Spotting at BHX
A few weeks ago, during the Afghan evacuation flights, a spotter at BHX was threatened with arrest if he didn't stop taking pictures. Apparently, the long-stay carpark housing the spotters picnic area is currently closed as it houses the Covid testing facility. Something which the airport seemed to have overlooked on their social media and website, as spaces were still for sale.
The spotter, incensed by the policeman's poor attitude, took to West Midlands Police social media site to request a complaints form. After a lengthy phone call with the Aviation Unit's Ops Supervisor, he learned a lot about the airport's byelaws, which probably apply at every UK airport. Apparently, areas outside of the perimeter fence and other boundaries such as carpark fences, are airport land and spotters are viewed as trespassers although BHX "tolerates" them.
Suspicious activity had been noted on that carpark so the police were dispatched to investigate and "enforce not debate". The officer had suggested to the spotter that "he was a journalist disguised as a spotter". The response was "if I was a journalist, why would I spend 20 years taking photos then posting on enthusiasts sites and social media".
WM Police have appointed a new liaison officer but interacting with spotters is way down the action list. Looking at other UK airports' information, spotters liaison groups appear to be operating at Stansted, Gatwick although Edinburgh isn't operational. So, only Manchester does anything to encourage spotters. The military know about engaging with the local community and enthusiasts, an example saving a USAF pilot's life earlier this year. The experienced spotter (at Lakenheath) knew there was something wrong with the jet as it took off. He phoned the base, the report actioned and the pilot returned safely to base. They later met, the event covered by many media channels.
Yes, spotting is still seen as a weird hobby but many airports don't realise that we can be useful to them in reporting anything suspicious like holes in the perimeter fence. The alternative site at BHX is a public park, so the Police have little jurisdiction on what spotters do there.