Visting LHR

OK thanks. I was aware, I just wanted to know the exact sots to go depending on what end is in use?!

Thanks

Maybe you weren’t aware of this Speedbird, so I will say just incase it makes more sense to you. At LHR you have Runways 09L/27R and 09R/27L. When the planes are using the 09 end, 09L is nearly always used for landing all day (I have seen 2 aircraft ever land on 09R) with 09R therefore being used for take-offs.

If they’re on the 27 end, it is a bit different. Due to noise and environment restrictions and agreements etc (I’m guessing), they have to change over the runways at 3pm. Take-offs will occur on one runway, and landings on another. If planes take-off on 27L in morning and landings are on 27R, this will swap round at 3pm and visa versa. Due to the locations of spotting places and the runways, this makes take-offs hard to watch. As Mark said though, landings are much better 😉

Even though i was in the car when i was down last year from what i have seen and heard i say just jump on to the tube to hatton cross. Hopefully me and Concordesst will be visting LHR in August sometime when we go to kent.

Taking off depends completely on the runway in use, however the only way you can really see things take off is when they are on 27R, up by the visitors centre.
Landings are far more interesting though 😉

Right, I am pretty dense at times, so, where exactly do I (simply put it as I get confused :confused: :p !) go to see them taking off?!

Thanks

I would be interested in meeting too
i live in West Yorkshire and its quite a trek for me
i have been down twice on my own
so a bit of company would be great

Ok, thanks, I will say nearer the time.

P.S. Why have BA dropped the ‘World’s Favourite Airline’ for ‘The Way to Fly’?

I think its the 84 bus to Langley, and then a short walk, but I think its quicker that way than via waterworld?
If you put a date up on here when you decide to come down there are lots of us on this forum that frequent LHR, and we can easily show you the best spots.
Probably a good call for another LHR meet?

When i went back in 2002, i went to one of the multi-storey short term car parks in the centre of the terminal complex. Go to the very top where you will get good views of terminal aprons, taxiways and the runways. i was able to see 737s/A320s (i.e small jets with comparatively short take off runs) rotating on 27L, but it all depends on the ATC operational config. of the day. I could also see aircraft on approach for the opposite runway.

On the news a few days ago, i heard that BAA is considering giving enthusiasts/photgraphers passes allowing them to take photos without annoying the authorities. BAA would ask the enthusiasts to report any ‘unusual’ or ‘suspicious’ goings-on. BAA employing an army of people to watch planes and act as security guards?

Not sure. I would think there are busses headed from LHR to Langley and Slough along the Bath Road.

I will see if I can find out for you when I go to work on Sunday.

1L.

Ahh damn, I relied on H30 to get to that side of the airport if they were on 09’s. Is there any other bus to BA Waterside?

Just a quick note wannabe and all,

The H30 service no longer operates.

1L.

well i just want to watch. Take-offs or landings.

Thanks.

Also use bus 285 to get to the visitors centre. It takes you right round past the hotels and McDonalds, then along the Eastern Perimter road to Hatton Cross.

Really depends on what you want. Just watching or taking photos? And it depends on what runway is in use. Hatton Cross area as mentioned great for 27L landings but you can’t see too much else going on except further down the A30 at Cairns Lane where many spotters gather.
The visitors centre is critised by many but is great just for watching when they land on 27R as you can also see the departures in the distance. No goo for photos due to lamp posts. The visitors centre can be go to by bus but I don’t know which one. You would need to get off by the McDonalds on the A4.

Thankyou guys

Keep the advice coming anyone else

check here its great info on spotting areas at LHR: http://www.plane-mad.com/guide_view.php?guide=lhr

First of all, don’t count on any viewing facilities. This is BAA we’re talking about. The queens building is not still open, no. When you get the coach down, it will drop you off at the central bus station which is the bus station for Terminal’s 1,2 and 3. It then depends on what runway they’re on. If they are on 27’s, then jump on the 285 bus towards Hatton Cross. It will take you down the perimeter road which is on short finals for the runway, and as soon as you see an apropriate spot you can just wait for the next stop and jump off.

If they’re on 09’s, jump on the H30 bus which is the free BA staff shuttle to BA’s HQ, Waterside. From here you shall be able to see the arrivals just half a mile or so away. It’s then a case of walking down the dual carriage way (on the path of course!) and you will eventually come to the approach lights.