Re: Question for spotters
 

Passing LHR last week, took a look at the progress at T5, all I can say is WOW. They have built that in the time its taken me to tile my bathroom !, I must admit I am crap at DIY.

Arrivals were landing from the west and looking very impressive in the winter sunlight , what was even more impressive in my eyes (being a photographer) is the potential new vantage points at T5, approach roads, embankments, car parks etc, I think its going to be quite a mecca for photographers, that is if its not spoilt by the BAA security management.

Re: Question for spotters
 

My reasoning for joining the airline industry in the first place was because of two things. Firstly, my love of travel - I've always enjoyed learning about where people come from, how their culture is different from mine as well as trying to pick up some phrases from the language. Secondly, I've always been fascinated by aircraft - whilst not to the extent that I would sit on a freezing Saturday morning at the edge of the runway taking down numbers or photographing, I still enjoy working around the aircraft.

I think a major problem in satisfying the needs of the aviation enthusiast, as well as opening up the airline industry so people know more about us rather than being a faceless industry, is the fact that many viewing decks have been closed. Whilst space is at a premium, it is important to keep the industry open, especially to those curious. BHX & MAN have really gone the right way with this, by providing an enthusiast haven with views of the runways, taxiways & having shops related to aviation. Perhaps if these were reinstated, we would educate & inform future generations about the industry, as well as satisfying our spotters.

Re: Question for spotters
 

I was stopped on the perimeter road at Farnborough Airport whilst the show was in progress. I was taking pictures of the landing aircraft at the time.

The 'excuse' given by the officer was that I was subject to the terroism act and he had the right to stop and question me about what I was doing as it was a suspicious activity. As is the case with many police officers, his tone and comments were extremely patronising. To cut a long story short I refused to answer his questions because of his tone and carried on taking pictures. He advised me that if i continued to refuse to answer that I would be liable to arrest. My reply was 'arrest me then'. Basically i was calling his bluff and it worked as he backed down from his confrontational manner to more of a general chit-chat.

I would assume that common sense and reason would be two, but to name a few of the essential qualities needed to be a police officer today. Sadly this doesn't seem to be the case as the story above shows. The reason I have shared this story is that this wasn't the first time i've been approached by the police for said activity and nor will it be the last, but it was the first time I've refused to coperate simply because I'd had enough of confrontational, arrogant, patronising people questioning my right to enjoy a legitimate pastime. They are the minority, but for my liking there are far too many of them about and they seem to be growing.
To those that have politely enquired as to my actions I have given a straight forward respone and will continue to do so, but for the others....................

Re: Question for spotters
 

I had the opposite happen to me at Heathrow last year when I was taking some photos at the end of 09L when a police officer on a bike pulled up, I thought he was going to shift me but no, the first thing he says is that there is no problem and then sat talking to us for about 40 mins about all sorts including spotting, photography, his job including where he thought it was OK to park and only left when he had a call.
Perhaps if a few other officers spent a little time like that a lot might be gained
re security and making their job easier by people not parking in bad places etc

G-I-B

Re: Question for spotters
 

Certainly,hats off to those police who are decent,understanding,outgoing individuals.I had a similar thing,also while taking pix at the end of 09L by Longford village a couple years back.Two police in a van stopped,got out,asked what i was doing and had a look in my notebook-no problems,then had quite a good chat till they were called off again.There's an example o them doing their job well,while respecting what is a very legitmate spotter presence.Good on them.

As so many people have said,cooperation between spotters and police could be put to such good use as a force for good in preventing crime.