Good news for plane spotters at LHR

Try this link for a giggle 🙂

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128992

MYRIA

That is a giggle, my those GA folks would be better off doing some gardening if they’re getting this stressed about “geeky spotters”.

Try this link for a giggle 🙂

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128992

MYRIA

so are ‘the enthusiasts club’ going to insist on background and police records checks… I think not… so the bit about it being part of ‘the fight against terrorism’ is rubbish… just looks like someone trying to make a quick buck (well £15 actually) out of ‘spotters’… there is also nothing about what you’d get for your money, no mention of reopening the Queens Bldg etc..

What is their idea with foreign spotters? Are they going to demand passes from them? Where can I get them? And how will they check it out. Those aviation organizations I know of allow everyone in as long as the contribution is paid. No extensive security checks or anything…

The idea is to try it out here in the UK for this year for those who are group members allready. Then maybe next year extend it to others. I would guess people like Scramble in the Netherlands would be involved too. Its real use would be if it could have a impact on spotting in the US. I agree about the fact that anybody could join. The best way that I see if for each major airport to be part of the scheme and you would need to go and present your passport/driving licence and perhaps a little quiz to prove you are a spotter.

What is their idea with foreign spotters? Are they going to demand passes from them? Where can I get them? And how will they check it out. Those aviation organizations I know of allow everyone in as long as the contribution is paid. No extensive security checks or anything…

This scheme took a bit of a bashing on the spotters mailing lists a few weeks ago. The problem is that you need to belong to a aviation socitey(like LAAS and Air Britian) that is in the scheme. This is in order that details can be checked. So the cost of £15 can oftern really be £50+ when membership is taken into account.
Although I think the scheme is well meaning I think its unworkable. For instance are we going to have spot checks at viewing areas and those without cards being removed. I would guess in the summer there are oftern more non spotters in viewing areas than spotters? It also has no real benifit as you wont get to do anything you cant do now. Lets face it if we saw somebody acting a bit dodgy we would report them card or no card. Personally I have never been asked for any id and I go the LHR once or twice a week.

Firstly, most BAA airports have no on-site spotting facilities (please don’t mention the “Visitor Centre” at Heathrow), and secondly, where will all these £15 fees end up??? :confused:

And it only costs £15.

Paul

Finally they listen to what us enthusiasts have been screaming at them since 9/11

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Will non regulars be able to get this card.I go to LHR once or twice a year.

There real lucky anyway with all those different types of planes they get there.