Glasgow Prestwick Airport (IATA: PIK, ICAO: EGPK), is an international airport serving the west of Scotland and situated at 51km from the city of Glasgow. Its the less busy airport of the two airports serving the area and the only schedule pax flights are offered by Ryanair. This airport is mainly use by Business, Cargo & Military traffic.
The most interesting movements is definetly the military stuff and the cargo as you can easily get :

– Royal Air Force A400M, C130, C17, Sentinel, Sentry AWACS, BAe 146, Tucano and Hawks as well as some fighter jets like Typhoon and Tornado.
– Royal Air Force, Airbus A400m, Hercules, Globemaster, Sentinel, Sentry Awak, Bae 146 as well as some fighter jets like Typhoon, Tornado and Tucano…
– Regular cargo flights are by Cargolux and Air France with 747s and 777s. Ad hoc freight charters will turn up unexpectedly and can be anything from AN124 through 747 down to Metros and Saab 340s. AN12s and AN26s are very regular visitors. The AN22 and AN225 have been frequent in the past.

Written by Ian Howat (local spotter, last update December 2018)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	2,986m (9,797ft) Concret/Asphalt
03/21	1,905m (6,250ft) Asphalt
Terminals	One for all operations
Spotting Information
Ladder	Small 3 or 4 step can be useful at some spots but not really necessary.
Car/Public Transport	Some spots are within walking distance (maximum 30 minutes) from the terminal/train station. For the spots in the east we recommend to use a car as there is no public transport.
Restrooms	Next to some coffee shops at some spots.
Drinks/Food	Next to some coffee shops at some spots.
Hotels	Most hotels can be found in Prestwick, south of the airport.
Season	The best season is during summer in order to avoid the bad weather which is frequent in Winter.
Runway Usage
12/30	This is the main runway, used in both directions depending on the wind is 12/30 but 03/21
03/21	Barely in use. Especially by light aircraft if wind is light or non-existent (very rare).

	Spot #1 – Spectator Gallery
WHERE	There is a small platform (landside) on the top floor of terminal building (signposted). Its free of charge and no security checks necessary. CLOSED since COVID
WHAT	Can only be shot through glass and is only a small area of the apron visible.
TIME	From 10:00/11:00 until sunset but may have restricted opening hours, enquire.
MISC.	Usual facilities in terminal, shops/cafes may not be open. If its not open ask at information desk.
FOCAL LENGTH	For the 757, I used a 18-135 lens and I think the 747s were on 28-300.

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	Spot #2 – Railway Bridge
WHERE	From the A79 turn left/right at the signs for “Prestwick Holiday Park”. A few Parking spaces on the right just after you have passed over the railway bridge. From the terminal you can walk on a sidewalk along the A79 for approximate 10 minutes.
WHAT	From the bridge you can either shoot the aircraft on approach on RWY 12 and smaller aircraft for line up. Or cross over the road and shoot the aircraft through the fence on the taxiway or on the end of Rwy 12 lined up for departure.
TIME	From 10:00 until sunset.
MISC.	Don’t block the access to the fuel unloading point on the railway or park on the double yellow lines. Be careful crossing the busy dual carriageway for the fence shots.
FOCAL LENGTH	Using 100-400 covers most things on approach except 747/KC10/KC135 size where something less than 100 is required. On the taxiway, 28mm can just squeeze a KC135 in. On the runway, 100-400 for most stuff, less for large aircraft, 747/KC10 etc.

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	Spot #3 – Goodrich Roundabout
WHERE	The location is at the roundabout Station Road, Monkton. Take A79 from the terminal and turn right at the first roundabout. Park on side along Dow Ave. From the terminal you can walk on a sidewalk along the A79 and Station Rd for approximate 20-25 minutes. Good view over the fence from the stone pillars at the roundabout.
WHAT	Great for aircraft entering Runway 12 from link Juliet for departure or arriving on 12.
TIME	From sunrise until 09:30.
MISC.	Nothing nearby, please bring what you need before coming at the spot.
FOCAL LENGTH	28-300mm

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	Spot #4 – Monkton
WHERE	In Monkton village, take Main Road for Spirit Aerosystems at the traffic lights. There is a small carpark on the right by Polly’s Tearoom. Stay there and start shooting.
WHAT	Landing on Rwy 12 or rolling out on Rwy 30 for the terminal and you can also see the stuff at the terminal.
TIME	From sunrise until 09:30.
MISC.	Cafes and snack shops within 100 meters.  You are on a higher level than the runway so no ladder is needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

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	Spot #5 – Layby A719 Tarbolton Road
WHERE	From Sandyford Roundabout (Spots 6 and 7) follow signs to Galston on A719 and drive up for 500m and then turn left into the layby.
WHAT	Good for arrivals on Runways 30.
TIME	Sunrise until 10:00.
MISC.	Coffee shop at roundabout.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

++We do not have any pictures at the moment but if you do, please contact us++

	Spot #6 – Crash Gate
WHERE	Only accessable by car. Get on the A77, east of the airport. There is a roundabout under the approach path of RWY30. Exit it to Sandyford road which is the 1st exit if heading north, 3rd if heading south. There is a small parking area just off the roundabout. and walk to the gate. There are two access holes in the crash gates where the padlock is and it will take a big lens through there. You are on your knees. WARNING: do not drive in to this spot, if you do you will have a visit from the airport police.
WHAT	Lining up on Rwy 30 or aircraft landing on Rwy 21, mainly by light aircraft which you can almost touch.
TIME	Sunrise until 10:00 for RWY30 shots and till 12:00/13:00 for short runway.
MISC.	Nothing at the location. There is a small coffe shop at the roundabout with some drinks and snacks. A ladder is not recommended as it seems to attract security more than at the other points.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-200mm for 30 line-up or 70-300mm.

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	Spot #7 – Sandyford
WHERE	See description for #6. Stay where you can park.
WHAT	Good for aircraft on approach to Runway 30
TIME	Midday until sunset.
MISC.	There is a small coffee shop at the roundabout with some drinks and snacks.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400 for the Hercs and 28-300 for the KC10.

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	Spot #8 – Old Airfield
WHERE	In Heathfield, south of the airport is the “Heathfield retail park”  with shops and restaurants. Park there and walk north until you reach the “old airfield”. You have plenty of options there and positon yourself at one of the farm tracks for arrival and line-up shots.
WHAT	For Runway 03 shots only. 737’s are normally the largest aircraft to use this runway although an Antonov 124 used it recently.
TIME	Usually the whole day if 03 is active.
MISC.	Nothing nearby, please bring what you need before coming at the spot. Some fast food restaurants at the retail park.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm

++We do not have any pictures at the moment but if you do, please contact us++

	Spot #9 – The Mound
WHERE	From the terminal drive or walk (for 20-25 minutes) along Shawfarm Road then Shaw Road. There is a large gravel car park at the end. Walk a bit to the east till you reach the mound.
WHAT	Good for aircraft landing or departing on runway 30 and using the nearby taxiway.
TIME	From around 10:00 in Winter & 11:00 in Summer until sunset.
MISC.	Nothing nearby, please bring what you need before coming at the spot. BEWARE of dog s**t.
FOCAL LENGTH	The 727 and 747 were taken with a 28-300mm

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	Spot #10 – The Mound Car Park
WHERE	Same as spot #9 but use the mound on the left side of the parking.
WHAT	Good for aircraft parked near the hangers or taxiway shots as well as RWY12 departures.
TIME	From sunrise to 14:00 for photos 1 & 2 (aircraft on Aprons G, H or P). From 10:00 Winter or from 11:00 in Summer until sunset for photo 3  (aircraft on taxiway R or on the main runway).
MISC.	Nothing nearby, please bring what you need before coming at the spot. BEWARE of dog s**t.
FOCAL LENGTH	100mm-400mm

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