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January 5, 2013Frankfurt Rhein/Main Spotting Guide
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- last modified on June 15, 2020
Frankfurt Rhein/Main airport handled 69.5 Mio passengers in 2018 and is one of the most popular spotting airports on this planet. Frankfurt is in the center of Europe and the biggest hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partner airlines. Those airlines are responsible for the most movements next to Condor, who offer an adequate amount of flights in and out of Frankfurt. The peak times of LH are in the early morning (07:00 – 09:00), noon (11:00 – 13:00), afternoon (15:00 – 17:00) and evening (19:00 – 21:00). Most intercontinental flights arriving during the early morning hours like Air Namibia, China Airlines, ANA, Vietnam Airlines or Singapore Airlines as well as almost all flights from North America. So get up early to catch those birds. Frankfurt is also a big cargo airport for airlines from all over the world. Besides the local Lufthansa Cargo, Saudia, Air Bridge Cargo, Korean Air Cargo or Cathay Cargo are frequent visitiors. Due to the heavy night restrictions, many of these cargo operations take place during the day.
Frankfurt is one of the few spotter friendly airports in Europe, with three official viewing platforms and a visitor terrace at the terminal 2. Police and airport security knows about our hobby and plane spotting is more than tolerated, so don’t be afraid if you linger next to the perimeter fence with your huge ladder.
A great 24h real time schedule including active runway direction, arrivals/departure times, aircraft type, registration and destination can be found here: www.fra-flugplan.de
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Severin Hackenberger, Sebastian Sowa and Patrick Weis / Frequent Visitor (Last Update: May 2020)
Photo for position 3 are partly provided by PM.
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 07L/25R | 2.800 m (9.240 ft) |
| 07C/25C | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 07R/25L | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 18 | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Lufthansa & Star Alliance Condor, Etihad, LATAM, MEA, Qatar, Oman, IranAir and a few more using Concourse B/C |
| Terminal 2 | All other carriers |
| Terminal 3 | Future terminal in the south on the opposite side of the existing ones |
| Airport Chart |  |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Only needed at spots 9 and 10 and partially at 11 and 16. It is absolutely no problem if you use a ladder at any position along the perimeter fence! |
| Car/Public Transport | Highly recommended as for most spots there is not really a public transport directly to the spotting locations. There are some buses running to the cargo and cargo city south but thats all. Please use the RMV public transport map to find the correct bus stop. On the map turn on “Haltestelle” in the legend, click on the stops for the start and the end and select respectively “Start/Ziel wählen”. Then click on the “Verbindung Suchen” button on the left upper corner to see the times when a bus is running and which lines you have to use. In general, even it takes very long, you can walk to all spotting locations as there are footpaths and farm tracks around the airport so you don´t have to be on the road. If you can walk from Terminal 2 to the official viewing platform for 25L (spot 5/6) as there is a footpath and its around 2,5 km. And from Terminal 1 to the approach spot for 25R (spot 14) which is around 2 km. For more details read the description. |
| Restrooms | Not at the spots! read description |
| Drinks/Food | Supermarket & gas stations around the airport |
| Hotels | Inter City Hotel next to spot 5&6. More hotels in the city of Kelsterbach north of RWY 07L/25R |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | With three runways in use for departures/landings its not always easy to catch the bird you are hunting for. A380, 747 and MD11 aircraft using always the center or southern runway! Thats for sure and usually flights heading to the south using 18 for their departure. But you can’t really make a prediction in which airline uses which runway. Its like gambling and you have to be on the right place at the right time for the wanted plane. |
| 07L/25R | Used for arrivals only, from both directions. No A380,747 and MD11 planes arriving at this RWY due to noise restrictions. The preferred runway for all US flights (UA, DL, AA, LH, DE) and flights arriving from the North like Finnair, Air Baltic, SAS, JAL or ANA. |
| 07C/25C | Mainly in use for departures (especially flights to North America and Asia) in both directions. Some Lufthansa arrivals are possible here when there is less traffic (winter/saturdays), good visibility and no departures. Arrivals are on final for 07R/25L but making a visual switch to the center runway a few miles before the threshold. |
| 07R/25L | Used for arrivals in both directions (departures are very very rare). Runway for all flights opb. A380,747 or MD11, cargo airlines located in the cargo city south and general aviation. Preferred runway for charter flights coming from the south opb. SunExpress, TUIfly or Bulgarian Air Charter. |
| 18 | Used for departures only, 36 is not in use! Preferred for flights with a southern direction like Spain, Italy, Africa, India, Southern Asia. With tailwind more than 10kt, there is already a general warning distributed in the ATIS. With tailwind more than 15kt, RWY 18 is closed for operations. |
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Platform West - 18 departures, 07C/R arrivals, 25L/C departures
| WHERE | The platform west is one of the two official spotting locations outside the airport perimeter and its a very famous spot by spotters and locals too. If you arrive from the Autobahn, exit and follow the signs to Lufthansa Cargo. You are on the ‘Airportring’ and will pass the Terminals, Lufthansa Technik and LH Cargo. Always drive westwards until the road turns south and pass the thresholds of RWY25. When you have passed these, you will see a small parking lot on the right, shortly before you can enter the tunnel who pass RWY18. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 31”. The ride is 16 minutes. From there you need to walk back on the sidewalk all the way to the platform, approximate 2km. If you are good on foot you can even walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. But it takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | This spot is great when 07 is in use for arrivals. For 18 departures you have to wait until the afternoon and the sun turns around. You are on a high platform where you can easily shot over the perimeter fence. Sometimes its very crowded so you will need a ladder for 18. 07 isn’t a problem and no ladder is needed. Arrivals on the center runway are difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze in your pictures (go to spot#2 instead). 25C departures are very high and the angle is not the best. Try spot 11 instead. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer month you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon & evening for 07. RWY 18 has backlit until noon |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You can drive to Walldorf where you find a gas stations and supermarket. It takes you five minutes from spot#1. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-400 mm |
Airportring - 07C/R arrivals
| WHERE | This one is close to spot #1. Turn your car and drive back to the airport, northwards. After a hundreds of meters you see a small parking lot on the left. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | You get only the 07 arrivals there and it depends on the time of the day. |
| TIME | 07R arrivals in the evening (07C are backlit) and 07C arrivals usually from morning until late afternoon but those arrivals are more than rare. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-150 mm |
Airportring - 18 lineup, 07C/R arrivals
| WHERE | Follow the road back to the airport. Before you pass the taxiway tunnel you wil see some kind of parking place on the left side. Walk all the way up till the taxiway to/from the northern runway. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | Best for lineups when they turn in for runway 18 and even night shots are possible when the aircraft hold short for 18. A ladder is recommend to avoid parts of the fence in your picture but if you are okay with it you can go without one. Otherwise you can go down where you have parked and photograph through the mesh of the airport fence after you have crossed the street (see Kuwait sample photo). From there the planes are already on the runway so it´s a different view like you will get from the top In the summer its okay for 07 arrivals during the very early morning or the late afternoon till sunset, but you have a very short time window to make your photo due to the trees to your right. 25C heavy departures are possible too in the summer in the very early morning and from late afternoons till sunset. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there continue on the side walk and after you have passed the tunnel turn right and walk up till the position. |
| TIME | For line up you can take photos from afternoon till sunset. 07 arrivals and 25C departures are possible in the very early morning hours and in the late afternoon/evening (summer) |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Viewing Platform - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim making a right turn onto Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and take the first turning on the right, just before the fire station. Park in the small spotter’s car parking area on the left. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this eastwards for 5-10 minutes until you see the large viewing platform with seating on your right hand side. The platform is built in front of the dirt mound which was previously used by spotters. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. All in one approximate 3,5 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too (from where most of the pilots are waving, too) and, particularly when Runway 25R is in use, you can almost touch the aircraft rolling by. When Runway 07L is in use most traffic does not use the parallel taxiway. A380, 747 and MD11 aircraft, as well as business aircraft and cargo airlines located in the Cargo City South, don’t use this runway, but 777 aircraft of Aerologic and Lufthansa Cargo prefer this runway. It’s a great place and for Runway 25R you are almost at the touchdown zone so you can take some ‘smokey’ pictures. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. There is a small covered area under the viewing platform but it has no seats, otherwise there is absolutely nothing here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 100mm for a 772, 200mm for a 737 |
Official parking area in front of the fire station:
Autobahn/Hurenschneise - 25L/C arrivals, 07R/C departures, taxiway Sierra
| WHERE | This spot is at the other side of the airport, next to the old US facilities and the Inter City Hotel. You must drive on the Autobahn A5 to Darmstadt for 2 kilometers until you can exit the road to Zeppelinheim. Follow the signs to this city, pass the A5 over a bridge and then turn left at the next corner. You will drive into a forrest. Follow this smaller road for a hundreds of meters until you will find a parking lot. Park your car here (take care of some no parking signs) and walk along a closed forrest road (tagged on the map) north/westwards back to the Autobahn (you can’t drive here). After 5 minutes you exit the forrest and head over a bridge to the spotting platform. By Foot: You can walk from Terminal 2 to the platform within 30 minutes/2,5km (check footpath on the map for a detailed description) or use the shuttle bus to the IC Hotel but you may be asked for a ticket. By Train: use the S7 from Frankfurt Central Station and exit at Zeppelinheim Station. Walk through the forrest to the spotting platform like mentioned above.+++ UPDATE AUG 2019: there are ongoing construction works for the new terminal 3 and for the skytrain that connects the new with the old terminals. New high fences were build and obstruct the sight completly of taxiway uniform and partly of Tango. Photos of arrivals and departures are still possible as before.+++ |
| WHAT | Its great for all the 25L/C arrivals if wind is coming from the west. Also nearby taxiway Uniform is very close, which is used by some airlines to get from terminal 2 to runway 18 or used by widebodies to tow them to the parking area. But new fences block the view and the possibility of taking photos of aircraft on Taxiway Uniform is affected. Taxiway Tango, which is behind Uniform, should be still possible but this one is less in use as the tow trucks use the inner one. 07C departures are possible but usually very high, expect the heavies. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Arrivals on the center runway are difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze in your pictures (spot#6 is closer). |
| MISC. | There are some big stones to sit down. There is also a snack bar close to the parking lots and next to the S-Bahn station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | for a 77W 250 mm on 07C takeoff, 30 mm on the taxiway and 100 mm on 25L arrival |
Pictures below are from November 2019.
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- View from the parking
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- View from the platform
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- View from the location toward the airport
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Autobahn - 25L/C arrivals
| WHERE | From the previous spot #5 follow the footpath for a hundreds of meters towards Terminal 2 until you stand between the to runways and on your right (between footpath and highway) will be some trees. Usually you start at #5 and then go there when the sun has turned around in the summer months. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 25L can be photographed from here. |
| TIME | Starting in the late afternoon/evening its the place to be for 25L arrivals if you wanna avoid backlit pictures. Can only be used in the summer. |
| MISC. | There is is a path which is frequent in use by cyclist when the sun is shining. So try to stand on the grass to avoid a crash. Facilities in Terminal 2 are the closest. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm |
Visitor terrace Terminal 2
| WHERE | The one and only visitor terrace in Frankfurt is located at Terminal 2 landside. Follow the stairs up to the Mc Donald and look for the entrance on the left side. There is now a big fence along the terrace and just a few holes to put your big camera lense through (see pics below). |
| WHAT | For photography its a terrible place as you face the sun for almost the whole day. Your are pretty close to the ramp movements of Terminal 2 and the threshold of 25C is also reachable for the lens. 07C departures usually are very high, except the heavies. |
| TIME | In the early morning hours and in the evening you don’t have backlit here for the 25C movements (summer months only). For side photos of aircraft on the apron its possible there to spot the whole day but its tricky due to the fence. |
| MISC. | The terrace has been renovated in 2016 and there are no longer secuirty checks at the entrance. The fee is 3 Euros for adults. CLICK HERE FOR THE OPENING TIMES
The photoholes (~10 holes on the whole terrace all in all back in September 2018) aren’t quite big. A 100-400mm Mk I (77mm wide) fits without lens hood, but doesn’t fits with lens hood – as visual example, look at overview picture 3! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Hard to tell and depends on the angle |
Width of photohole:
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. From here walk on the gravel road, cross the approach and continue till the position as marked on the map. |
| WHAT | This is a great spot for all runway 07 arrivals with clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | You are in the middle of nowhere. So take the stuff that you need with you. No ladder needed here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 50mm; 737 = 100mm. A little bit more at the evening spot. |
MORNING
Fire Station - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim in making a right turn into the Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and park your car on the right shoulder along the road. You have the Fire Department infront of you. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this westwards for 5 minutes until you’re at the fence next to the fence. You definatly need aminimum of 2 steps here! Stay next to the Firestation with smaller steps otherwise you will have the higher taxiway to the bridge on your pictures. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. Pass it and walk till you reach the fire station. All in one approximate 4 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too and you can almost touch the aircraft which rolling by. A380,747 and MD11 as well as cargo and business aircraft don’t use this runway! You can take 07L arrivals here while reversing progress and 25R arrivals that taxi down the runway if they’re light. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Best time for this spot is 08:00-16:00 for 07L and for aircraft take the exit in front of you until about 18:00. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 15-250 mm |
07L touchdown
| WHERE | Use the directions like to Spot 8, pass this one and walk up the marked route on the map along the perimeter fence. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for aircraft landing on runway 07L. The are touching down just in front of you. You can alos take pictures from here of aircraft, especially heavies, that landed on 25R and leaving the runway in front of you. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. On Taxiway it depends on the angle, the example pictures where taken at 4pm. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You need at least a 2 stepleadder here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 100-400mm Taxiway: 10-100mm |
Runway:
Taxiway:
forest - 07R arrivals
| WHERE | A forest aisle next to the „Airportring“ and the spotting platform at RWY 18. You have to park your cat at the parking lot for the spotting platform at RWY 18 or at the parking lots between RWY 07R and 07C. From there you have to walk into the forest walking to the south. At a small junction you have to go left and then immediately turn to the right into the „Mönchbruchallee“. At the 2nd or 3rd possibility you have to turn right and then walking towards the west to the forest aisle. It’s about 2km and 20min walk from the parking lot. On the empty field you can choose your favorite spot next to the power lines. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to Spot 1 and the Platform at RWY 18 for arrivals on RWY 07R. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer months you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Depending on your position on the empty field and the distance to the aircrafts you’ll also have problems with heat haze on warmer days. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. The power lines to your right are not disturbing the sight. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 772 = 200mm |
07R arrivals evening
| WHERE | The entrance into the street that leads to this location is between spot #1 and #2. Park at spot 2 and walk through the forrest on the ‘Alte Heegwaldschneiße’ is forbidden now. When you reach the entrance to the gravel factory turn left and stay somewhere within the forest aisle. It´s not allowed anymore to drive to this location so you have to walk for 20-30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to spot 2 as you have a better angle here. You have a longer timeframe to make your picture! |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only! |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. During weekdays the dust (sand) which is coming up from the factory might be disturbing and there is a lot of truck traffic which cause dust too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 400mm |
Field - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | The spot is situated in an industrial area next to Kelsterbach. If you are coming from the terminals by car follow the airport ring to LH Cargo. After you have passed the LH Flight Terminal building to your right hand side turn right into the Mörfelder Straße, heading to Kelsterbach. After a few hundred meters you can see the NH Hotel. Turn left until you reach an open field to your right. Park your car along the road. If you don´t have a car you may can use the shuttle bus of the NH Hotel from the Terminals. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left at the NH Hotel and follow this road till the position. All in one approximate 2 km |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R only. |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only! |
| MISC. | The gras on the field is sometimes not cutted so be aware of ticks. There is a grill in the industrial area. Plenty of supermarkets and hotels in Kelsterbach. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 200mm |
Train Tunnel - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | See description for #13 but pass the gate and continue on the small path under the approach path. Once you are on the other side get walk over the train entrance to the tunnel to get behind the railroad tracks. Start spotting here. By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left at the NH Hotel to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn. Continue there until the position. All in one approximate 2 km |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R only. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Its very noisy as the Autobahn is behind you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321 = 90mm; 77W = 60mm; 738 = 100mm |
Crash Gate - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is close to the field (spot #13) in an industrial area in Kelsterbach with a slightly better angle and something in the background of your photos. Park your car at the junction to the spot and walk a few meters up to a crashgate. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R and planes on taxiway Papa (bridge). |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | To take photos at this position you’ll need a ladder with at least 3 steps to get over the gate. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 250mm |
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | This is almost at the same corner as spot #8. From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. Now continue along the perimeter fence on the dirt road. If you have no ladder stay at the first postion. Here you have a blue sky on the back. If you have a ladder (4 steps at least) you can continue along the perimeter to find you prefered position at the fence. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 07L. |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 250mm |
Position next to the parking lot. No ladder needed here
Postion further down the dirt road. Ladder needed!
122 Comments
Hi,
My name is Tomás. I´m a photographer studying in Frankfurt. I´am as curious in spotters universe as in spotting planes by itself. I just visited spot 5 on a sunday afternoon. I want to know which is the best best place/time/day to see spotters working.
Thank you so much!
Hi Thomas,
Unfortunately for photographers (but awesome for the nature), there are not so many planes taking off/landing anymore due to the pandemics. ~80% of the flights are cancelled.
I’ve seen a pattern re. the cargo planes: ~7PM is the biggest activity (both landing and taking off) as well as at 10:30-11PM (indeed, almost midnight).
The rest of the day is empty. It can take even several hours till one plane is around.
Hi Ionut,
Thank you so much for your reply.
And what´s the most popular spot to see this activity you mentioned?
Best
T
I would say #5 and #6. It’s great for landings, but it’s next to the highway and if there’s no activity it’s just not worth it. The highway noise kills the joy.
Hey,
Do know how high the fence along runway 25R/07L is?
Hi, have a look at postion 9. There is a picture with some ladders at the fence. This will answer your question.
-Julian
Hi!
I’am going to visit FRA in this week for the first time. Because I can be there for a few hours, I think spot 4-5 (maybe 6) would be good for me. In my opinion if planes will land from the 07s spot 4 is the right choice, but if planes land from the 25s, both can be good.
Which one is better with 70-300 lens? What about the high fence at spot 5?
Hi Peter, Spot 4 is perfect for arrivals from both sides.
A 70-300mm is okay at both spots. Only for center arrivals from 5 you need at least 400. But thats rare. Arrivals are still fine there, only the outter taxiway is impossible.
Thank you very much Julian!
According to you which spot should I choose if planes land from the 25s?
If you wanna catch the LH A380 and 747 location #1 is your place to be. But its difficult to get there without a car.
Dear Julian, is that possible that an official visitor desk is under construction nearby location #5 Zeppelinheim? If you look towards the RWY 25L left to the runway there is a concerete pavilion like building alongside the fence which looks promising as a future visitor desk.
Thank you for your reply.
Gabor
Budapest
Hi Gaby,
I think you know what you are talking about. This will be the new “DaVinci House” which replaces the old house which is just next to the new building (the small one with the black roof). The house is used by Fraport for meetings and events. Not for us spotters 🙂
Regards
Julian
Dear Julian, first of all many thanks for your prompt reply and congratulations for your excellent job with the site, we all appreciate your efforts to make spotting much easier at this beautiful airport! On the other side I am very disappointed about the news, at least they should consider to demolish the old small building which is sooooo annoying! 😉
Gabor
Thanks for the nice words Gabor! I think you are talking about the building which is directly infront of the existing platform.
Photos from the outter taxiway from this position are history. They build a higher fence for the new skytrain track that runs between T2 and the new T3.
So the grey building is not the problem anymore.
Hi Julian, exactly that building in front of the present platform at the TWY. I do not know the fence for Skytrain you mentioned how will affect photo possibilities. Where it is exactly now? Fences are often enemies of spotters.
Gabor
you mean affects shooting at the terminal building, right?
No, I am talking about the nearest taxiway. Terminal is still in sight.
Hello,
is it impossible to spot with rwy 25C departure? Thanks for your help.
Hi Kelvin,
Not sure if I understand your question …
When the 25s are operative, arrivals on all runways can be spotted, please see the guide for the exact locations. Departures on 25C can be spotted as well, either while lining up, but some focal length is needed and heat haze often is a problem and it gets backlit after late morning, or while in climb, but only heavies because anything smaller will already be too high.
Hope this answers your question …
Happy spotting,
Thomas
-spotterguide crew-
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for your reply. I am looking for any good position for spotting the line up of 25C departure especially in the morning and afternoon as it seems the busy hours for heavy departure. Thank you for your help again.
Best regards,
Kelvin