Post by andypspotter on Nov 27, 2017 23:47:44 GMT
When I do my 'circuit' of the airfield, I predominently use:
Spot 1 'Dairy Gate' / Queens Gate Road (which runs between the Aviator Hotel and the airfield perimeter fence). Plenty of parking is available on the spur that leads towards The Aviator Hotel. Walking across the road to the airfield perimeter fence, you can read off the aircraft on Delta Ramp, Tower 1-3, Hangar 1-3, (part of) Terminal Ramp, East Apron and bits of Hangar 4-6 and Tower 4-6 in the gaps between the control tower and the trees. This location and Spots 5 & 6 are also good for 24 arrivals and departures.
Spot 2 'Hercules Way'. From here different views can be had of Delta Ramp, Tower 1-3, Hangar 1-3, the rest of the Terminal Ramp is visible, East Apron can be seen from a different perspective, and South 1 & 2 and West 2 & 3 are visible. The very end of Aerospace Boulevard (Spot 2a) can also sometime provide different angles for views of those 'hard to see' aircraft. However, please note that these areas are private property. Whilst viewing is generally tolerated, loitering for long periods is not advisable, particularly during weekdays (primarily because of the scarcity of parking and the umbrage that might be caused).
Spot 3 'Eelmoor Bridge'. Plenty of parking is available, but it can get busy (particularly if the Red Arrows are in town, or something 'exotic' is present). From here Hangar 4-6 and Tower 4-6 Ramps are fully visible, albeit that parked aircraft tend to obscure one another, sometime making identification a tad challenging. This location is good for 06 arrivals and departures, as well as full length arrivals vacating 24.
Spot 4 'The Hump'. Follow Laffans Road towards the AAIB. Different views of Hangar 4-6 and Tower 4-6 Ramps are offered, aiding the identification of some of the obscured aircraft parked on these ramps. A different view of West 2 is also available, and take off shots of 24 departures are possible from the banking on the opposite side of the road to the fence. Viewing from here is generally easier during the Winter months. During the Summer, foliage can be problematic.
If there are any locations I've missed, please feel free to enlighten us.