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June 26, 2014London Heathrow Spotting Guide
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- last modified on January 18, 2019
London Heathrow is one of the most popular, if not the most popular airport for planespotting and with 75.7 Mio. passengers in 2016, the busiest airport in Europe. Our members are regular visitors and if you haven’t been there yet, it is high time up! With more spots to explore, we hope that you will also experience this unforgettable mega airport.
Amongst London’s five airports in the agglomeration area, Heathrow is surely the largest and busiest airport being followed by Gatwick, Luton, City, Stansted and Southend. Spotting in Heathrow is pretty easy. With only two runways, usually one for the arrivals and one for the departures you will get what you are after. Getting around and move between spots is not only easy but also cheap! There are free buses and tubes within the travel zone around the airport.
The big boss at LHR is British Airways by having the largest of its main hubs here and calling Heathrow home. Virgin Atlantic ranks seconds and is gaining on to come closer to British Airways’ massive amount of movements as VS has been expanding tremendously in the past years. London Heathrow Airport wouldn’t be the same without its North American carriers Air Canada and American Airlines, United and Virgin Atlantic’s best friend – Delta Air Lines. Most airlines use heavy equipment like the A380, 747 or 777 to serve London and single aisle aircraft are mainly used by the European carriers. But not only these well-known airlines are serving Heathrow, but also some very exotic airliners can be regularly encountered at the world’s second busiest airport! Biman Bangladesh (77W/787), Royal Brunei (788), Philippine Airlines (77W/359) or Garuda Indonesia (77W) are coming along. You will hopefully not miss one of these airlines but LHR has got a great advantage for us spotters – all movements take place during the day as there are flight restrictions during the night.
Written by Severin Hackenberger, Julian Mittnacht, Jan Seba, Jeremy Denton, Cristian Baló (spot 20), Alan Edwards and Marlin Lehmann / regular visitors (last Update: November 2018)
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| Airport Information | Runways | 09L/27R | 09R/27L | |
| 3.902 m (12.802 ft) | 3.660 m (12.008 ft) | |||
| Terminals | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | |
| This Terminal has permanentely closed on June 30, 2015.
Used to handle BA flights into particular destinations including a few from Spain, France and medium-haul-flights into the Middle East in its last days. |
Mainly Star Alliance members and Star Alliance partners e.g. Germanwings. Aer Lingus and a few other non-alliance airlines also operate from here. | mainly Oneworld including American, Delta, Virgin Atlantic. A few BA flights are also operated from here, fully depending on the flights destination. Non-alliance partners e.g. Vueling and Emirates are also boarding here. | ||
| Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 | Information | ||
| All SkyTeam members and following airlines do use T4: Malaysia Airlines, SriLankan, Etihad Airways, Air India, Air Algerie, Air Astana, Jet Airways, AZAL, Gulf Air, Royal Brunei and many more. | British Airways* and Iberia only (However, some BA flights are operating from different terminals, depending on their destination) | To find out which airlines are departing from which terminal, check this link. | ||
| Spotting Information | Ladder | Since very recently, spotting at Heathrow Airport has become more difficult without stairs. At some spots, a ladder is now necessary, the London Police however will possibly ask you to leave as ladders at the fence may pose a safety risk to them. There have been occurrences in the past weeks which is why the authorities were having some double fence applied to the perimeter fences at some parts of the airport. Check the particular MISC box of each spot. | ||
| Car/Public Transport. | Not required as travelling with public traffic is easier here. It is pretty easy in London to use the free buses within Heathrow’s travel zone. There is a detailed description at each spot how you get there by public transport. Visit this website for more information or download the map. | |||
| Restrooms | At some spots, restrooms are nearby. Please check the particular ‘Misc’ box at each spot for further details. | |||
| Drinks/Food | Gas stations and other facilities are next to almost every spot. There are also a couple of grocery stores around Heathrow to buy your provisions for the day. | |||
| Hotels | There are plenty of hotels around London Heathrow:
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| Season | There is no peek season in Heathrow and offers almost the same flight schedule both winter and summer. The UK’s weather is not reliably predictable in advance. Last-Minute trips to London are possible as the flights are pretty cheap from almost every major airport in Europe. The light conditions in the winter are perfect due to the low position of the sun and it runs parallel to the runways for the whole day. |
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| Runway Usage | 09L/27R | Used in all directions, except 09L departures | ||
| 09R/27L | Used in all directions, except 09R arrivals | |||
| At Heathrow, one runway is usually open for the arrivals whilst the other is used for the departures. At 3pm these operations will be switched. The runway, that was used for the arrivals is now open for the departures and vice versa. This operation switch will not take place when the wind is blowing from the east (so-called Easterlies). In case of Easterlies, 09L is used for arrivals whilst 09R is used for the departures (and some rare arrivals – mostly Arab heavies) for the entire time of 09-runway operation! Landing runway Alternation Programme 2015 by LHR. During times with less movements, especially on weekends, it is possible that airlines will be using the runway which is the closest to their terminal/gate no matter if 09 or 27 is acvtive. For example: Sri Lankan is deplaning and boarding passengers at Terminal 4 and does therefore always prefer a 27L or 09R arrival to avoid a long taxiway rides from the northern runway.During peek times, both runways are used as landing runways. This may happen in the morning hours. We have also noticed that some A380 flights don’t use the main runway for arrivals because of the heavy turbulence they do generate. Due to the location of the parking stands, British Airways A380 flights usually land on 09L/27R. Visit the offical “Heathrow Noise” twitter account to gather the latest active runway informations! |
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Spot #1 – Hatton Cross Footbridge – 27L arrivals |
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| WHERE | This location is easy to find as it is directly at the Hatton Cross station. When having arrived by bus or by tube you will immediately see the skywalk when you leave the bus or the station building. This skywalk bridges the Hatton Road as it is diffucult and dangerous to cross Hatton Rd as a pedestrian. |
| WHAT | All arrivals into runway 27L. |
| TIME | This is a good spot for the very early morning and evening hours during the summer only; useable from May to August. In winter unuseable. |
| MISC. | A lavatory and a snack shop is inside the station. You can also walk to the BP gas station which is in easy walking distance. This BP garage is marked in the map above. It is located south of Hatton Cross. No lightpoles will block your view as your are on a higher level. Travelling here by public transport is more than easy. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Boeing 777-300: 70mm; A319: 155mm; B788: 90mm |
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Spot #2 – Horse meadow – 27L arrivals |
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| WHERE | This spot is located along the walkway by the roadside of “Great South-West Rd”/”A30”. Your exact position depnds on the shot, angle and sunposition, as you might move around with the sun. The spot can be reached easily from Hatton Cross Station, as it’s on the way to Myrtle Avenue spot. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 27L. |
| TIME | Normally this spot is used for front shots, so the best time here is from afternoon till evening (~5pm till ~7pm). Best season here is spring or fall, when the sun sets “on” the runway – in this time such front shots are the best ones! |
| MISC. | No ladder needed and NOT recommended! Everything needed inside nearby gas station or Hatton Cross underground station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depending on what kinda shot you wanna take, but for our example ones 70-300m were totally enough. |
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Spot #3 – Myrtle Ave – 27L arrivals |
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| WHERE | This is the most popular spot in LHR! When travelling on public transport, use Piccadilly line and exit at Hatton Cross. When you leave the station building in direction of the Great South-West Rd, cross the street to the other side of the street (if you don’t do here, you won’t have the possibility to do so a few yards further). Walk southeastwards for about 0.3 miles. You will pass the BP gas station on this route. Walking from the station to the Hatton meadow will take you approx. 7 minutes when walking at a normal speed.
By public transport: The Piccadilly line stops at Hatton Cross serving routes to London City (direction Cockfosters or Amos Grove) and to Heathrow Terminal 1,2,3 and 5. Please note: Passengers for Terminal 4 have to change the platform at Hatton Cross or previous stations.Bus lines from Hatton Cross station: Stop B: 423 (Hounslow), 482 (Southall Town Hall), Stop E: 90, 203, 285, H25, H26, X26, Stop Hatton Cross station: 203 to Elmsleigh Bus station |
| WHAT | All 27L arrivals here. You are very close to the approach line so go to the other end from of the meadow to get an adequate angle. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | There is a BP gas station in easy walking distance for this spot with toilets and some snacks. Hatton Cross station also offers aplenty facilities. Trees spending some shadow in the summer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 mm for an A320, 50 mm for a 777-300 |
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Spot #4 – Bedfont Football Club – 27L arrivals |
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| WHERE | Located at the Myrtle Ave and Hatton Rd crossing is the Bedfont Football Club. The spot is located on the north-east side of the football pitch right next to a small trench and you are shooting across a large field, so you don’t have any obstructions. Getting here is pretty simple and basically the same as for the Myrtle Avenue spot, just keep a few moments walking. Just grab a bus or a tube to Hatton Cross, cross the A30 road and then the quickest way is to take the Hatton Rd from there. |
| WHAT | This is the best location for RWY 27L arrivals. It is a bit further away than Myrtle Ave, so you get a better angle for your shots and thus also more shots per aircraft. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | Remember that you are on private property here and it may happen that members of the club ask you to leave. If so, just use the spot on a field next to the football ground (tagged on the map). Its possible that you can´t access the spot as the club is closed! Also make absolutely sure that you don’t leave any trash behind. There is a pub across the street, where you can get something to eat or drink. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B773 is just below 100mm and an A320 is a bit over 180mm. |
UPDATE AUGUST 2018: A new fence is being built, but regarding to locals spotters will still be able to enter the Football Club. Let’s see and hope…
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Spot #5 – Southern Perimeter Road – 27L Arrivals |
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| WHERE | There is another good position for 27L arrivals located a little bit more southwards than Hatton Cross. When you start at Hatton Cross, do not cross the street as you would walk towards Myrtle Ave but walk from the bus stops towards the big parking bay west of the station. Southern Perimeter Road and the Great South-West Road are seperated by a fence, so you won’t be able to change onto Southern Perimeter Road when walking on Great South West Road except you climb over the fence, which is indeed possible at some parts. Walking from Hatton Cross Underground Station to this spot will take you about 14 minutes and is a distance of 0.6 miles. You can obtain information about the exact walking route in the map. The correct route is marked in the map starting at Hatton Cross Bus Station. |
| WHAT | Arrivals into 27L and heavy departures from 09R. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | Thanks to Peter James Cook for handing in the pictures. There are facilities and a restaurant on the first floor of the Premier Inn Hotel, which is quite nearby. Walking to Terminal 4 will take you about 15 minutes, walking to the BP Hatton Cross Connect about 17 minutes. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm – 300mm |
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Spot #6 – A30 – 09R departures |
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| WHERE | To reach this spot, just follow the A30 (Grand South-West Rd) for approximate 10 Minutes starting at Hatton Cross. Pass Myrtle Avenue spot and a small office building before you will encounter a small meadow next to the road. Walking from Hatton Cross station to this location will take you not more than 13 mins, when walking at a normal speed. Walking from Heathrow’s Terminal 4 tube station is rather unadvisable due to a prohibition of crossing the streets by pedestrians at some parts. |
| WHAT | Good for heavy 09R departures – lighter ones might be already too high. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | There are facilities and a restaurant on the first floor of the Premier Inn Hotel opposite Spot #19. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300 mm for a 737, 150 mm for a 747-400 |
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Spot #7 – Premier Inn Hill – 09R Departrues + 27L Arrivals |
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| WHERE | The raised grass mound opposite the Premier Inn Hotel offers interesting views for those who are tired of Myrtle Avenue and want to see landings on to 27L with a cool backdrop and a pleasant place to sit. It is also great for shots of heavy 09R departures, though lighter aircraft may already be too high at this position. From Hatton Cross use bus lines 482, 490 or 555 and get off at Sheffield Way. By train or underground exit at Terminal 4. From the bus station you just have to cross the main street but be careful! No parking at the stop. |
| WHAT | Heavy arrivals into 27L and heavy departures from 09R. |
| TIME | For 27L arrivals it can get quite hazy on summer days so we recommend visiting only during the winter or summer mornings from roughly 09:00 – 11:00. There are no such problems for 09R departures which can be photographed all day in the winter and between about 09:00 and 16:00 in the summer. |
| MISC. | Thanks to Monty Rumbold for handing in the infos. You get very little warning of 09R departures which appear suddenly from behind the buildings. Also, it’s unwise to rely on Flightradar24 as many of the aircraft don’t show on it until they’re airborne, so it’s best just to stay alert. There is shade at this spot and there are facilities and a restaurant on the first floor of the Premier Inn Hotel opposite. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 27L arrivals: 300mm – 500mm (samples were taken in the summer). 09R departures: 150-300mm will cover most things from here, though anything smaller than an A320 may require a greater magnification or some cropping of the photo. (The Dash 8-400 photo was taken with a 55-300mm lens and cropped.) |
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Spot #8 – Feltham Parks – 09R departures |
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| WHERE | There is a public park called Feltham Park near the A312, 2,5 km south of Hatton Cross Station. Adjacent to the park are Glebelands Playing Fields and Feltham Arenas. Any of these locations would be ok although Feltham Park is quite busy. You can park on residential roads nearby eg Shakespeare Ave/Shaftesbury Ave/Helen Ave and it’s a short walk into the park. By public transport use bus 285 or 490 from Hatton Cross or you walk for approximate 30 minutes. |
| WHAT | Banking shots for 09R departures only and the best aircrafts to spot from here are departures to southern Northamerican (Miami, Atlanta, Houston or Washington for example – Canadian departures mostly bank to the left side, so they aren’t that nice), Arabian (Dubai, Doha or Amman for exmaple), Asian (Mumbia or Singapore for example), African (Accra, Johannesburg or Cape Town for example) or Australian (Perth for example) destinations as they bank to this side. |
| TIME | This position can be used from late morning on.
Best season for this spot here is winter as the sun is lower then around midday, when this spot has its best light. |
| MISC. | It is mainly residential so probably best to take what you need with you. There is a Tesco Superstore about 5mins drive away on Faggs Rd/A312. Take care of the dogs, which aren’t on a lesh sometimes and might disturb you while shooting pictures, and some strange people in this area especially in dawn and dusk. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300-400mm lens needed for wide-bodies. Minimum 400mm for narrow bodies. |
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Spot #9 – Grass roadside – 27L departures |
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| WHERE | To reach this spot, take one of the buses at the Hatton Cross station to get to the Stanwell, adj Bedfont Road, station. After leaving the bus (the bus station is next to a gas station), just follow the road parallel to the longford river until you reach the ‘Rising Sun Pub’, which is a known spot for local spotters. But don’t stay here and cross the ‘Longford River’ to reach the southern perimeter road. There just walk a couple of meters westwards where you will find a small meadow.
By public transport: take bus line 490 to Heathrow Terminal 5 (every 6 minutes) at dismount at Heathrow Cargo Area (7 stops from Hatton). Walk southwards from Stirling Road and cross the Southern Perimeter Road to get to the other side of the road. Turn right and follow the Southern Perimeter Road in its west direction for about 0.6 miles. This will take you about 26 minutes from Hatton Cross. |
| WHAT | Stay along the road to get the aircraft departing on 27L. You see them rotating very late as there are some constructions obstructing your view. There are some disturbing light poles of the road which complicate the photography too. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | A gas station (Esso) is just next to your. The Rising Sun pub is also nearby. No ladder needed! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200 mm for an A320, 100 mm for an A380 |
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Spot #10 – Water Reservoir – 27L Departures |
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| WHERE | The spot is next to the King George VI Water Reservoir south of Terminal 5 and the village of Stanwell Moor. To reach this place you have two options from Terminal 5.
LONG WALK: Regular bus N8 that runs every 30mins and it will take you along Stamwell Moor Rd until Horton Rd Stop (aprox 7min ride) and then continue on the direction of travel until the first stop light and cross Stamwell Moor Rd and you will see the little entrance by the fence protecting the reservoir. Continue on that walkway with the fence to your left. SHORTER WALK: Not so regular bus 442 (VAN) that runs depending on the day and on the time of the day at different intervals from 60mins to 90mins. It will leave you at Horton Rd and the stop is the Post Office. Continue straight to Hithermoor Rd and turn right until the end of the street. You will see the fence surrounding the reservoir. Both ways will lead to the bridge that it is shown on the map. You can either shoot from around that area but not many options or continue for another 15 mins walk to reach the best spot. Cross the bridge and follow the fence. From google maps it says 0.3 miles or 6 mins. And you will have an open path to your right. It is VERY muddy so wear appropriate shoes specially if it has been raining before. Continue on that muddy path until you reach an open space with 2 wooden fence doors on both sides of the path (see photo below). |
| WHAT | Banking shots for 27L departures only and the best aircrafts to spot from here are departures to Arabian (Dubai, Doha or Amman for exmaple), southern Asian (Mumbia or Singapore for example), African (Accra, Johannesburg or Cape Town for example) or Australian (Perth for example) destinations as they bank to this side. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer.
Best season for this spot here is winter as the sun is lower then around midday, when this spot has its best light. |
| MISC. | The trees are blocking some of the angles so jump over the fence and get inside towards the reservoir and the view is great. Is VERY isolated and a calm place so take everything with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Long length needed! 500mm at least. |
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Spot #11 – Terminal 5 Car Park – 09R Line-Up’s |
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| WHERE | The position of this spot is difficult of explanation as it is located directly one level below the approach road of the terminal. When you enter the terminal building proceed to any of the stairways. After proceeding one level lower, exit the building to the west and walk to the southernmost point of the car park. Holes are at some parts of the grid fence through which you can easily photograph. |
| WHAT | Line-up’s onto runway 09R are visible as well as some taxyings from through Terminal 5. Please note queueing airplanes sometimes block the view onto the runway and the Auxiliary Power Unit of the planes cause massive heat haze on some photos. Queueing airplanes can also be photographed very well. |
| TIME | Early morning hours and late afternoon during summer only. |
| MISC. | Drinks and foods are available inside Terminal 5, lavatories are also to be found inside of the terminal building. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm – 300mm |
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Spot #12 – Terminal 5 South – 27L Departures |
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| WHERE | This spot is situated outside of Heathrow´s Terminal 5 departure level. When coming from the city centre or from Hatton Cross, take the Piccadilly line to Heathrow Terminal 5 and exit the train at its final stop. The Piccadilly trains terminate here. Walk from the station to the departure level and leave the building at any exit. Make sure that you now walk southbound to runway 09R. It is difficult to describe the exact position of this spot, please check the map for further details. |
| WHAT | All landings on runway 09R as well as heavy 27L departures are perfectly visible. This spot is a good bet for 09R-arrivals in the morning in summer month. The sun shines perfectly onto the airplane. |
| TIME | Early morning hours and late afternoon during summer only. |
| MISC. | Drinks and foods are available inside Terminal 5, lavatories are also to be found inside of the terminal building. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm to 300mm |
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Spot #13 – Terminal 5 North – 09L Arrivals + 27R Departures |
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| WHERE | This spot is situated outside of Heathrow´s Terminal 5 departure level. Where all taxis drop people, you have a big parking area where you can photograph. When coming from the city centre or from Hatton Cross, take the Piccadilly line to Heathrow Terminal 5 and exit the train at its final stop. The Piccadilly trains terminate here. Walk from the station to the departure level and leave the building at any exit. Make sure that you now walk northbound to runway 09L. Then search your favourite position between all those light poles and roads on the 4th or 5th floor, you can use both! |
| WHAT | From the 5th floor: All arrivals into 09L as well as heavy aircrafts which are departing from runway 27L.
From the 4th floor (one below the drop off level): Some taxiing aircrafts near T5 apron. |
| TIME | In winter all day and in summer from late morning till afternoon. |
| MISC. | Drinks and food can be bought inside Terminal 5. There are also aplenty of lavatories in T5. Piccadilly trains are running every 10 minutes. Please note that the example photos of taxying aircraft were taken over the way. Police sometimes checks this area and may ask you to leave this location at it is located on a narrow pavement next to the terminal access road.
Heat haze can be a problem during spotting as wlel as the many light poles and signs on the driveway. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100mm to 350mm |
Overview of the 4th floor:
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Spot #14 – Meadow – 09L Arrivals |
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| WHERE | This spot is located on kinda meadow between all those roads. Difficult to discribe how to get here, but taxe the groundfloot exit from Terminal 5, then pass the Sofitel building into northern direction. After you passed this on your left, you’ll see a parking area into northwestern direction, where you have to head to. Once arrived there, cross the road between this parking and the marked meadow. Difficult to discribe, please see the map for more details! |
| WHAT | All arrivals into runway 09L. |
| TIME | In winter all day, in summer from Late morning till afternoon. |
| MISC. | Everything needed inside Terminal 5. No ladder needed.
BE AWARE OF FAST CARS/DRIVERS WHILE GOING TO THE SPOT! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-250mm
90mm = B747 |
Meadow looks like this and example pictures (taken from the meadow) look like this:
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Spot #15 – Grass Embankment – 09L arrivals |
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| WHERE | Right next to the bridge above the A3044, there is a grass embankment, which can be used as a location to stand. Getting here is a bit trickier though, the best solution is probably to walk from Terminal 5, so just take a bus there, get off and walk to the northern side of the terminal. Stick to the sidewalk there, which leads you along the fence and to a queue of taxi drivers. From there you have to walk right at the street curbstone, so be very careful and always look out for the traffic. Get to the round-about, cross it and the bridge after it as well. Then just jump over the crash barrier to your right and you are there. |
| WHAT | This is the location for arrivals on RWY 09L. |
| TIME | In winter you can use this location all day, in summer it should be used from 09:30 AM to 4 PM. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. Nearest facilities inside T5. No ladder recommended and needed. BE AWARE OF FAST CARS/DRIVERS WHILE GOING TO THE SPOT!
Security/Police information: It’s okay, to stand behind the barrier on the grass (northern side), but you’re not allowed to stand on the highway, so on the other side of the barrier (on the side walk) or the bridge – otherwise the police might ask you to leave! We have heard expiriences that the officers received calls, because “people are standing on the street” and it should be our interest to be allowed to stay there and to take pictures, so please don’t stand on the southern/other side of the barrier! So it’s illegal to be on the highway, which means the way to this spot would be illegal (if we’re exact). But the police condones us (while walking there), that’s why it’s even more important, to stay on the grass side at the spot! The offical and legal way would take about 20 minutes amnd not 5 minutes – like the current one! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 100mm for a B744 and 190mm for an A320. |
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Spot #16 – Stanwell Moor Rd – 09L arrivals |
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| WHERE | Use bus line 423 which runs between Hatton Cross and Heathrow Terminal 5 and get off at Heathrow Close (Stop K). Then walk back the Bath Road into south-western/western direction for about 150 meter to a big roundabout. If you want to make close-ups or front shots (like the BA744/AA772 example shot) stay at the roundabout, but if you want to make “whole aircraft pictures” (like the Oman example picture), then turn right onto Stanwell Moor Rd/A3044 and follow her for about 100-200 meter – this depends on the angle and view you want to have. The Oman/Air India/Asiana example pictures are taken from the street sign on the left roadside (looking into nothern direction). |
| WHAT | You get all landings on runway 09L. |
| TIME | You cas use this spot in early morning hours and late afternoon during summer only. |
| MISC. | Nothing close to the spot, except at the Heathrow Lodge Hotel and a little bar. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Roundabout: 50-400mm
Street sign: 100-300mm |
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Spot #17 – Thistle Hotel – 09L arrivals & 27R departures |
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| WHERE | +++ UPDATE JULY 2018: Its no longer tolerated to take photos from here, so its pretty useless now. All infos here. +++ |
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Spot #18 – Terminal 2 driveway – Runway 09R/27L + southern apron |
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| WHERE | +++UPDATE JAN 2019+++ We received reports that spotters have been alerted by the Metropolitan Police that this location should not be shown to anyone due to the danger of taking pictures with a fatal drop below with busy traffic only a few feet behind you. Spotters were asked to leave the spot for safety and security reasons. We can’t recommend the Usage of this spot anymore to avoid that spotters getting detained by the police and missing their flight or getting into unnecessary trouble as we also received reports that the police once even threatened to wipe all the photos on a camera. |
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Spot #19 – Renaissance Hotel – Runway 09L/27R |
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| WHERE | This spotting location is for hotel guests only! The Renaissance Hotel is a five-star-hotel located on Bath Road north of the airport. Terminal 1,2 and 3 are just minutes away from here. This hotel is located very convenient: Mondial Way Bus Stop (Stop BL towards Heathrow Terminals 1,2,3 and 5 and BK towards Hatton Cross and Uxbridge/Harrow) is right on the doorstep which is served by bus line 81, 105, 111, 140, 222, 285, 423 and N9. |
| WHAT | All runway movements of 09L/27R. The rooms also offer a splendid view onto the north side of the terminals, you can also photograph taxyings to the take-off runway from here. When 09s are in use, there will be no departures from the northern runway. |
| TIME | Early morning hours and late afternoon during summer only. |
| MISC. | You should better leave a notice in your booking that you wish to have a room which is aligned to the airport and located in the upper storeys and not to Bath Road. If you still get a room without a view to the airport, spotting from the corridor window at the easternmost part is possible also (but limited angles). If you have access to the Club Lounge which is located in the top floor, you can also take photographs from here, it offers a splendid view, even better than from the rooms as you have a view onto the line-up threshold also.Noise created by aircraft at night may cause disturbance to your sleep in this hotel, but due to Heathrow’s night ban, the airport interrupts the most operations from 11pm to 4.30am.The windows cannot be opened fully as at all airport hotels, but proper photographs are still possible. The window glass is clear and not tinted. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm – 300mm |
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Spot #20 – Line-up – 27R |
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| MISC. | UPDATE 23MAY2016: We have received an email from one of our readers who informed us about the following novelty: Since the installation of double fences along the perimeter fence, spotting through the fence has become impossible. We have striked through the spot only. |
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Spot #21 – Northern Perimeter Rd – 27R arrivals |
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| WHERE | Select one of the free buses between Terminal 1-2-3-5 and Hatton Cross to reach this location. Exit at Hatton Road North (Stop K) when coming from the terminals. When you are travelling from Hatton Cross tube station. use bus lines 90, 285, 423 and dismount at Northrop Rd (Stop L). Cross the street and walk to the meadow which is immediately located the other way. The meadow is between two parking decks/bays. |
| WHAT | Great place for the 27R arrivals. There are some light poles which may disturb your view at some parts but we can still absolutely recommend this location. |
| TIME | This is a good spot for the early morning and late afternoon hours during the summer only. |
| MISC. | Closest facilities are in the Bath Road like McDonald’s and plenty of hotels. You should bring everything along by yourself. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm |
 |
Spot #22 – Line-Up’s 27R |
|---|---|
| WHERE | |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | UPDATE 23MAY2016: We have received an email from one of our readers who informed us about the following novelty: Since the installation of double fences along the perimeter fence, spotting through the fence has become impossible. We have striked through the spot only. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
 |
Spot #23 – Eastchurch Road – 27R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Here you are much closer to the action and the angle is different than at the spot a bit south-east of this one here. Select one of the free buses between Terminal 1-2-3 and Hatton Cross to reach this location. Exit at the Eastchurch Road stop when coming from the terminals. When you are travelling from Hatton Cross tube station use bus lines 555, 90, 285, 423 and dismount at Northrop Rd (Stop L). Walk back to the roundabout (about 0.2 miles). |
| WHAT | Great place for the 27R arrivals. Be aware of the light poles along the road! Light poles will not disturb your view when spotting from Elgin Crescent. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | Closest facilities are in Bath Road like McDonald’s and plenty of hotels. Bus stops are about 0.1/0.2 miles from here. Due to the recent redesign of the snowbase and the crash gate area there is not much space left to stay.
Airport security may ask you to stay not to close to the crash gate and the perimeter fence. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 mm for an A320, 50 mm for a 777-300 |
 |
Spot #24 – Eastern Perimeter Road – 27R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The spot is located at the Eastern Perimeter Rd right next to a crash gate. There is a small grass area next to the fence where you can stand (or sit in summer). The spot is a bit further away from all the bus stops, but the ideal one to get off would be Eastchurch Road if you are coming from the north. When coming from Hatton Cross or spots nearby, you can also embark bus line (Stop C) 555, 90, 285 or 423 and dismount at Envoy Ave (1 min journey). You can also walk this short distance if there is now bus leaving in the next minutes. Walk Envoy Ave to its end until it snaps off to the left. After having turned left, continue another 0.2 miles on Eastern Perimeter Rd. |
| WHAT | The location is good for 27R arrivals and offers a slightly better angle and more time to shoot than Spot 6. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. You need a long lens objective.
Airport security may ask you to stay not to close to the crash gate and the perimeter fence. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 110mm for an A346 and 220mm for an A320. |
 |
Spot #25 – Waye Ave park – 27R arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | From Bath Ave/A4 turn into Waye Ave and park at the end of the loop. It is residential but there is normally room to park. Walk into the park and head to the southern part for the best angle. This spot is an alternative to spot #23 and #24, but it’s much easier to park your car here, that’s why we marked this one as well – therefore distance and angle aren’t that good here. |
| WHAT | All 27R arrivals. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from 9AM to 4 PM in summer. |
| MISC. | No facilities nearby but there is a Tesco Express at the junction with Bath Rd. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-200mm is adequate for most things (QR A320 135mm, UA 773 98mm) |
 |
Spot #26 – Terminal 4 Observation deck – Runway 09L/27R + T4 apron |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is located airside in Terminal 4 and can be found after the security check. Once you passed this, just go to the terrace, which isn’t signed well unfortunately! It is located at one of the northeastern ends inside the terminal between the gates 15 and 16.
The terrace is literally just a glassclube, so it offers a good view in many directions, but this structure does also have disadvantages (mentioned below -> MISC.). |
| WHAT | All activities on runway 09R/27L and the apron and taxiways infront of this box. Some 09R Departures might be too high already.
Most narrow aircrafts are a bit far away from here, so the spot is mostly better for bigger aircrafts. |
| TIME | In winter, this position can be used all day, while it is suitable from morning to early afternoon in summer, depending on what exactly you wanna spot. |
| MISC. | All facilities you need can be found inside the terminal. Heat haze is a big problem here in summer.
This spot can only be reached WITH A VALID BOARDING PASS and is LOCATED AFTER THE SECURITY CHECK! Disadvantages: Window reflections are a big problem here as well as blurry pictures due to the windows, so spotting isn’t that easy here (90-degree-shots are mostly impossible for example due to the windowangle)! Apart from this, it might be very hot inside the cube during summer days! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm
Heavy departures = 200-300mm |
64 Comments
Where is a good place to park, in general and not for any particular spot, and then use my bike?
With reference to Spot 8, “Take care of wild dogs and some strange people in this area especially in dawn and dusk”.
There are no wild dogs! It is just a popular area for people to walk their pets!
For the perfectionists, some spots like Hatton Cross Bridge are only viable in late June/July.
Hi Tim!
Thanks for your help, information have just been added.
Regards,
-Severin
Hi Severin,
I’d like to contact you privately via email. Would that be possible?
Regards,
Karam
Hi,
check your mailbox.
Regards,
-Seveirn
Hi!
Does anyone have an idea about the spotting locations from following photos could’ve been taken?
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8701760
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8718475
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8774781
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9037339
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9141589
thanks in advance:)
Hi PM.
I’m pretty certain that these shots were all taken airside. Regards, Clive Grant.
Hi PM/Clive,
They aren’t airside however all the images are from restricted areas where the public shouldn’t be (apart from the Qatar A350)
Hi guys, I will be in LHR next week. Any news about the fence at the soccer club? Is it still possible for spotters to access the site?
Thanks, Arnd
Hi Arnd, we have no infos about a fence. It´s possible that the gate is closed and you can´t access the site. That´t might become an issue.
-Julian
Hi Julian, I asked in regards to the picture posted at spot 4 of a fence being built around the football club. But judging from your answer the fence ist not finished and access ist still possible.
Thanks, Arnd
Hi Arnd, I did not saw the update about the fence, sorry. But there was a construction fence years before this new one and entry was only possible when the gate was open. So the new fence will not change the situation that much.
Have fun anyway. Julian
Hi guys, I’ll go to London in a few days and want to make a plane spotting video at LHR. What best spot for taking footage of planes on the runway you recommend? Thanks!
Update for runway usage:
For 09, I have seen that there were some flight land on 09R while the airport not busy, inckuding Delta, KLM
yes we mention that with “During times with less movements, especially on weekends, it is possible that airlines will be using the runway which is the closest to their terminal/gate no matter …”
I improved the text a little bit.
THX
I thought I should let you know I have been told that Thistle Hotel can no longer be used as a spotting location at LHR. There was a sign that stated that it could only be used by people staying at the hotel and no photography or videography no longer is permitted there.
Hi Kian!
Sad news, but thanks for sharing. Spot updated!
-Severin
Hi, I’m heading off to LHR next January.
Just got questions regarding ‘Spot 4 – Bedfont Football Club’. While website suggests below 100mm for 77W, locals said that lens with 120~130mm range is required 77W for APS-C body. If that’s true, can I move little further up to the Myrtle side (maybe in between those houses?) and spot? Can anyone suggest how much mm is needed to cover 744, and 320 respectively? Preferentially I wish it doesn’t go more than 150mm for 744.
Hi, 120mm is too much for a 90 degree shot of a 77W. You need to stand back on the farmer-field to get it full into frame.
All our focal length datas are for APS-C cameras. 744 should be below 150mm. But why are you asking? Do you have a fixed focal length lens?
Regards
Julian
Hi!
I have a question about the football club and the field next to it, it says “Its possible that you can´t access the spot as the club is closed!” Does it mean that I can’t enter the field next to the football club if it’s closed or is there a another way around to get to the field without passing the football club?
/Henrik
Hi Henrik, if comming from Hatton road you can´t access the field as there is a fence. You can access the field from the soccer club if their gate is not closed.
Access on the field might be possible from the south but we did not checked that.
-Julian
There is no need to be a guest of Thistle Hotel to use their terrace as it is part of the hotels restaurant. As long as you buy some drinks or meals and do not block chairs for nothing, nobody cares.
I have been there a few times now and was never asked if i was a hotel guest.
Having stayed at the Terminal 4 Premier Inn a few times recently I’d advise calling the hotel once you have made a booking and asking them if you can request a room on the upper floors (Ideally floors 6 or 7) with a runway view as from what I was told be a member of their reception team they understandably get a large number of requests for their runway view rooms.
Also for spots 2 and 19 the Terminal 4 Premier Inn has a Costa Coffee and vending machines located on the first floor for people wanting snacks etc as well as the restaurantentioned above which you can access from the lifts from the hotel car park.
Hi,
in a week I am off to LHR. While updating my informations I noticed
“Terminal 4 – You’ll find our View Heathrow observation deck (near Gates 15 and 16)”
on the website of the airport. Is it before security and from any worth?
Thanks a lot for all the valuable infos.
Hi
It’s airside so for T4 passengers only. It’s worth a look if you happen to be flying out of T4 but nothing special really. It is East facing and there is lots of clutter around. It would probably be ok for 27L mvts in the afternoon but not much else really.
Cheers
Alan
Hi!
Thanks Alan for the quick and useful answer – added to Guide!
Hope this helped you, @HD Neuser!
Regards, Severin
Is the view on the terrace at thistle hotel glazed?
Hi Tom!
No, it isn’t: https://goo.gl/maps/oVqApK2UGgs
Regards, Severin
Any problems whit securety on spot 18
Thanks
Joao Santos
Its along a public road so I wonder if you would have issues with police. LHR is absolutely no problem!
-Julian
Is spot 12 still available? I heard, it is for hotel guests only now
Usually Hotel Restaurants are open to everyone so it would be really strange if they restrict access.
-Julian
“Usually”does not apply for the Thistle anymore. They will turn everybody away, who aren’t residents of the hotel.
I read that the area is only available to non-hotel guests after 5pm when the bar is open, but I don’t know the reason behind this and can’t confirm it.
I made a short notice in the description above. Thanks.
-Julian
Please add Premier inn T4 to the hotel list, very good value, connected by tunnel from T4 ask for runway view room odd numbers floor 4/5/6/7 room %61 to %91 on any of these floors give good views of both 27R/L and departures off 09R good views of aircraft parked on T2
Example pictures below, please feel free to use as required
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52287882@N05/38497184885
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52287882@N05/24582300987
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52287882@N05/24541518487
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52287882@N05/37359074944
Hi Phil!
Thank you very much. We just included the hotel into our list and linked the example pictures, thanks 🙂
Regards, Severin
Thank you so much for good information,
I’m going to LHR on Apr, 3days. from JAPAN.
If you are me, what plans do you make?
If you can recommend, let me know pls.
I would an advice from spotters living there.
Best regards,
Hi Kazushi!
This totally depends on the runway Usage and the weather, but of course you should visit the the most famous spotting location (Myrtle Ave) once… 😉
It’s now too early to make good plans, we’re sry.
Enjoy your stay here in Europe…
Regards, Spotterguide.net-Team
Dear Severin,
THX for your reply!
Yes, I’m looking forward to visiting Myrtle Av.
So I booked Hilton Garden Inn^^
Hi
Planning a trip to LHR in june, i wanted to know what is the name of the company buses that surround the airport?
Thank you
Hi, theses are the official buses from the city of London. https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/
-Julian
hi ill be visiting our next wednesday, hope no troubles yet with security etc due last terror stacks in manchester ?
Hi Everyone
Do you have any suggestion for spotting at Gatwick Airport? Thanks
Hi, for 08R arrivals you can stand here on a field: 51.143569, -0.214677
For 26L try it at the perimeter road.
-Julian
Hello,
Is it legal to use airband scanners n UK?
Yes. It is fully legal so you should be fine. It is actually encouraged a few of my friends that work in the control tower.
Hi,
What’s the latest news about parking your car along the Stanwell Moor road near spot 9? I heard that sometimes you get fined by the police.
Hi,
I can’t answer this question, but on another note: some weeks ago, I noticed that there are now signs, prohibiting pedestrians to use the sidewalk from Terminal 5 along the taxistand (to reach spot 9 by foot). I don’t know if this was just some temporary measure, for instance because of maintenance works. But it could be that they are discouraging the use of spot 9 in different ways now.
salve.ottimo sito per fotografia a Heatrow.io sarò li sabato 15 ottobre.se gli arrivi sono sulla 09 ho letto che c’è un hotel con terrazza gratis.confermate?
grazie 🙂
Ronny
From saturday july 9 until monday july 11, my son and I went planespotting for the first time in the U.K. at LHR.
We used your website as our guide. We visited the famous spot #1 and also spot #5 and #6.
The spotting location at the roundabout looks very different now, much less grass.
At spot #5 and #6, we were politely asked by “Heathrow security” to keep 3 meters distance from the fence.
We moved a little forward and we were allowed to stay on both places.
We had a fantastic time, spotting at LHR. Thank you for your information on this website. We will come again!
Kind regards, Ronny.
Hi Ronny, thanks a lot for the updates! Nice that we were able to help you out.
-Julian
Re. Dimitri’s question about spot 6, it’s not ‘closed’ as such, but as it is close to the fence and the new Snow Base, you are very likely to get moved on by security or the Metropolitan Police, as they’re strictly enforcing the rule that any people or vehicles have to be at least 3 metres from the fence because of heightened security fears.
So, the spot is still physically accessible as it’s right next to the road but you will in all probability get told to move away.
Hi all, going to LHR next weekend for a spottingstrip, been to LHR many times so I know the spots where to go for pictures, however is it correct that spot 6 is no longer availible? as I remember correct the snowbase was extended last year already (been there twice last year), at that time spotting was no problem over there.
Hi Dimitri, we just got this informations from a local spotter and none of our team members was actually there to prove it.
But personally I am sceptical that this spot is no longer available so just give it a try and let us know!
-Julian
Hi Everyone
I’m fairly new to plane spotting and have only been to Myrtle ave but i’m going to LHR on the 5th to see the Finnair A350 but it is going to be landing on 9L/R and what i want to know is wheres a good place to spot from when there landing on 9R and how easy is it to go to Spot No.9 by car
Or another option is watching them take off so is there a good spot where i can get a side on view of them taking off from 9R
Hi, the AY A350 will (most definitely) land on RWY 09L if the winds are from the east. RWY 09L is used all day for arrivals and 09R is used for departures.
I personally recommend spot 12 as the hotel’s terrace is free and there is a restaurant and cafe.
I hope this helps 🙂
I stayed at the Rennaissance Hotel for two nights & found it to be the perfect location for ‘spotting’. I had a grandstand view of landings on 27R – brilliant. All other movements were visable from my window & with the help of a flight tracking app all were identified too. There is a desk & chair sideways on to the window which was ideal for my laptop & notebooks, there is also an easy chair right in the window which makes for comfortable & very civilised spotting! The room was equipped with a tea/coffee making facilities. Photography needs no more than a 200m lens in my opinion (the windows were very clean on my visit). I paid £104 per night for a runway view room which included breakfast.
To avoid confusion spot #1 should be named “Myrtle Ave”, not “Hatton Cross” – the footbridge near Hatton Cross, Hatton Cross station itself and the car park nearby are also quite popular spotting locations.
Yes you are absolutely right! We have changed that.
Regards
Julian
I was in London for the first time last week, and I could spent three half days spotting at LHR: Oct 31st at spot # 1 (Myrtle – 27L) and Nov 4th and 6th at spot # 6 (27R). It was like a dream that became true, and everything got much easier thanks to your valuable tips. So I would like to thank you very much for your effort in order to help aviation spotters worldwide. You really accomplished a terrific job. Best regards from Brazil, Ricardo.
Hi Ricardo, thanks for your kind words and I hope you made some great shots.
Regards
Julian
Hello Dave,
With northern winds you can’t really count on anything. Its just a forecast and a slight change 20° to the east or west andthat would make the difference for them using 09 or 27. But in general with the forecast you can expect 27 landings, at least on Wednesday and Thursday.
But even if they used 09 for arrivals tomorrow, just go to spot Spot 9 and you’re fine as well. 🙂
Just grab the free Shuttle Bus to Terminal 5 from the Ibis/Hatton Road North and walk to the spot. If you dont know the area too well, better take a map or print-out with you (or use your GPS if you have that).
The good thing about LHR is: There is a good location no matter which direction they use.
I think takeoff shots are a lot trickier with 09 in use, so I’d stick with the arrivals for that.
Sorry to trouble you, I will be at Heathrow this Tue/Wed/Thu for a/c photography.
I usually hope to see landings on 27R & 27L (27R till 15.00 & then 27L this week)
What purturbs me is the Weather Forecast Wind directions and force. Today has been 09L & 09R landings.
Tommorrow the wind is forecast from the North 8 mph so I expect things to be as today
On Wednesday its N/W and Thursday N/SW so I am hoping landings will revert back to 27R & 27L .
From your previous knowledge is this likely to be correct ??
I am on foot and based at the Bath Road Ibis.
On previous visits with 09L 09R landings I have stuck to the Eastern end hoping for take off photos – but not with any great sucess
Hoping someone can help (or knows someone can help !)
Dave Elsworth