Aviation enthusiasts left intimidated while viewing at St Athan
There are a couple of major airports in the U.K where they appear to not tolerate spotters at all, altho' one has a "visitors centre"
It beggars belief that the operators of one of the world's largest international airports can't get their heads around the idea that, like it or not, people are going to want to come and look at the aircraft landing and taking off, and that providing them with at least some basic facilities (say a cafe, or as a minimum, loos) might actually be good for the corporate image.
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No prob from me as an Aircraft Engineer, in fact some police encourage them to help if they spot something suspicious, known to do a bit myself as a friend working nearby is one, so I call him if I see anything interesting taxing past. I must admit I have seen some anal security, had a Libyian 225 come in many moons ago and a spotter was standing on his steps to takes some pictures over the fence from a carpark, I was standing the other side airside also with a Camera.. And this security guy was trying to get shot of him, he can get over the fence etc... Blahh blah blahh ( 10 foot from it at least!) so I chirped in saying where is he going to go, there are six of us this side of the fence, so let the guy take his pictures as it's taxying, he will be happy and on his way and you won't be spending the rest of the afternoon chasing him from different spots.. Sense prevailed he got his shots thanked me and the security bod and left happy.... Not rocket science is it?
Last edited by NutLoose; 9th Sep 2012 at 19:52.
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Whatever you charge some of these types will always try to avoid paying which is why robust action by the police is required to reinforce the point airports are not spotter playgrounds
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I think dedicated spotter pens are an answer, That way these characters can do what ever it is they do without creating serious safety hazards/ getting under the feet of those who have work to perform or cause inconvinence to the travelling public , levy a fair charge, say a tenner a day, and everyones a winner
Whatever you charge some of these types will always try to avoid paying which is why robust action by the police is required to reinforce the point airports are not spotter playgrounds
What action upsets you so? Can you give an honest example of a real safety hazard that a spotter has caused recently? Most airports have crash gates well marked and Police patrols. The occasional blockage nowadays is just family and kids. Given your loathing of spotters, and your continued presence in Spotters Corner, one can only assume some trauma. Did mummy leave daddy, assuming you know him, for a spotter? Scarred you for life did it? You need to forgive heal and move on sir, you'll live longer. There, there!
Last edited by Skipness One Echo; 9th Sep 2012 at 20:31.
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Well I was a spotter once, and still am, proud of it....though my spotting does tend to attract ridicule from some of my colleagues in the crew room. I'm very lucky in that my job is also my hobby, and long may it continue.
I walked around Yeadon airport's (as was) perimeter fence with my Dad when I was a lad, listening to ATC on my transistor radio I got for my my birthday. Or even in my pushchair I can recall family days out at Manchester airport (my older brother's spotting being of olympic standards, his anorak being ermine lined, whereas mine was just a standard issue) walking out onto the piers at Manchester and being able to look down into the flightdecks of aeroplanes and wonder what it'd be like...
Well now I know, and as I taxy past in my nice (sometimes not so shiny) A320 and see the spotters opposite T1 hold on 23L at Manchester at 7am, I marvel at their dedication as it by far surpassed mine...I only get up that early because I get paid for it!
But next time lads, if we wave first, please return the complement, even the ATCOs at RAF stations used to wave back!
I walked around Yeadon airport's (as was) perimeter fence with my Dad when I was a lad, listening to ATC on my transistor radio I got for my my birthday. Or even in my pushchair I can recall family days out at Manchester airport (my older brother's spotting being of olympic standards, his anorak being ermine lined, whereas mine was just a standard issue) walking out onto the piers at Manchester and being able to look down into the flightdecks of aeroplanes and wonder what it'd be like...
Well now I know, and as I taxy past in my nice (sometimes not so shiny) A320 and see the spotters opposite T1 hold on 23L at Manchester at 7am, I marvel at their dedication as it by far surpassed mine...I only get up that early because I get paid for it!
But next time lads, if we wave first, please return the complement, even the ATCOs at RAF stations used to wave back!
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Cardiff Airport itself has a great area for watching aircraft and that is located southside of the airfield "Rhoose Flying Club". You can see most areas of the airport and is recognised by the airport with some management ocasionally taking their children down there and having a chat with the regulars about various things.
Although this great facility and other excellent viewing points exist you will still see families parking illegally near the perimiter fence on a roundabout either waving relatives off or just taking a look at the arriving aircraft. Several vehicles are supplied either with a summons or a ticket every year.
The regular enthusiasts on the other hand obide and respect the law as they do not wish to jepordise their hobby.
I totally understand why the police in general find enthusiasts as a useful weapon when it comes to their fight against crime as they are actually more likely to spot suspicious activity before the police or airport security will while on their patrols.
No my take on it is if the enthusiasts are not on private property without permission, are not causing a nuisance or damage then they should be left to do what they love doing. This is why the article which I brought to your attention at the beginning of this thread is such a shock.
Although this great facility and other excellent viewing points exist you will still see families parking illegally near the perimiter fence on a roundabout either waving relatives off or just taking a look at the arriving aircraft. Several vehicles are supplied either with a summons or a ticket every year.
The regular enthusiasts on the other hand obide and respect the law as they do not wish to jepordise their hobby.
I totally understand why the police in general find enthusiasts as a useful weapon when it comes to their fight against crime as they are actually more likely to spot suspicious activity before the police or airport security will while on their patrols.
No my take on it is if the enthusiasts are not on private property without permission, are not causing a nuisance or damage then they should be left to do what they love doing. This is why the article which I brought to your attention at the beginning of this thread is such a shock.
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I went to Cardiff Airport once on the way to my a weekend away, but not being local I wouldn't have thought to use the Flying Club for 20 minutes shufty to see what was going on.
Don't get me wrong, I think the Flying Club are doing a great thing encouraging spotters but I wouldn't have thought of it.
Don't get me wrong, I think the Flying Club are doing a great thing encouraging spotters but I wouldn't have thought of it.
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I think dedicated spotter pens are an answer, That way these characters can do what ever it is they do without creating serious safety hazards/ getting under the feet of those who have work to perform or cause inconvinence to the travelling public , levy a fair charge, say a tenner a day, and everyones a winner
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Dave,
I've often wondered why the 'Grandstand' at LHR is placed where it is, behind two lines of growing trees and the fence! But sometimes its absolutely crowded, despite, as you say, only being about 4 feet above the ground.
I don't know whether you have seen it recently, but there now is a cafe ('Cafe Chi') 100 yards from the grandstand, built in the last 2 months, primarily for the occupants of Word Business Centre buildings, but the 'spotters' can use it if they want.
However, since there are no parking facilities nearby, there is sometimes a problem with parking on double yellow lines.
I've often wondered why the 'Grandstand' at LHR is placed where it is, behind two lines of growing trees and the fence! But sometimes its absolutely crowded, despite, as you say, only being about 4 feet above the ground.
I don't know whether you have seen it recently, but there now is a cafe ('Cafe Chi') 100 yards from the grandstand, built in the last 2 months, primarily for the occupants of Word Business Centre buildings, but the 'spotters' can use it if they want.
However, since there are no parking facilities nearby, there is sometimes a problem with parking on double yellow lines.
Last edited by Lukeafb1; 14th Sep 2012 at 06:22. Reason: Edited to reduce height of grandstand after checking!
I hesitate to jump in here, but what the hell....
I've been an aviation enthusiast since the 1960's. As I grew older, and got to retiring age I had visions of spending the odd day in my dotage watching aircraft. Living in Norfolk, we had a surfeit of riches close to hand. For example, Coltishall, Wattisham, Bentwaters, Woodbridge, and Honington were an hour away. Travel for a bit longer and there were Alconbury, Wyton (Shhh!), Upper Heyford, Cottesmore and Wittering as alternatives.
Anyone spot a trend here? In these cash-strapped times, there are so few places to go, civil airports are fast becoming the few places where enthusiasts can see any sort of aircraft. Those on the inside are, in the main, ambivalent to spotters. A few have 'firm' views, as stated earlier. That's fine, as everyone has a right to their own opinion.
However, please bear in mind that the majority of us, through taxes or fares, pay for a large part of the aviation in this country. Pleas treat us with a little tolerance instead of the contempt that has surfaced in a couple of the posts here.....
I've been an aviation enthusiast since the 1960's. As I grew older, and got to retiring age I had visions of spending the odd day in my dotage watching aircraft. Living in Norfolk, we had a surfeit of riches close to hand. For example, Coltishall, Wattisham, Bentwaters, Woodbridge, and Honington were an hour away. Travel for a bit longer and there were Alconbury, Wyton (Shhh!), Upper Heyford, Cottesmore and Wittering as alternatives.
Anyone spot a trend here? In these cash-strapped times, there are so few places to go, civil airports are fast becoming the few places where enthusiasts can see any sort of aircraft. Those on the inside are, in the main, ambivalent to spotters. A few have 'firm' views, as stated earlier. That's fine, as everyone has a right to their own opinion.
However, please bear in mind that the majority of us, through taxes or fares, pay for a large part of the aviation in this country. Pleas treat us with a little tolerance instead of the contempt that has surfaced in a couple of the posts here.....
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Bobward,
I think your last post was very insensitive!
I served at four of the bases you mentioned and they've all gone (including Shhh!). It makes me feel like a dinosaur!!;
I think your last post was very insensitive!
I served at four of the bases you mentioned and they've all gone (including Shhh!). It makes me feel like a dinosaur!!
;
Lukeafb
As a fellow dinosaur 'd guess we're both pteradactyls together????
Apologies to all for any slight you might have felt - purely unintentional on my part.
As a lifelong fast jet fan I'm now 'forced' to watch airliners and stuff.....whilst I wait for those nice people in white coats to bring my medication.
Apologies to all for any slight you might have felt - purely unintentional on my part.
As a lifelong fast jet fan I'm now 'forced' to watch airliners and stuff.....whilst I wait for those nice people in white coats to bring my medication.
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Tolerance
Don't understand why some have an axe to grind with people who enjoy watching planes. Some countries take positive steps to allow people to do so. As an example, at the northern perimeter of Zurich airport, there is a large free parking area served by refreshment vans where anyone can enjoy aircraft approaching runways 14 and 16. And if you are prepared to walk a short distance, you can even look through the fence down the length of runway 14.
There is also another facility allowing great viewing of departures on runways 16 and 28. Why are the Swiss more tolerant than most UK airports?
There is also another facility allowing great viewing of departures on runways 16 and 28. Why are the Swiss more tolerant than most UK airports?
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Reminds me of some friends of a friend who were spotting in southern USA. Just settled down in the long grass just outside the fence when a patrol car pulls up. They were expecting to be moved on but the officer said " I don't mind you sitting there but the snakes might get a bit unfriendly".
There is also another facility allowing great viewing of departures on runways 16 and 28. Why are the Swiss more tolerant than most UK airports?
Planemike
Last edited by Planemike; 21st Sep 2012 at 14:23.
