Spotting at LGW

If I were to go and spend a day at Gatwick for the first time ever, am I classed as suspicious?

I took it as being part of the ‘aviation community’ . The poster is wierdly place because you need to jump the ditch to read it (from where we were).

And just to add, i don’t think the poster is offensive or discriminating because it raises my level of value, because im being asked for help.

That poster is discriminating against those that aren’t local to Gatwick Airport.

If I were to go and spend a day at Gatwick for the first time ever, am I classed as suspicious?

Me and Speedbird 12T just visited LGW today (LHR on wed) we choose the area near runway 26L along the A23 which took a while to find but we just found some stairs saying ‘local buses’ and followed the road. The local busses part is near international arrivals. we got some great shots (soon to come)

Some spotting can be done from Langley Green Road which runs between Charlwood and Crawley but only good if landings are on 8. There are some laybys along this road but if it gets too congested , and it can at weekends, the police might move you on but its rare.

For a/c landing on 26,theres a small field just outside Horley where you can park up, its the entrance to a grasstrack racing track so if theres a meet on you might not get in there.

dave

is the veiwing deck at south terminal still open?

i went about 2 years ago but heard it might close? whats the situation! :confused:

No, BAA closed all viewing decks about 1 year ago.

is the veiwing deck at south terminal still open?

i went about 2 years ago but heard it might close? whats the situation! :confused:

You can park in the long lay-by opposite the Flight Tavern, then walk up to the fencing by the 08 threshold. If the a/c are landing this end you can see them coming for several miles. You cannot park your car on the verges since 9/11. The police will come and move you on. Nowhere useful at the other end.

The last sentence is not true! You can stand on the perimeter road at R/W 26 end as long as you park your car in the multi-storey car park first. It’s only a very short walk. The police tolerate enthusiasts, as long as its clear what you are doing and won’t move you on.

You can park in the long lay-by opposite the Flight Tavern, then walk up to the fencing by the 08 threshold. If the a/c are landing this end you can see them coming for several miles. You cannot park your car on the verges since 9/11. The police will come and move you on. Nowhere useful at the other end.

Also note that BAA authorities aren’t known for the tolerance towards spotters.

LGW seems to be an odd one in BAA’s airports. They seem to not mind having the spotters around. At least the recognise we exist and that we are not going to blow up anything. They even posted signs on the fences asking spotters to keep an eye out and report anything suspicious.

I’ve been to the area near Runway 08 (close to the pub, the Flight Tavern). Follow signs for the A23 Crawley from the airport, then towards the Travelodge hotel. Once you see the Travelodge on a roundabout (on the right hand side), turn down the road on the left. It’s by no means ideal and really only suitable for landings on 26. You may also find that you have to climb through the undergrowth. See here.

Also note that BAA authorities aren’t known for the tolerance towards spotters.

sorry i was typing too quickly, missed out some words! oh dear!

thats not funny, I mean what are the best places for spotting?

Who said I was being funny?

You asked for somewhere which is “suitable for take-offs and landings”. I told you a suitable area and now you’ve gone all grumpy.

If you meant to ask the question you claim you did, why didn’t you ask that instead? :rolleyes:

thats not funny, I mean what are the best places for spotting?

Is there any other areas that are suitable for take-offs and landings?

The runways are ideal 😀