Tower buliding in proximity of a runway
 

That obviously limits the height of the buliding itself but have you seen some towers that were spectatularly close to the runway?

No pictures but....

I, and others here, used to work in N1 building, otherwise known as RAE Farnborough Tower. Within spitting distance of RWY 25 threshold (and the barrier) and ON (the marker was actually on the TWR) the display line.

Had nice view once of a Red Arrows Hawk point straight at me, same level, ON the display line, a Mirage 2000 between me and A shed, and the wingtip of the AN225 whisltling past my ear hole landing on 25........ NVG trials were also "fun".

Chevvron will be along to expand......

Rgd
BEX

I wouldn't say spectacularly close, but I know of one built in the early 90's that was a bit of a cock-up. Belfast City's two storey tower building was built as close to the runway as was legally allowed (apparently to give the RFFS, who occupied the ground floor, the shortest distance to the runway). But the idiots who designed it forgot to add in the height of the VCR on top. DOH! Consequently, the VCR sits about 7 metres back from the front of the building leaving the ADC with no view of the taxiway which runs in front of the building.

On a similar vein, the CTB at Coventry (built in the mid 90's) was put up and before they attached the VCR, the contractors erected scaffolding on top so staff could go up and get an idea of their position and view of the airfield. Unfortunately, since the original design was produced, a new Fire Station was constructed in line of sight between the CTB and threshold of RW17 and the proposed position of the VCR had no view of the threshold. So the VCR had to be raised up by about 10 feet. DOH! Still, it was a nicer view than it would have been and the extra landing space gave us a perfect place for our lockers to sit!

I always understood that the strange shape of the EGPD tower (a ziggurat! :D ) was because it was built in the wrong place, and the sloping side had to conform with the obstacle clearance plane. Might be an urban myth, but lovely if it's true!!
Tori

bit off thread but anyone know what the oldest tower currently in civilian use is? eghh is wartime, i'm guessing there'll be a few of those but any pre war?

Shoreham has a prewar art deco tower... and airport manager:}

Barton is the oldest control tower (mil or civil), still in operational use.

Cranfield's is quite old I believe. I think it's a listed building of some grade or other...ugly but listed!!

Maybe someone closer to home could enlighten us?

Tori