the winds are westerly or southerly, runway 22R is used for departures while planes land on runway 22L. When the winds are easterly or northerly, departures are from runway 04R and landings take place on 04L. In both situations, depending on the traffic load, air traffic control might once in a while toss a landing in on runway 30. Other than that, runway 12/30 is only used in extreme situations such as emergencies, extreme wind conditions, runway closure due to snow, etc. This is due to the fact that the use of runway 12/30 will cause a lot of noise over the city, whereas both arrivals and departures using the two parallel runways primarily fly over the water.
About 3 days out of 5 - whenever the winds are from the south or west, runway 22L are used for landings and 22R for takeoffs. A few landings on runway 30 may also occur.
When the winds are from the north or east, landings are on runway 04L and runway 04R is used for departures.
Except for a few landings on runway 30, runway 12-30 is only used in case of extreme weather, emergencies etc.


If in doubt about the present runway usage, you can always listen in on the ATIS frequencies (mentioned above).
The active runways will always be broadcasted on the ATIS (see the frequencies in the menu to the right). You can also easily get an overview by visiting [http://www.flightradar24.com/55.66,12.55/10 Flightradar24]


==Official Spotting Locations==
==Official Spotting Locations==
[https://maps.google.dk/maps?saddr=Amager+Landevej&daddr=Kystvejen+to:Kystvejen+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:T%C3%B8mmerupvej&hl=da&ie=UTF8&ll=55.604234,12.661333&spn=0.08233,0.264187&sll=55.60101,12.635441&sspn=0.041168,0.132093&geocode=FXSZUAMdSrnAAA%3BFe7QUAMdZ2HBAA%3BFe6IUAMdinjBAA%3BFfpmUAMdUJrAAA%3BFTF8UAMd8oXAAA%3BFRSGUAMd833AAA%3BFYw1UAMdzjfAAA&t=w&dirflg=w&mra=mi&mrsp=6&sz=14&z=13 Overview map]


===Flyvergrillen===
===Flyvergrillen===
Location F on below overview map


Near the 22R threshold. A superb little burger bar that serves beer! You're higher than the taxiway in front of you so shooting anything that passes should be easy. It's nearly back lit all day but on long summer days it is excellent from around four a clock and until sunset. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from the terminal area, go past the domestic terminal (Terminal 1) and when you reach Gate Gourmet, turn left and it just straight ahead. Opens at 10.30 and closes around ten in the evening (during the summer anyway). There's plenty of free parking too, and if you use the viewing area you should buy something from the bar, but be warned - prices are high.
"The Flying Grillbar" - a small grillbar located near the threshold of runway 22R (just west of the perimeter fence). There is a small (unpaved) platform from which you cen see some of runway 22R and the adjacent taxiway A. When runway 22R is used for departures, you will see departures accelerating past. When 04L is used for landings, arriving planes will taxi by on taxiway A. Terrain to one side and tall trees and bushed to the other makes it a far from than ideal place for photography - combined with the fact that the sun will be directly against you most of the day, this is not the place to go if you want great photos.
Many parents bring their children to Flyvergrillen to grab a burger and look at the planes. It is a fine - although pricey - place for lunch, but the serious photographer will want to go somewhere else.


A hill south-west of Flyvergrillen limits view of the area where most aircraft rotate.
It is possible to take a bus (line 35) from the airport to Flyvergrillen. See [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ rejseplanen.dk] for more information (search From: Copenhagen Airport, and To: Amager Landevej 290)


It's possible to take bus 35 from the airport (terminal 2) to Flyvergrillen - see Facilities and Transportation below.
For photographers, a 55-200mm lens will do for take-offs on 22R / landings on 04L and a 300-400mm to catch aircraft taxying from landings on 12 and 22L / 04R.


For photographers, a 55-200mm lens will do for take-offs on 22R / landings on 04L and a 300-400mm to catch aircraft taxying from landings on 12 and 22L / 04R.
There are free parking spaces right across from Flyvergrillen.


{{anetlink|705857}}
{{anetlink|2667825}}


Flyvergrillen is marked as location A on the overview map.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
[[File:EKCHoverview.jpg|right]]
===Airside===
The end of Pier B (walk toward gate B16) or Pier A (walk toward gate A12) provides a view of taxiing aircraft, however it faces south so the sun is a problem. Note that this area is beyond security, so only accessible for passengers.


[https://maps.google.dk/maps?saddr=Amager+Landevej&daddr=Kystvejen+to:Kystvejen+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:T%C3%B8mmerupvej&hl=da&ie=UTF8&ll=55.604234,12.661333&spn=0.08233,0.264187&sll=55.60101,12.635441&sspn=0.041168,0.132093&geocode=FXSZUAMdSrnAAA%3BFe7QUAMdZ2HBAA%3BFe6IUAMdinjBAA%3BFfpmUAMdUJrAAA%3BFTF8UAMd8oXAAA%3BFRSGUAMd833AAA%3BFYw1UAMdzjfAAA&t=w&dirflg=w&mra=mi&mrsp=6&sz=14&z=13 Overview map]
===Runway 22L Approach===
Location A


===Airside===
Kystvejen - "Coastel Road" - passes below the final approach to runway 22L. You can position yourself either east or west of the final approach, depending on the time of day (the position of the sun).
A fair few light posts and a tall fence makes for a challenge, but with a bit of timing, pretty decent photos can be achieved.


The end of Pier B (T2/T3) provides a view of taxiing aircraft, however it faces south so the sun is a problem. Note that this area is beyond security, so only accessible for passengers.
Getting to Kystvejen is easy - simply take the free shuttle bus from the airport to parking P17. Get off at the parking location and walk a few hundred metres back toward the airport and you will find yourself right below the final approach area to 22L.


===Runway 22L Approach===
Parking your car at Kystvejen is not allowed. You might consider parking at one of the airport parkings and taking the shuttle bus as described above. Alternatively, during the weekend, you might park your car at one of the companies a bit further down Kystvejen and walk back toward the runway.


Located on Kystvejen/Coastal Road. Catch them as they come in over the sea. A short walk from the terminal, taking you past SAS Technical Services hangars and a view over their apron. Alternatively, take the free shuttle bus from terminal 3 to parking area 17 (departs approximately every 10 minutes).
{{anetlink|2699903}}
{{anetlink|953996}}


This location is marked as location B on the overview map.


===Runway 22R Rotation point===
===Runway 22R Rotation point===
Location E1/E2
A road tunnel passes under runway 22R about half way down the runway. You have a decent view of traffic on the runway from either side of the tunnel, but a fence running along the runway makes photography almost impossible.
The road passing under the runway is called Englandsvej. To get there, you can take bus line 35 form the airport and get off at Tømmerup (west of the runway) or Store Magleby (east of the runway). See [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ rejseplanen.dk] for more information (search From: Copenhagen Airport, and To: Tømmerupvej or Store Magleby). From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to the runway.
Parking your car near Englandsej is not possible. You might considered parking at Flyvergrillen and taking bus line 35 as described above.


Located on Englandsvej.  To get here follow directions to Flyvergrillen (as described above) - instead of going to the dead of the road end, where Flyvergrillen is located, follow the round as it turns right. Continue on this road until you reach the junction - turn left and you will see the runway across the road (which is in a tunnel). If you go under and through the tunnel some very nice shots can obtained. In the late afternoon go back to the other side of the tunnel.
You cannot park a car close to tunnel and you do have to negotiate a few lampposts.
It's possible to take bus 35 to the intersection of Englandsvej and Tømmerupvej (location F on the overview map) and walk to the runway. Locations at each side of the runway (depending on the time of day) are marked as D and E on the map.


===Runway 30 approach===
===Runway 30 approach===
Location B


Located on Kystvejen/Coastal Road. Catch them as they come in over the sea. Follow directions to RWY22L approach point and then continue another 2 kilometers, past the cargo facilities and the old SAS Commuter hangar. Takes at least thirty minutes to walk and since this runway usually only is used in high winds make sure to bring warm clothes. There is no shelter anywhere near, and there is nowhere to park a car. The free shuttle bus does not continue to this area, however, bus 35 goes right by it.
When runway 30 is used as the primary runway for arrivals, you might consider going to Kystvejen, which passes right under the final approach. The location is very similar to Runway 22L approach (see above), and located on the same road.
Getting to this location is tricky. You can take the free shuttle bus to the runway 22L spot as described earlier, and then walk for about 2 km to get there. It is impossible to park anywhere near, and there are no bus stops in the immediate vicinity, although line 35 stops further down Kystvejen.


Location marked as location C on the overview map.
{{anetlink|1273583}}


===Runway 12 Approach===
===Runway 12 Approach===
Location C


Located on Amager Landevej just next to the Gate Gourmet facility west of the airport terminals. See directions for Flyvergrillen as well as this spot is on the way there. Runway 12 is only used during extreme weather conditions or emergencies etc. This location is in urban area and as such there are shelter from the wind several places (bus-stops, petrol station etc.).
Located on Amager Landevej just next to the Gate Gourmet facility west of the airport terminals. See directions for Flyvergrillen as well as this spot is on the way there. Runway 12 is only used during extreme weather conditions or emergencies etc. This location is in urban area and as such there are shelter from the wind several places (bus-stops, petrol station etc.).


===Runway 04L Approach===
{{anetlink|0342625}}


Located on Tømmerupvej. Located far from the airport terminal, in nice and quite country-side settings. Getting here requires you to go to the far south end of the airport (opposite of the terminal buildings). Walking is not suggested, as it would take a long time. Marked as location G on the overview map.
===Runway 04L Approach (and 22R departures)===
Location G


==Locations to Avoid==
When runway 04L is used for arrivals, you can go to Tømmerupvej, which passes right under the final approach area. You have a good view of arrivals, and can position yourself on either side of the approach path, depending on the lighting conditions.
Departures from 22R are usually too high when crossing Tømmerupvej, but if you have a large lens, you might be able to get decent photos.
You can take bus line 30 to to Ullerupstræde, which is right next to this spot. If coming from the airport, take the train to Tårnby and change to bus line 30.
See [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ rejseplanen.dk] for more information (search From: Copenhagen Airport, and To: Ullerupstræde).
Parking your car at Tømmerupvej is not allowed, however, you can park on one of the side paths, if you stay near your car and stay ready to move it if anyone complains.
 
{{anetlink|2484092}}


There are not really any places to avoid. There are lots of local plane spotters and they usually get left to do what they please. Avoid stepladders near the perimeter fence as that will for sure trigger a visit by the Police.


==Regular Traffic==
===Runway 04R line up===
Location D


SAS´ entire MD80 and Airbus fleet is based here. SAS B737s are rare. Most SAS wide body movements (both arrivals and departures) take place mid afternoon.
When runway 04R is used for departures, it is possible to get quite close to the threshold in order to photograph planes as they line up for departure. Note that you have to take photos through the perimeter fence. Airport security is usually fine with this, but you should avoid bringing ladders etc.
You can take busline 35 to Store Magleby (see "Runway 22R Rotation point" section above) and walk through the village to the north to get to Nordre Kinkelgade. Continue as far north as you can get, and you will reach a small paved path going west along the perimeter fence.
If going by car, you can park at a small parking lot near Nordre Kinkelvej and walk a few hundred metres to the perimeter fence.
You have to cross a small ditch to get to the perimeter fence, but this should not pose any major challenge.


The Baltic countries have a strong presence with their airlines at CPH and occasionally bring in their smaller aircraft too.
{{anetlink|1676143}}


Widebodies that fly into CPH on a regular basis include: Thai 744 - SIA 772 & 744F - Korean 744F - Air China 744F - Iran Air A310 - PIA A310 & 772 - Delta 767 and a few others.


Most of the common European airlines fly into CPH.
==Locations to Avoid==


For a complete list of operators, see [http://www.cph.dk/CPH/UK/MAIN/Before+Departure/Airlines.htm this] link.
Use common sense and you will not get in trouble. Airport authorities generally have no problem with plane spotters, as long as you behave decently. However, you should avoid stepladders etc. near the perimeter fence.
If going by car, you will find it difficult to park near most of the good spots. Consider parking at the airport (for a fee) and taking a bus to get around, as described above.


==Facilities and Transportation==


(See the [https://maps.google.dk/maps?saddr=Amager+Landevej&daddr=Kystvejen+to:Kystvejen+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:Englandsvej%2FRute+221+to:T%C3%B8mmerupvej&hl=da&ie=UTF8&ll=55.604234,12.661333&spn=0.08233,0.264187&sll=55.60101,12.635441&sspn=0.041168,0.132093&geocode=FXSZUAMdSrnAAA%3BFe7QUAMdZ2HBAA%3BFe6IUAMdinjBAA%3BFfpmUAMdUJrAAA%3BFTF8UAMd8oXAAA%3BFRSGUAMd833AAA%3BFYw1UAMdzjfAAA&t=w&dirflg=w&mra=mi&mrsp=6&sz=14&z=13 overview map]) A free shuttle bus departs from terminal 3 every 10-or-so minutes towards parking area 17, which is right next to location B. If going to location C, E or D or A, take bus 35 from the airport (departs around every half hour). If going to location E or D, be sure to get off the bus at location F and walk back to E or D (if getting off before, expect a long walk!)
==Regular Traffic==
 
You will see a lot of Scandinavian (SAS) Airbuses (everything from A319 to A340-300), CRJ900's and Boeing 737's. Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737's are also very common.
Most major European airlines visit Copenhagen daily, so there is a good mix of narrow body aircraft from all over Europe.
As for wide bodies, you have a couple of 777's, a few 787's and an A380 besides the regular SAS A330/A340's. A few North American airlines fly in with wide bodies as well. See the [http://www.cph.dk airport website] for arrival and departure information.


It is possible to take bus 36 from the airport towards location G.


Note that bus 35 goes east around the airport (clockwise), so the trip to Flyvergrillen is a bit longer than it might seem at first.
==Facilities and Transportation==


How to get to and from the spots above is described in each section.


There are several connections to the airport from Central Copenhagen, including bus 5A (departs practically continuously), train and metro.
There are several connections to the airport from Central Copenhagen, including bus line 5A, train and metro.


It is recommended to use [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ rejseplanen.dk] (select English in the upper right corner) when planning a journey with public transport in Denmark. The site is run by the traffic companies, so it is updated with the latest timetables.
It is recommended to use [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ rejseplanen.dk] (select English in the upper right corner) when planning a journey with public transport in Denmark. The site is run by the traffic companies, so it is updated with the latest timetables.
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