Heathrow Help!!!!

Imagine this scenario…………………

A man of Middle East appearance stuggles up the steps to the viewing gallery at Heathrow, he carries a large bag containing a rocket , over his shoulder is its launcher,
“Are you alright there mate?” asks an aircraft spotter, “Here, let me give you a hand” as he and 3 other spotters help the man with his rocket launcher,
“Thank you,” says the Arab looking man,
“You’re welcome,” says the spotter,
“It’s a nice day,” says the arab as he sets up his launcher, “been much in?”
“No,” says the spotter, “been quiet today,” he says, “supposed to be an Israeli government jet in later though”
“Really?” says the Arab.
“Anyway,” asks the spotter, “What you after?”
“The Israeli jet,” he says,
“Nah,” says the spotter, “you’d get a better view over by Hatton Cross, and a better shot at it!”
” Oh thankyou ,” says the Arab as he dismantles the launcher, “You English are so helpful”

It seems to me that our security forces are naive enough to think this would actually happen

Dave

I think we need to start a petition requesting the Queen’s Building be re-opened for those wanting to watch the aircraft. It’s a disgrace that the spectator galleries are being closed down and that watching from the top of car parks is prohibited.

If they are so concerned about security, perhaps they should firstly look at their security control within the airport. Passengers and TV reporters are getting through with “illegal” items in their bags and it makes BAA look extremely stupid.

Originally posted by LN Strike Eagle
You can’t go in the car parks now – there are signs up saying “Do not watch the planes”, and armed Police moving people along. I was questioned for sitting in the car while Dad was in the Terminal on business.

This is part of the problem now. You can’t wait in your car in the car park because you could be a terrorist. So, any self-respecting terrorist with an ounce of intellect packs his car with explosive and leaves it in the car park. Our friendly armed Policeman keeps a nice eye on it for him while he goes into the terminal, out again and makes his merry way home on the bus. A few hours later there’s a flash, a big bang, and some part of the airport is magically transformed into a smoking hole in the ground. And the Police would say?

It’s time they realised that spotters/enthusiasts/photographers can make a significant contribution to the security of the airport. Any airport. A terrorist with a shoulder launched missile is hardly going to launch it from the Queen’s Building or Visitor Centre at LHR, or the designated viewing areas at MAN or BHX. They’re going to do it from miles away. This marginalisation of the enthusiast is a retrograde step. By denying us the facility of a well-sited, well equipped viewing location the authorities are only going to find themselves overstretched as enthusiasts find their own locations.

regards,

kev35

You can’t go in the car parks now – there are signs up saying “Do not watch the planes”, and armed Police moving people along. I was questioned for sitting in the car while Dad was in the Terminal on business.

That’s the expensive way of doing it. Hatton Cross is £5.00 all day and free on Sundays. Also, they tend to catch up with you in the car parks using CCTV Surveillance.

last July, i went to the top of one of the airport short term car parks. provided you find the right car park, you will be able to see parts (not all) of both runways. it depends very much on the operational/runway ‘scenario’ the ATC is using. you also have great views of Terminal 4, and terminal 2 aprons. you may be able to see smaller jets i.e. 737s, A319s rotate, but you won’t be able to see aircraft touching down on the other runway.
ok, you have to pay the usual car park fee, but its worth it.

hope that helps,

adam

After the last Heathrow meet, I was introduced to Myrtle Avenue. It’s a nice big, grassy area at the end of a road. It’s just a two or three minute walk from Hatton Cross and gives brilliant side-on views of all arriving aircraft on 27L.

You mean the Queens buidling, no? It has been closed for months now. Even before the Iraq conflict started. It looks like it will stay closed for a long time to come…

thanks BAA

Hang on!

Above termianl 2 there is an area with an awesome view of the runways – the way there is tucked out the way so I won’t event try to give directions because I can’t fully remember how to get there. Ask the airport staff thats how I found it!

No official viewing fascilities inside the airport, thanks BAA!

Providing the wind comes from the west the best spot to go to is the tube station Hatton Cross. You will be right underneed the approach path.