Question for spotters
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Post by Full Emergency
The reason for this might be the fact that someone has called in to say that there is a person starring at the airport, wither from the public or the Control Tower.
The public is not to know that you are a spotter, so by standing there you are simply wasting police time, and there are better things (things that you never get to see) that we need to be doing with our time rather that moving you lot on.
I mostly work at LHR and I am actually very busy, not that you know that, you just take offence to us doing our jobs properly.
I have found that the best place to watch the planes come into land if the approach is from the city is from the roof of 1 Canada Sq. (Cannary Warf).......not that you would be allowed up there mind.
Oh and I have some lovely photos of me stood airside right by Concorde at LHR with my Glock and MP5.......
Post by MAN777
Full Emergency.
Obviously you are so tied up in your self importance to notice that several major airports actually encourage spotters on their perimeters, spotters are a mine of information and would probably be the first to notice and report anything unusual. Take a look at ringwayreports.co.uk and see how GMP actively communicate with them in a constructive manner. In addition I noticed you ask do spotters fly ? Of course they do, probably more in one year than you have flown in the last 10. As an enthusiast (as I prefer to be called)I have visited every continent except the antarctic in the last few years.
Sorry to keep you from your brew stop !
Post by Full Emergency
Brew stop?? Whats that?? GMP may encourage it, but I don't work there. Personally, I don't have a problem with "enthusiasts" but when it drags we away from what I should be doing because some "enthusiast" is trying to jump over one of the fences by the BA Maintenace area, just to get a better picture of the brand new Beoing 777 Long Range, then it does become a problem.
Glad you travel. So do I. SYD and back via BKK and also been to DFW to visit a friend who is a FAM. You don't know how much flying I really have done over the past 10 years, so I wouldn't comment on that. It was a serious question.
FE
Post by captain cumulonimbus
what i'd be interested to know is why,as FULLEMERGENCY said,would the police want to 'move someone on' if it is clear they are just an enthusiast?
There would be no legal justification to do so.
Or is England becoming a Police State?
Post by ??Tony??
hi
The is no logical reason for these checks only that they are Reguler ,bags
are Searched . id checked cars seached and then you are told on paper
"you have been stopped and questioned under the prevention of terrorism act
blah blah" its very obvious your a spotter Note books full of Registers etc
binoculers. cameras , badges all over coats but that does not deter them
you are in a sensitive place!. its the same at the Airshow THOUSANDS are
searched on way in ? what for ? i dont object cos i would be arrested
there and then . is it likely a terrorist would be in the same place as thousands of spotters ok i agree a poss Suicide bomber but there not really looking that hard . the same can be said of an ANGLER stopped on the
Basingstoke canal near the airfield his Bags emptied rods and all in case there
was a concealed Firearm or a Missile launcher ANGLERS Beware.
i leave it to you Security or Stupidity
tony
Post by Full Emergency
WRONG !!!!
Heathrow Airport Bye-Laws only allow people to enter their property if they are there for one of the following reasons:
a) Are a bone-fided passenger with ticket travelling out of LHR.(including e-ticket)
b) Are arriving to meet and collect a named passenger off a flight that has landed at LHR.
c) Work at the airport - including contractors, or dropping someone off at the airport who works there.
d) Been a named passenger on a flight that has landed at LHR. (These people must not take more than a reasonable amount of time to leave the property.)
The "property" includes the Perimeter Roads and the footbridge by Hatton Cross.
It does not include "shopping" or being an "enthusiast" There are signs positioned at the entrance to the area that is covered by the airport bye-laws informing you that you are now entering this area.
If you breach this bye-law you can be required to leave HAL property. This can also be done by the use of force if necessary, although we try and aviod that at all costs. There is also a 24 hour rule that states that unless you are one of the above, you are also prohibited from re-entering HAL/BAA property with 24 hours. If you do so, you can be arrested.
Don't believe me? Check with HAL/BAA.
FE
You laugh, but it does and will happen. That is the power of Section 44 Terrorism Act 2000. It also counts if you are on private property or even your own.
I do not wish to start a debate about 'rights' etc as I just can't be bothered with all that. The fact is the Government which this country elected in power, handed the police these powers.
If you don't like the law, change the Government that is in office, and try and get it changed that way. No amount of moaning on an internet site will change it.
The fact is that the police, like it or not, have a job to do. It was funny how civil rights groups like Liberty were very quiet after the 7th July bombings. Give those bombers rights?? Please.........
FE
Post by ??Tony??
HI
I Certainly believe you as its private property same as when your XYL goes shopping to a shopping center she and everyone Else is a Guest you have no
right of entry. Spotters can be seen at Every Airfield and strip around the world apart from a few idiots i cannot remember any Damage or anything
else done by them ok mention of the Greek affair i suppose but thats a one
off i hope. Some of the most sensitive USAF bases(ok there all sensitive to the CIA\USM)Have large amounts of spotters there MILDENHALL, FAIRFORD , To name 2 and have good relations with security there. i really cannot understand why if you are doing nothing wrong by that i mean Parking and causing an obstrucion of roads, fire gates , NOISE, LITTER , Why they just cannot be left alone ok so a casual stroll past now and again just to show the flag is enough surely might make a few friends and people happy or is
that another thing we not allowed any more
TONY
Post by Full Emergency
Why do you think that most spotters that are seen hanging around ARE left where they are. Only a few get stopped and spoken to in proportion to how many people are there.
FE
Phew! Hope that helps to make it clearer! Apologies again!
Originally Posted by Skipness One Echo
Beware of the armed airport Police, they are very bored and like to stop and lecture you if you hang about outside the terminal - even though it is very obvious you are a spotter.
The public is not to know that you are a spotter, so by standing there you are simply wasting police time, and there are better things (things that you never get to see) that we need to be doing with our time rather that moving you lot on.
I mostly work at LHR and I am actually very busy, not that you know that, you just take offence to us doing our jobs properly.
I have found that the best place to watch the planes come into land if the approach is from the city is from the roof of 1 Canada Sq. (Cannary Warf).......not that you would be allowed up there mind.
Oh and I have some lovely photos of me stood airside right by Concorde at LHR with my Glock and MP5.......
Post by MAN777
Full Emergency.
Obviously you are so tied up in your self importance to notice that several major airports actually encourage spotters on their perimeters, spotters are a mine of information and would probably be the first to notice and report anything unusual. Take a look at ringwayreports.co.uk and see how GMP actively communicate with them in a constructive manner. In addition I noticed you ask do spotters fly ? Of course they do, probably more in one year than you have flown in the last 10. As an enthusiast (as I prefer to be called)I have visited every continent except the antarctic in the last few years.
Sorry to keep you from your brew stop !
Post by Full Emergency
Originally Posted by MAN777
Full Emergency.
Obviously you are so tied up in your self importance to notice that several major airports actually encourage spotters on their perimeters, spotters are a mine of information and would probably be the first to notice and report anything unusual. Take a look at ringwayreports.co.uk and see how GMP actively communicate with them in a constructive manner. In addition I noticed you ask do spotters fly ? Of course they do, probably more in one year than you have flown in the last 10. As an enthusiast (as I prefer to be called)I have visited every continent except the antarctic in the last few years.
Sorry to keep you from your brew stop !
Obviously you are so tied up in your self importance to notice that several major airports actually encourage spotters on their perimeters, spotters are a mine of information and would probably be the first to notice and report anything unusual. Take a look at ringwayreports.co.uk and see how GMP actively communicate with them in a constructive manner. In addition I noticed you ask do spotters fly ? Of course they do, probably more in one year than you have flown in the last 10. As an enthusiast (as I prefer to be called)I have visited every continent except the antarctic in the last few years.
Sorry to keep you from your brew stop !
Glad you travel. So do I. SYD and back via BKK and also been to DFW to visit a friend who is a FAM. You don't know how much flying I really have done over the past 10 years, so I wouldn't comment on that. It was a serious question.
FE
Post by captain cumulonimbus
what i'd be interested to know is why,as FULLEMERGENCY said,would the police want to 'move someone on' if it is clear they are just an enthusiast?
There would be no legal justification to do so.
Or is England becoming a Police State?
Post by ??Tony??
hi
The is no logical reason for these checks only that they are Reguler ,bags
are Searched . id checked cars seached and then you are told on paper
"you have been stopped and questioned under the prevention of terrorism act
blah blah" its very obvious your a spotter Note books full of Registers etc
binoculers. cameras , badges all over coats but that does not deter them
you are in a sensitive place!. its the same at the Airshow THOUSANDS are
searched on way in ? what for ? i dont object cos i would be arrested
there and then . is it likely a terrorist would be in the same place as thousands of spotters ok i agree a poss Suicide bomber but there not really looking that hard . the same can be said of an ANGLER stopped on the
Basingstoke canal near the airfield his Bags emptied rods and all in case there
was a concealed Firearm or a Missile launcher ANGLERS Beware.
i leave it to you Security or Stupidity
tony
Post by Full Emergency
Originally Posted by captain cumulonimbus
There would be no legal justification to do so.
Heathrow Airport Bye-Laws only allow people to enter their property if they are there for one of the following reasons:
a) Are a bone-fided passenger with ticket travelling out of LHR.(including e-ticket)
b) Are arriving to meet and collect a named passenger off a flight that has landed at LHR.
c) Work at the airport - including contractors, or dropping someone off at the airport who works there.
d) Been a named passenger on a flight that has landed at LHR. (These people must not take more than a reasonable amount of time to leave the property.)
The "property" includes the Perimeter Roads and the footbridge by Hatton Cross.
It does not include "shopping" or being an "enthusiast" There are signs positioned at the entrance to the area that is covered by the airport bye-laws informing you that you are now entering this area.
If you breach this bye-law you can be required to leave HAL property. This can also be done by the use of force if necessary, although we try and aviod that at all costs. There is also a 24 hour rule that states that unless you are one of the above, you are also prohibited from re-entering HAL/BAA property with 24 hours. If you do so, you can be arrested.
Don't believe me? Check with HAL/BAA.
FE
Originally Posted by Gulf4uk
the same can be said of an ANGLER stopped on the
Basingstoke canal near the airfield his Bags emptied rods and all in case therewas a concealed Firearm or a Missile launcher ANGLERS Beware.
Basingstoke canal near the airfield his Bags emptied rods and all in case therewas a concealed Firearm or a Missile launcher ANGLERS Beware.
I do not wish to start a debate about 'rights' etc as I just can't be bothered with all that. The fact is the Government which this country elected in power, handed the police these powers.
If you don't like the law, change the Government that is in office, and try and get it changed that way. No amount of moaning on an internet site will change it.
The fact is that the police, like it or not, have a job to do. It was funny how civil rights groups like Liberty were very quiet after the 7th July bombings. Give those bombers rights?? Please.........
FE
Post by ??Tony??
HI
I Certainly believe you as its private property same as when your XYL goes shopping to a shopping center she and everyone Else is a Guest you have no
right of entry. Spotters can be seen at Every Airfield and strip around the world apart from a few idiots i cannot remember any Damage or anything
else done by them ok mention of the Greek affair i suppose but thats a one
off i hope. Some of the most sensitive USAF bases(ok there all sensitive to the CIA\USM)Have large amounts of spotters there MILDENHALL, FAIRFORD , To name 2 and have good relations with security there. i really cannot understand why if you are doing nothing wrong by that i mean Parking and causing an obstrucion of roads, fire gates , NOISE, LITTER , Why they just cannot be left alone ok so a casual stroll past now and again just to show the flag is enough surely might make a few friends and people happy or is
that another thing we not allowed any more
TONY
Post by Full Emergency
Originally Posted by Gulf4uk
Why they just cannot be left alone ok so a casual stroll past now and again just to show the flag is enough surely might make a few friends and people happy or isthat another thing we not allowed any more
FE
Phew! Hope that helps to make it clearer! Apologies again!
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Question for spotters
Hi there.
Although this may sound like a stupid question, but it is a serious one that I have to ask none the less, if only to satisfy my own curiosoty.
Do any of you every actually fly on these planes that you take pictures of, or is that not the appeal of it?? I am not having a go or a dig. It is a serious question.
I often see losts of spotters hanging around LHR and LCY where I both work, and depending on the persons attitude, may move on. They are always taking pictures, but they never seem to fly.
I would have thought that with the low low fares of today, you'd be flying to other airports to spot from airside both ends, and then fly back home again..??
Oh and a little tip as not to get any problems from the local po-po. DON'T take pictures of squad cars/personnel and/or Security Posts. In this day and age you will most likely end up seeing at first hand EXACTLY how your taxes are put to good use....
FE
Although this may sound like a stupid question, but it is a serious one that I have to ask none the less, if only to satisfy my own curiosoty.
Do any of you every actually fly on these planes that you take pictures of, or is that not the appeal of it?? I am not having a go or a dig. It is a serious question.
I often see losts of spotters hanging around LHR and LCY where I both work, and depending on the persons attitude, may move on. They are always taking pictures, but they never seem to fly.
I would have thought that with the low low fares of today, you'd be flying to other airports to spot from airside both ends, and then fly back home again..??
Oh and a little tip as not to get any problems from the local po-po. DON'T take pictures of squad cars/personnel and/or Security Posts. In this day and age you will most likely end up seeing at first hand EXACTLY how your taxes are put to good use....
FE
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Re: Question for spotters
Full Emergency
Welcome to Pprune. I have been reading your postings with interest.
Could you please clarify what you mean by...
"I often see losts of spotters hanging around LHR and LCY where I both work, and depending on the persons attitude, may move on"
And by the way, those that are daft enough to photograph police vehicles, (especially the dark blue American manufactured truck) security points etc etc shouldnt be in the fraternity. I heard of someone doing this a couple of yeras back at Hatton Cross and thus recived a big ticking off.
I suppose we could open up a very reasonable debate on how useful spotters around airport perimiters actually are... extra sets of eyes and ears and indeed useful for noting when there is unusual activity around the vicinity.
regards
Welcome to Pprune. I have been reading your postings with interest.
Could you please clarify what you mean by...
"I often see losts of spotters hanging around LHR and LCY where I both work, and depending on the persons attitude, may move on"
And by the way, those that are daft enough to photograph police vehicles, (especially the dark blue American manufactured truck) security points etc etc shouldnt be in the fraternity. I heard of someone doing this a couple of yeras back at Hatton Cross and thus recived a big ticking off.
I suppose we could open up a very reasonable debate on how useful spotters around airport perimiters actually are... extra sets of eyes and ears and indeed useful for noting when there is unusual activity around the vicinity.
regards
Re: Question for spotters
I guess it may help to divide "spotters" (some of whom are pure "number crunchers" and/or photographers) and the more generic "aviation enthusiast" (someone who is more interested in the aircraft and/or industry)
I count myself in the latter (although I used to collect the numbers at one time aswell) and am definately more interested in the aeroplanes, the industry and watching them being put through their paces at airshows.
For me the interest has extended into flying in them and flying them (having gained a PPL) aswell. Over the years, I've flown in many and various types (the most recent being a Thruster microlight!) and still get a thrill out of it. In fact, I love flying generally, even crossing the pond in a Jumbo (which I will be doing again in about a month).
On the other hand, I have known "spotters" who are actually a bit nervous about flying
I count myself in the latter (although I used to collect the numbers at one time aswell) and am definately more interested in the aeroplanes, the industry and watching them being put through their paces at airshows.
For me the interest has extended into flying in them and flying them (having gained a PPL) aswell. Over the years, I've flown in many and various types (the most recent being a Thruster microlight!) and still get a thrill out of it. In fact, I love flying generally, even crossing the pond in a Jumbo (which I will be doing again in about a month).
On the other hand, I have known "spotters" who are actually a bit nervous about flying
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by ALLDAYDELI
the dark blue American manufactured truck
I suppose we could open up a very reasonable debate on how useful spotters around airport perimiters actually are... extra sets of eyes and ears and indeed useful for noting when there is unusual activity around the vicinity.
I suppose we could open up a very reasonable debate on how useful spotters around airport perimiters actually are... extra sets of eyes and ears and indeed useful for noting when there is unusual activity around the vicinity.
I do agree that "enthusiasts" do prove an extra set of 'eyes and ears' however they have also been responsible for countless security call outs as HAL staff esp have feared that they may breach security in order to get a better view etc etc. The other problem is that nobody is concentrating on the actual security issues, just simply the planes as they fly over head. That's no use to anyone.
The other issue that we have is the airport bye-laws. They basically say that you should not be anywhere within the HAL area. This does include all the perimeter roads surrounding LHR.
My own personal opinion is that there should be a proper viewing area somewhere along the Northern Perimeter Road, where you can all go to. The problem with that is that there will still be people that will be climbing up on the perimeter fence elsewhere. The minority spoil it for the majority.
FE
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by Wycombe
For me the interest has extended into flying in them and flying them (having gained a PPL) aswell.
Many Congrats again.
FE
Re: Question for spotters
You are very kind. Was something I always wanted to do (actually I wanted to fly professionallly but that's another story!), so while I was still single and had the money I got on and did it
Like many other UK PPL's and now that I have a family/bigger mortgage etc, it is getting increasingly difficult to keep it up.
Have tried to address this by going down a "free flying" route, but that has also been knocked on the head recently, because of the amount of family time it took up (I was quite happy to give up the time for a good cause, but the rest of the family weren;t
)
Like you say, it is an achievement, so I shouldn't moan I suppose.
Like many other UK PPL's and now that I have a family/bigger mortgage etc, it is getting increasingly difficult to keep it up.
Have tried to address this by going down a "free flying" route, but that has also been knocked on the head recently, because of the amount of family time it took up (I was quite happy to give up the time for a good cause, but the rest of the family weren;t
)Like you say, it is an achievement, so I shouldn't moan I suppose.
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Re: Question for spotters
FULLEMERGENCY,i've been reading your posts in the "Spotting Spot" thread with interest and i gather you're police or security.
It might help to change your attitude toward spotters to know some of us are in fact Commercial Airline Pilots,the very ones people like yourself are helping to secure when we,too,are at work.
I count myself amongst this group,and i must say i've been 'spotting' all my life virtually.The lifelong passion turned into a career and so,for me,spotting is a way of seeing different aircraft in different locations around the globe in their natural element.Its odd flying over a perimeter fence on short final and looking down at the spotters knowing i'm one of them sometimes!
I agree,some of them are total losers and may well be unstable,i've certainly met a few nutters in my time,but please remember next time you chase a spotter away,that the following day he/she may very well be commanding an aircraft into your airport!
Cheers,and keep up the good work policing our airports REASONABLY.
It might help to change your attitude toward spotters to know some of us are in fact Commercial Airline Pilots,the very ones people like yourself are helping to secure when we,too,are at work.
I count myself amongst this group,and i must say i've been 'spotting' all my life virtually.The lifelong passion turned into a career and so,for me,spotting is a way of seeing different aircraft in different locations around the globe in their natural element.Its odd flying over a perimeter fence on short final and looking down at the spotters knowing i'm one of them sometimes!
I agree,some of them are total losers and may well be unstable,i've certainly met a few nutters in my time,but please remember next time you chase a spotter away,that the following day he/she may very well be commanding an aircraft into your airport!
Cheers,and keep up the good work policing our airports REASONABLY.
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Re: Question for spotters
This subject crops up from time to time, and it has been posted in the past that if you have to ask the question then you couldn't possibly understand the answer, That's not a smartarse remark, it's just that like a number of pastimes (fishing, golf etc.), some people instinctively "get it" while others will never see the attraction however well or often it's explained.
I appreciate your annoyance at continually getting 'suspicious person' calls only to find it's just another hapless spotter(s). I suspect these calls come from people who are either overly nervous or simply bloody-minded (in true British fashion). Someone in your position ought to be able to distinguish spotting from something more nefarious; spotters are open and obvious in their activities, and a telescope, camera, radio or notebook are not things the average terrorist is likely to be waving about. It does require a frame of mind incorporating both tolerance and geniality, something not usually associated with law enforcement or security personnel unfortunately.
I don't buy the 'extra eyes' argument. As you say, the spotters are watching the planes and not much else and I doubt many would spot a terrorist if they tripped over one. It is possible (though not verifiable) that the mere presence of a group of spotters is enough to deter terrorist activities in that particular location. The point is also made that the immediate perimeter is an unlikely location from which to mount an attack anyway, the bad guys probably preferring somewhere a little more umm... discreet.
I have a lot of spare time for googling and such, and have found that the spotter/photographer subculture, as evidenced by websites and blogs, is surprisingly active. Whether any of this information is of the slightest interest or use to the terrorists (as alleged), I can't say. So far all it sems to have done is embarrass the CIA; which is not necessarily a Bad Thing. The authorities would presumably prefer it if spotters would simply go away, but despite some draconian measures in places, I don't see this happening. It is encouraging that you advocate spotters' facilites, but such would require a bit more effort than the LHR visitors' centre, which seems to have been intended for casual plane-watchers being essentially useless (I'm told) for serious spotting. Seems self-defeating to me - the more you drive spotters into being furtive, the more nonsense calls you and your colleagues are likely to get.
Sorry for rambling, but this is the Spectators' Gallery
I appreciate your annoyance at continually getting 'suspicious person' calls only to find it's just another hapless spotter(s). I suspect these calls come from people who are either overly nervous or simply bloody-minded (in true British fashion). Someone in your position ought to be able to distinguish spotting from something more nefarious; spotters are open and obvious in their activities, and a telescope, camera, radio or notebook are not things the average terrorist is likely to be waving about. It does require a frame of mind incorporating both tolerance and geniality, something not usually associated with law enforcement or security personnel unfortunately.
I don't buy the 'extra eyes' argument. As you say, the spotters are watching the planes and not much else and I doubt many would spot a terrorist if they tripped over one. It is possible (though not verifiable) that the mere presence of a group of spotters is enough to deter terrorist activities in that particular location. The point is also made that the immediate perimeter is an unlikely location from which to mount an attack anyway, the bad guys probably preferring somewhere a little more umm... discreet.
I have a lot of spare time for googling and such, and have found that the spotter/photographer subculture, as evidenced by websites and blogs, is surprisingly active. Whether any of this information is of the slightest interest or use to the terrorists (as alleged), I can't say. So far all it sems to have done is embarrass the CIA; which is not necessarily a Bad Thing. The authorities would presumably prefer it if spotters would simply go away, but despite some draconian measures in places, I don't see this happening. It is encouraging that you advocate spotters' facilites, but such would require a bit more effort than the LHR visitors' centre, which seems to have been intended for casual plane-watchers being essentially useless (I'm told) for serious spotting. Seems self-defeating to me - the more you drive spotters into being furtive, the more nonsense calls you and your colleagues are likely to get.
Sorry for rambling, but this is the Spectators' Gallery
Buttonpusher
Re: Question for spotters
Prior to 9/11 I saw a spotter at the PHX airport furiously jotting down numbers as planes came and went, as I was waiting to fly back to EWR I nudged my captain who was sitting next to me, and remarked about this spotter "being in heaven". The captain got up and went to the spotter and played "20 questions" My captain had no earthly idea what spotting was all about. Needless to say the poor spotter left and went elsewhere.
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by captain cumulonimbus
It might help to change your attitude toward spotters to know some of us are in fact Commercial Airline Pilots,the very ones people like yourself are helping to secure when we,too,are at work.
I am not labelling you like that, or saying that everyone is the same, but one of these days someone is likely to get killed or very badly hurt by stupid actions like that.
It will not then be the person who breach security, it will be the police officers fault for making a split-second decision when they should have been more clairevoiant than 'Mystic Meg' and realised that they were a spotter, not a suicide bomber. They then have to live with that.
Anyone care to tell me what a suicide bomber looks like?? Rucksack running towards a plane after having jumped the fence possibly............??
FE
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by PaperTiger
spotters are open and obvious in their activities, and a telescope, camera, radio or notebook are not things the average terrorist is likely to be waving about. It does require a frame of mind incorporating both tolerance and geniality, something not usually associated with law enforcement or security personnel unfortunately.
The point is also made that the immediate perimeter is an unlikely location from which to mount an attack anyway, the bad guys probably preferring somewhere a little more umm... discreet.
The point is also made that the immediate perimeter is an unlikely location from which to mount an attack anyway, the bad guys probably preferring somewhere a little more umm... discreet.
1) Do you not think that groups like A/Q will try and possibly 'blend - in' to the surroundings. I mean the hi-jackers on 9/11 weren't wearing Arabic clothes when they boarded, or the countless months that they were in the country. The wore western clothes in order to fit in better and get close. REAL close over a long period of time. They also have all the time in the world to carry out their attack. 9/11 was prepared for years before it's time. What's to say that one of their operatives is not 'undercover' as a spotter right now, and has all the cameras etc etc (think about how much money they must have spent flying around the world and internally throughout the US to find the weak links in security so they could get their box cutters on board before 9/11) How do I know that the prson that I am speaking to is not one of these people and is testing security?? Had any strange people turn up with all the kit recently that looks out of place?? If so, let us know. You never can tell.
2) The Perimeter is the most likely. Why?? All the attacks so far (and those in Iraq included) they are not worried about survival. They want publicity and high level impact on the population. The four suicide bombers on 7/7 should be a prime example of that. They believe in Martardom and dying for their cause, no matter what. Even if they breached security and were shot dead by police before they reached their target would be a victory for them as the public would panic and be afraid. They do not want to be discrret, they want to make a public statement. Any spotters that got in the way, ie were there would be killed and that would be seen by them as a bonus.
All of the above is not anything which is a secret, but comman sense when you look back at what has happened over the last 10 or so years. Had we been talking about the IRA, then yes, they wouldn't want to get caught/die, but A/Q play by different rules.
FE
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Re: How to spot a spotting spot -Spotting Locations everywhere! Q&A HERE
HI
OK I See its ok to stop and Random search a few even though there doing nothing wrong minding there own bizz etc no sorry no more comment
from me its smacks of big brother is watching you etc
cheers for the replys
Tony
OK I See its ok to stop and Random search a few even though there doing nothing wrong minding there own bizz etc no sorry no more comment
from me its smacks of big brother is watching you etc
cheers for the replys
Tony
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by Full Emergency
1) Do you not think that groups like A/Q will try and possibly 'blend - in' to the surroundings.
Originally Posted by Full Emergency
2) The Perimeter is the most likely. Why?? All the attacks so far (and those in Iraq included) they are not worried about survival.
Thread Starter
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Re: Question for spotters
FULL EMERGENCY,of course ENTERING an airport grounds would be a violation of the law,not least of which it would be a case of common tresspass.Any fool knows that.What i was referring to was the legal justification for "moving on" a spotter who is standing OUTSIDE the perimeter,on a public sidewalk for example,on public ground.He has every right to be there and every right not to be "moved on" .There is no legal justification for THAT.
As for morons jumping fences...its his own fault,not the police's fault,if he's shot.Every sane person should and i believe does realise that that is clearly against the law.
Cb
As for morons jumping fences...its his own fault,not the police's fault,if he's shot.Every sane person should and i believe does realise that that is clearly against the law.
Cb
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Re: Question for spotters
It's been 30+ years since the Concord(e) paid a one-off visit to a nearby airport, whereupon a colleague and I drove up to a construction gate at the perimeter. We were both in business attire, I had a professional camera at my side, and we announced to the wino guard that we "were there to get press photos; was there any area we had to avoid?"
Said wino stammered "Well, just don't drive on the runway..." and waved us through.
We got some pretty good shots from the perimeter road.
Said wino stammered "Well, just don't drive on the runway..." and waved us through.
We got some pretty good shots from the perimeter road.
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by PaperTiger
, he could maybe blow up a parked plane or explode himself outside a taxying one. Not a big return for the effort
The British economy would suffer, not just though tourist issues, but also businesses and cargo stuff. Why do you think the Government has already okayed the 3rd runway at LHR? It's to support the surrounding businesses.
I know the Government/BAA hasn't offically said this, but it aint rocket science. Why do you think that BA are moving out of the Compass Centre and going to T5? A third runway WILL happen and that is fact. There is nothing people can do to stop it.
FE
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Re: Question for spotters
Originally Posted by captain cumulonimbus
What i was referring to was the legal justification for "moving on" a spotter who is standing OUTSIDE the perimeter,on a public sidewalk for example,on public ground.
FE