Gibraltar
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Home away from home
port=left when facing in the direction of the boat.
If you're facing aft and say port it's your right.
Where as left and right is relative to you port and starbord are relative to the boat (or aircraft).
If you're facing aft and say port it's your right.
Where as left and right is relative to you port and starbord are relative to the boat (or aircraft).
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Malaga
left(port)? Make your mind up mate, which side is going to be better. Stop hedging your bets... 
I believe however that the pilots' seats did face forwards to avoid a crick in the neck...
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 728
Likes: 28
From: Perth WA
To try and answer the question directly...best place to be is to be sitting window seat ride hand side of the aircraft. Generally breaks through the Spanish coast then over water and around the rock - therefore Gibraltar always visible out the right side windows. If landing is in the other direction it does not really matter where you sit as decent and landing is with water only visible until over the threshold. It can also be quite nice taking photos of the rock from the right hand side as the aircraft makes it was around the rock for landing....and if you remain observant enough you will see the runway. Happy trip and keep the seat belt tight!
Joined: Nov 2010
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 480
Likes: 276
From: Sweden
Well now, why on earth when I first saw that did I read it as left(starboard) side....
And yes, I am ex RAF however having worked in civvy land for over 12 years I very rarely use port/starboard anymore.
And yes, I am ex RAF however having worked in civvy land for over 12 years I very rarely use port/starboard anymore.
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Kalgoorlie, W.A. , Australia
maybe will end up been bussed across from Malaga
Commenced descent about Malaga, next announcement from the Captain, "As those of you on the right hand side of the aircraft may have noticed we passed Gibraltar a few minutes ago. I am now established on the final approach into Tangier Airport."
I didn't complain....it was where I was headed!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 728
Likes: 28
From: Perth WA
Gib Airport Terminal Near to Completion
Gibraltar’s new £50m Air Terminal, will be opened for viewing to the general public on November 3rd.
Easy Jet will increase the service between LGW and GIB for next summer.
Easy Jet will increase the service between LGW and GIB for next summer.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 165
Likes: 14
From: Lichfield UK
Yes - the answer is in the wind!
Nivsy's experience is the same as mine and on the three occasions I have been there, aircraft fly-by from the east, turn 180 and land from the west - so an 'F' seat will in those circumstances give you the view that you want.
The prevailing winds -the levante - blows through the Straits of Gib into the Atlantic (and covers Gib with a cloud that persistently hangs about over the town). The approach can get a bit choppy.
Somtimes the wind does come from the west so there is no guarantee that F will be the right seat but the odds are that it will.
Nivsy's experience is the same as mine and on the three occasions I have been there, aircraft fly-by from the east, turn 180 and land from the west - so an 'F' seat will in those circumstances give you the view that you want.
The prevailing winds -the levante - blows through the Straits of Gib into the Atlantic (and covers Gib with a cloud that persistently hangs about over the town). The approach can get a bit choppy.
Somtimes the wind does come from the west so there is no guarantee that F will be the right seat but the odds are that it will.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,226
Likes: 2
From: down south
Luck of the draw really.
When operating out of Gib I have seen the windsocks at each end of the runway 180 degrees to each other.
Apart from which there are great views of the rock once one disembarks.
Don't forget the Madiera old chap.
When operating out of Gib I have seen the windsocks at each end of the runway 180 degrees to each other.
Apart from which there are great views of the rock once one disembarks.
PORT as a RED wine is always passed to the LEFT at official dinners
Don't forget the Madiera old chap.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: SALISBURY
Don't forget the Madiera old chap.
There's an awful lot of my RAF salary invested in Gibraltar. I've just checked my log books & I visited over 50 times! I even had to spend 2 weeks there when I was exchange with the CAF. Never once diverted but a few white knuckle arrivals.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 8
From: Ainsdale
I have never diverted either but back in April when we were going back to MAN both the LTN & MAN flights diverted. Then the BA one did and they went to Malaga first (bit unfair) but it was a good thing in the end the weather cleared up and they bought the planes back to GIB so we got out of GIB ok in the end.
I have flown to GIB about 6 times and 5 out of the 6 times come in round the rock (RWY09). Has varied taking off. 3 times for both
To try and answer the question directly...best place to be is to be sitting window seat ride hand side of the aircraft. Generally breaks through the Spanish coast then over water and around the rock - therefore Gibraltar always visible out the right side windows. If landing is in the other direction it does not really matter where you sit as decent and landing is with water only visible until over the threshold.
