The 747 is from Kalitta Air. Martinair still has 747 (they just got a new one a few weeks back, B747-200SUD PH-BUH ex KLM).
To go to the spot you can take the 191, 193 and 198 to the spot. Get of at the bus stop called “Aalsmeerderweg” (just ask the driver to give an announcement, they won’t do it unless you ask). Please make sure you are on the south bound bus, this is the bus driving through parking P30. The bus stops at the bus lane furthest away from Schiphol Plaza.
When you are at the bus stop, you have to get into Aalsmeerderweg. This is the first road on your left (looking into the direction of the bus you just got of from) running parralel to runway 06/24. After a 24 minute stroll you will be there.
There are two spots. The official one and the notquitesoofficial one. The official one will give you when the runway is used for take-offs (most common):
When the runway is in use for landings you get:
When you walk a bit further you will find the taxiway linking to S-apron with civilization. Here you can make close-ups of planes. To put things in comparison, I made a side-on shot of the B777-300ER with my 50mm camera with very little room to spare. Here too pictures can be made of planes on the runway, though you will be to far for rotation shots.
In between this spot and the official spot there is the notquitesoofficial spot, a grass field. Just sit here, there will be no problem. Here the smaller planes (A320/B737) rotate, but the bigger ones (A340/B747) will just race by.
In Holland you have to buy a “strippenkaart” to use the bus. This can be done in the bus, but at a HEFTY premium. The bus fare is 3 strips. Holland is divided into zones, and you have to pay on strip for each zone plus one extra per journey. You are best of buying a “15-strippenkaart”. This will be give you more then enough of strips. Even though you will not have ot use all strips (I can guarantee you that), you will still be cheaper of because of the premium fare on the bus.
These cards can be bougth at Schiphol Plaza in the book-shop and at the train desks. Your hotel might also sell them.
If the weather is bad you might want to stop at “Aalsmeerderbrug” (line 198 only). A few stops further from “Aalsmeerderweg”. There you will find the largest aviation store in Europe, or so they claim. Whether that claim is justified or not, it is huge! Get of at the bus stop, and look for an old windmill on your left. It won’t have the spinner anymore, but it will have the shop! And mind the steps when walking down the embankment, they are steep and can be slipery!
To take the car to the spot (from schiphol plaza/car rentals), just follow the signs to parking P30. Do not got there, but follow the road. At the end of the road go to the left. The first road on the left is the Aalsmeerderweg. Go in there and you will find the spot. Parking is free. To go to the aviation shop, you should not go left into the Aalsmeerderweg, but continue the road. Before the bridge you will find the shop on the left. You will lilkely only see a decapitated old windmill. Don’t ask me for directions to a parking spot, don’t know!
Going to bed now, have to get up 5 hours from now to go to work. DOH
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