Re: Question for spotters
3rd time lucky - even though I have been logged (according to toolbar) last 2 attempts to reply have failed.
BAA are spending a considerable amount of money on T5 and some facility for the public could have easily been incorporated into the design. (The same could be said for T4 and security/paranoia was not an issue then) LHR when 09L is used for landings is very poor for those wishing to photograph etc. 27's are ok as there are a few known places that are used. People would probably continue to use these even if a facility were offered, unless it was in such a great position as to be of interest. (the centre of LHR is not that good) The lack of interest from BAA in meeting the needs of enthusiasts/photographers etc is obvious and until such time as this attitude changes the situation is not going to improve. My local airport is the same - the observation area has been closed to increase the size of the departure lounge so locals gather on the car park roof. (BAA owned as well)
The LHR visitor centre is a joke - into the sun, too low and expensive to park (when car park is open!)
Other major airports (Manchester, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Osaka + many others) are able to provide facilities for the enthusiast/photographer and the 'meeter & greeters' - why is it that the UK generally seems to fail so badly. Some of those above have ramp tours to allow people airside in buses to see what goes on and to educate people on how an airport operates. If LHR wants to generate a good public image particularly with any future development then surely this would be a positive step.
Zurich also has a point between 2 runways that you are allowed off the bus for 15-20 mins and this is very close to departing traffic. I appreciate that security is an issue but to use it as an excuse not to have any facilites is a bit ott. The QB at LHR could be re-opened (although is, at best, poor but it is better than nothing) and I am sure people would not mind paying a nominal charge or going through a security check (as per FRA & ZRH) As for LGW - the total lack of facilites there is a real shame and so it is not worth visiting unless flying out.