I dont deny at all that a viewing area is a good thing and I would love to see one at both airports but i think im being realistic in my views over LHR.

Of course there is a need for viewing at LHR but that doesnt mean they will have the same view of it as LGW do and this is down to security. (we can rule out money given both airports have same owner)
For example LHR has the Royal Reception Centre. This is extremely high security area and only used for our and visiting high ranking royals, presidents, diplomats etc. Does LGW have one of these? No..

Wasn’t The Royal Reception Centre open when Heathrow had roof-top viewing facilities?

On the note of an area controlled by security forces, i am confident when i say we can rule out anything on Manchester AVP scale as there simply is not the room. At Heathrow it is surrounded by roads and buildings and at Gatwick there is either a thick section fo trees/bushes or buildings. ..

There is certainly room adjacent to the Westerly runway approaches at LHR! Open fields in fact! Exactly the same at LGW at Charlwood end, which could link into the aircraft museum there.

Remember areas are never airside and this means locations are highly limited. They are not going to let people wander down a pier to a specific gallery with a good view just because of a pass…. ..

No one said they would?

In principle a good idea but really its not an interest to the police in creating an area. Nor is it something that is within their budget. .

That’s the complete opposite to Gatwick Airport Police’s view! It IS in their interest in co-operating with aircraft enthusiasts to provide a viewing area and in return revenue from this would be raised for the police AND BAA. It is nothing but a ‘win-win’ proposal that needs every support.

AT LAST – COMMON SENSE PREVAILS!:D:D:D

Do you know how I can put my name down for one those ID cards you metioned?

If only they [BAA and the local police] would do the same for Heathrow…:cool:

Unfortunately, I filled in the application form and left it with them, not thinking to get a spare copy to scan for the forum. However, if you print off the scanned letter and send it to the name and address at the bottom, together with your name, address,place of birth, date of birth, phone number,e.mail address and any comments about this idea, I’m sure that would be fine.

I did mention that they should get together with Heathrow to do something simililar there, but the whole issue revolves around money as usual! Gatwick Airport Division of Sussex Police are looking at ways to raise funds for themselves and the Airport and at the same time getting enthusiasts ‘on board’ to identify any suspicious ‘non-enthusiast’ behaviour around the airport. Alas, Heathrow is manned by the Metropolitan Police who are funded by Central Government and couldn’t care less whether there is a viewing area for enthusiasts or not. They would rather waste their time patrolling the perimeter and harrassing those innocently enjoying our hobby! I tried addressing this issue with the BAA PRO at Heathrow, who just said ‘public viewing areas closed on government advice’…point blank!