Update: Heathrow

[davepotter]

Alrighty then ..

Well, in this day and age of 1Ds Mark II that only a lucky few can afford and primes that can see into your sisters window from 3 miles away comes the time that I should bring some good news to all those that plan to visit LL this summer.

It looks like the Petrol station at the 09R threshold will shortly be reopening under a new branding. It was looking almost complete when I passed it yesterday and this will mean that getting photo's like this ..

[photoid=5842168] or [photoid=5803536]

..will be a lot easier. A point of note, I think that if you do visit this location you should double check with the staff on site if it is ok to stay there and watch the aircraft, and out of politeness (not sure if that is a word :P) buy a small something (KitKat Chunky / Packet of crisps).

This was a very popular place when the old Esso Garage was there and im sure it will be just as popular so I thought it best to let the community know that this location will be back!

Also, I have got pictures from 27L lineups (the road that runs to T4 from Hatton Cross) numerous times and not been stopped and checked by the police so this could be a spot that is now ok to be at. If anyone has had problems please mention them so if people travel afar for this spot they are not disappointed when asked to move on.

I also tried shooting on top of the T3 car park a month or so back and it went well for around an hour before a Baggage Attendent spotted me and a friend jumping in and out of car with "Bazzookers"(actual quote) and we were asked to move on by a Community Police Officer. So once again, discrete and cautious you may be able to get a stint up there but I must urge they do discourage it. + the car parking fee's make you sick!

27L / 27R / 09L approach shots still fine to be at as far as I know had no problems apart from the old bill coming over and asking me to reposition my car when I was at the 09L spot as it was in an accident prone location , but just adhere to them and they will be courtious with you.

Hope this clears up the Heathrow scene til the next Terrorist Threat..

[Mark Ralph]

I Have a feeling shooting from the garage will be a problem when it opens, especially if a lot decide to try and park cars there. I usually park by the pub opposite the fuel farm and walk through. The grass verge either side of the garage would be the better option IMO.

[davepotter]

I agree - Thats what I normally do, but for those who wish to park and have somewhere to grab a bite or a drink, I guess this is where they would go. Im like you Mark, park by the pub and walk. Some may also be wary of leaving there car out of site..

[steve@MAN]

I'm planning a drive down in April. What bothers me is if they are landing on 09's. Is there a good vantage point where I can get good photo's? I used to stand in a field years ago but I'm told that this is no longer possible.

I've never had a problem with the Police there, although I was once stopped and asked "does your wife now you do this?"

Steve

[Mark Ralph]

Hi Steve, 09's are probably the best for the least bother with the boys in blue, I would imagine the field you stood in then is probably the very same used today. I actually prefer departures when using 09. Drop me PM if you like with your email and I'll send you a map with the spots marked on it.

[Manc]

I have to agree 09's deps are the best!

Having the Esso station closed has stopped me I park by the pub Mark mentioned and walk along.

[col1962]

I'm planning a drive down in April. What bothers me is if they are landing on 09's. Is there a good vantage point where I can get good photo's? I used to stand in a field years ago but I'm told that this is no longer possible.

I've never had a problem with the Police there, although I was once stopped and asked "does your wife now you do this?"

Steve

Landings on 9R are no problem at all - park on the kerb and down to the field, was there on 3 feb ... was about 30 cars there

[2C67]

There has been no problem with the 'Esso' spot, I used it a number of times through the winter and I must say that the afternoon light in the winter is simply perfect for heavy rotations off 27L.

In respect of 09L landings the ILS field is still ok as far as I know but there have been plans for some time to turn that area in to a staff parking area for Terminal 5 so it may not be around forever. In addition the field between the BP garage and Myrtle Avenue is another area slated for development, a car park to serve Hatton Cross Underground is what was being planned.

Mark, do you get any problems at the 27R touchdown spot? I haven't tried there yet.

[photoid=5918640]



Matt

[Olli Vainio]

I just hope things stay good...I'm planning to include Heathrow to my summer UK trip.

[steve@MAN]

Thanks for the replys guys, I appreciate it.


Steve

[Mark Ralph]

Mark, do you get any problems at the 27R touchdown spot? I haven't tried there yet.

[photoid=5918640]



Matt

Hi Matt,

Not a problem at all, the only pain with that spot is most of the year it's backlit had the odd visit at your favourite spot for line up's but not recently, I just get a toot as they drive past.

[philh]

Whats wrong with Myrtle Avenue and that field at the end of the other runway? See all you want from there, free parking, no hassle (except van drivers winding their windows down and shouting "sad wan*ers). After all, a side on/bit of an angle on approach is a side on/bit of an angle on approach wherever you are stood

[brianw999]

(except van drivers winding their windows down and shouting "sad wan*ers).

.....and my own personal favourite response, loud enough for them to hear it, is "Yes, so am I" accompanied by a middle finger extension.

[Ben Mulligan]

Hey Guys,

I am new in this forum. I live near Frankfurt/Germany and plan to visit LHR this summer. In the internet I found some flights for friday, saturday and sunday and I wondered, which day would be the best for Heathrow. I want to stay for one day and hope to catch as many highlights as possible.
It would be great, if you gave me many answers and maybe some more general information about spotting there.

Thanks a lot!!!

[Mark Ralph]

Hi Ben
Welcome to the forums.
If you are refering to the coming Fri,Sat & Sun I would personally hang on. The weather has been rotten and by all accounts looks set to continue well into the weekend. I would hate to see you waste money on a trip only to be rained off.


regards
Mark