Hi,

Is plane spotting illegal in the uk?

Is it me or does every airport try their hardest to get rid of plane spotters!? i went to exeter the other day and i got "moved on" by security three times! Once i was sat in a short stay carpark paid for the parking ticket and everything and was told i was wasting space for people who "needed" the space when there was clearly about 20 other spaces! second i was in a layby at the end of the runway lol Brilliant veiw then got moved on because it was too dangerouse because of the bad winds (which is fair enough) the i parked about a 1/4 of a mile down the road and got moved again! by which time i decided to pack up and go home .

To get to the point is there laws saying you cant do it????

Thanks!

sam.

I found out Heathrow (although miles from you) has got a designated area - so does Gatwick (again miles away from you) but Gatwick CHARGES you for it!
Got my bag searched last time I went to Heathrow

If you want to spot planes without trouble, try going to a local airfield. You can just walk right in and most of the time nobody notices you. There's also a much wider variety of aircraft and you can get a lot closer to them.

The local airfield near me has a nice deck right on the edge of the GA visitors parking and fueling area. Lots of great stuff to see there.

VERY strong glasses? ?
I think a pair of binoculars would do the trick, though they would have to be fairly powerful for those kind of alititudes.
Maybe a telescope.
I've never had to try - I live next to an airport 8)

The owners of my local airfield, (Shobdon EGBS), are paranoid,  not so much about airfield security, but the fear of insurance claims from little Johnny's parents after he runs into an aircraft propellor....while it's revolving... ...!

The CAA, and insurance companies idea...!

So my favourite airfield is now surrounded by metal fencing preventing anyone from getting within 100+ feet of any aircraft, whether occupied or not, so close-up photography is now out of the question... ...!
Even the gates to the restaraunt and outside seating area are closed, (because it means passing the Hangar), and permission has to be obtained to get a cup of tea and a sandwich... ...!
After 50 years of visiting the airfield it has now become a rather un-welcoming place....as even the staff agree... ...!

So much for modern times, and a society driven by insurance claims... ...!

Cheers all...!

Paul.

P.S. This situation had nothing to do with the aftermath of 9/11, but purely to do with the CAA and insurance policy stipulations regarding public safety.... ... ... ...!
...Buggar.... ...!

Hi Doug...!
Fantastic photo'...!
Either you were allowed into the tower, or you were sat on top of the restaurant.... ...!
I see you've got one of those "signs" on the fencing as well...."Do not enter without permission"...!
..."Go away..."...??
LOL...LOL...LOL.. ...!

Looked like a lovely day... 8)...!

Cheers Doug... ...!

Paul.

P.S. ..looks like I could do with a few more "mega-pixels" in my camera... ... ... ...!
LOL...!