Spoting in Manchester

[Imran K. 0]

Hi guys.

 

I'll be heading up to Manchester to visit my cousin (and a possible Eurotrip... ) and I was thinking of going spotting at the airport.

 

Can anybody who has been there comment on the facilities? Are the spots easily accessible? Is there an observation deck?

 

I've read the spotterswiki...but I'd prefer to hear anybody's personal experiences.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Imran.

[Walter Sim 1]

Havent been there myselves, but i think theres a specialised place to spot there.

 

Sort of like a spottting deck.

[I. Wong 0]

Imran,

 

I know some spots in the terminal where you can have a excellent view of airplanes.

 

a) You can find a good viewing deck on the top floor of the car parking attached to Terminal 1. See the structure in the middle of the photo from the following link:

 

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1005...next_id=1005156

 

From that spot, you can get this view:

 

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1038...next_id=1038183

 

On first floor of Terminal 1, there is a viewing gallery where you can have a view of aircrafts in T1 and T3.

 

I think there is another outdoor spotting venue nearby, but not very sure where is that.

 

The following is the link to MAN map, hope it would help you:

 

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/web.nsf...etailedViewMaps

[Seth K 3]

Imran,

 

Manchester is the 3rd busiest in the UK behind the two London Airports of Heathrow and Gatwick. Although the bulk of movements are UK charter airlines there are a growing number of scheduled carriers from around the world. As a result the airport now has two runways of around 10,000ft long. Usually runways 24R / L are in use, 24L (new runway) is used for departures while 24R is used for arriving aircraft. If the 06's are used then 06R is used for landings with 06L used for take-offs. However due to noise restrictions the new runway (24L / 06R) is closed between 1200 and 1500, during which time all movements use runway 24R / 06L.

 

Out of all UK airports, Manchester is probably the best for viewing and photography with many very good spots. There are a number of goods spots for both photography and viewing. As a general rule the spots on the southside are good for photography in the morning, with those on the northside being good for late afternoon / early evening.

 

Spot 1

Description: Terminal 1 Car Park Roof

Charges: Car Park Charges

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

The Car Park offers reasonable views of the international pier on Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However other parts of the airport are restricted (especially Terminal 3 BA, AA and domestic). Photography is good with two problems, there are fences around with a only a few holes at certain points from which to take photo's and only aircraft using Terminal 2 and certain stands on Terminal 1 can be photographed without obstructions.

With the car park charges it is also the most expensive spot at Manchester.

 

How To Get There

Located on top of the Short Stay Car Park, Terminal 1.

 

Spot 2

Description: Aviation Viewing Park

Charges: £1.50 a car + 50p per additional passenger on weekdays

£2.50 a car + 50p per additional passenger on weekends and Bank holidays

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

This is the official viewing area and offers excellent views and good photo opportunities. The area is situated close to the general aviation and maintanence areas and not far from Runway 24R / 06L. Before the new runway was built it was great for departing shots, but now most departures use the new runway (except between 1200 and 1500) then these are harder to get. All arriving aircraft can be photographed though as they vacate the runway and larger aircraft types can be taken as they taxi out to 24L. From a spotters point of view this is probably the best spot as all aircraft can be seen and there are facilities (foof, toilets etc) situated nearby. Photography is only possible in the late afternoon.

Thanks to Wendy Smith for pointing out that Dogs are not allowed in the Viewing Park.

 

How To Get There

Coming from the M56 exit on Junction 6 (Cargo area and Hale exit) and follow the signs for "Aviation Viewing Park".

 

Spot 3

Description: Southside 24L End

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

Perhaps the best spots for photography at Manchester are on the southside of the airfield. The area is a walkers route which runs for the whole length of the new runway (24L / 06R) on one side and about half way on the otherside. You can walk the length of the runway and around the 06R end with great views and photographic opportunities and you can also reach the other side of the runway (spot 6 - afternoon spot) by walking under the tunnel about halfway down on the left hand side (as you look at the tunnel).

The 24L end is very good for close-up photos as aircraft line-up on the runway. Photography is good in the morning.

 

How To Get There

Coming out of the road from the Aviation Viewing park turn left when you get to the main road. Follow this road and you will pass through two tunnels (the two runways). After passing under the second tunnel you will come to a roundabout, turn left here and park on the grass just off the road. Take a walk through gates and along the path (not the wide path towards the emergency exit gates but a narrow walking path on the right. Continue along this path, over a few hills and you will get to the viewing mounds. A word of caution, this area is very popular with trekkers and isn't a specifically made walkway for enthusiasts, it might get very muddy in the winter so be prepared.

 

Spot 4

Description: Southside 06R End

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

Some great take-off or landing shots can be taken depending on which runway is in use. Remember though that this runway closes between 1200 and 1500 daily. A visit to spot 5 may be in order during this time if the 06's are in use.

This is my favourite spot at Manchester, you are very close to the aircraft (100mm will be too much for side on views with anything like a 767) and the fence is way below you, you don't have to work to keep it out of your photos. Photography is good in the morning.

 

How To Get There

From the Viewing Park (Follow instructions to viewing park - spot 2) - Come out of the viewing park and turn left onto the main road. Pass under the two tunnels and go straight on at the roundabout. Take the next right, the road veers to the left and theres a turn to the right. When you get to the T junction turn right again. Follow the bendy country road. A few miles along this road the road veers sharply to the left with a turn which actually means going straight on. Go down this turn. About 1/2 mile or so down this road there will be a left turn, take this turn. Another mile or so down this road you will come to a T junction. Turn right here, this road should be named "Lady Lane". At the bottom of this road there is plenty of places to park. You can walk up the path to the right and take your pick where you stand for pictures, usually just past the fire station for shots like those above.

You can also walk down the path to the left which will take you around to the end of the runway for shots straight down the runway.

 

Spot 5

Description: End of 06L

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

The walkway from spots 3 and 4 goes along one side of the new runway, but also goes under it and onto the other side, allowing you to get close to the end of 06L. A slightly longer lens will be required though (I use 300mm maximum). You can get shots as aircraft line up and approach shotsfrom an area a few feet away but its only good when 06L is in use, one of the few choices when the 06R is closed between 1200 and 1500.

 

How To Get There

Follow the directions to spot 3 or 4. If you keep walking towards the opposite end of the runway you will eventually come to a big tunnel with a stream running through it. The pathway will go down into the tunnel and you will need to pass through the tunnel on the 06 end (left as you look at the tunnel). Once through the tunnel you will go up a steep slope and upon following the path you will reach a field where the landing lights are. You can also get approach shots if you wish from places around this area.

 

Spot 6

Description: 24L / 06R Northside

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

As stated, you can get to virtually anywhere you want around the new runway. This includes the Northside of the runway which is best late in the afternoon as the sun goes around. The area here is very similar to Spot 4 but on the opposite side of the runway, you are very close and only a small lens is required.

 

How To Get There

You can get to this spot either by foot from the other sideside spost mentioned above or by Car.

From Spot 5 - You will already be on the northside of the runway, simply walk further towards the 06 end and pick your spot!

By Car - Follow the directions to spot 4. The lane on the left before Lady Lane is called Wood Lane. Turn down here and turn right when the road folks. You will come to a set of crash gates (crash gates 11) and need to park along this road. Remember not to obstruct the area and try to park as close to the side of the road as possible.

It should be noted that the road to the left of the crash gates is a private road and the owner doesn't like spotters parking alongside there. If possible please park before the crash gates and walk up to the photography spot.

 

Spot 7

Description: Southside - 06L Departure Spot

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

This spot allows you to get a good view of aircraft departing 06L. The field is located further along from spot 3 meaning you can get rotation shots of aircraft departing 06L. The field is fairly distant from the runway and so will suffer from heat haze especially in the summer and a very long lens is needed.

 

How To Get There

Follow directions to spot 3. Walk further along the path towards the end of 24R. It is probably a 15-20 minute walk that takes you away from the runway and then back towards it. The field is on the left and has a big hill. You can get shots without going in to the field from the fence, as theres often a horse or two within the field it may not be wise to go in!

 

Spot 8

Description: Southside - 24R Arrival Field

Charges: None

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

This spot lies at the very end of 24R. It allows short final approach shots for aircraft arriving on 24R. A part of the ground can usually be included in the shot. Although not the best spot in the world it is one of the few areas to get an action shot of aircraft arriving on 24R.

 

How To Get There

The spot is situated in a smal village called Hale. From the airport head out towards Cheadle. Go straight over at the roundabouts and pass under the approach lights. At a T junction with traffic lights and a Total petrol station on the right, turn right. Continue down this road until you pass a number of green houses on the right hand side. Take the right hand turn straight after these. Continue until the road veers sharp left. The field is on the right hand side on this turn. There are one or two places to park the car on the side of the road and then just walk into the field where you will have a good view of arrivals.

 

Spot 9

Description: Terminal 3 Car Park

Charges: Car Park charges

Example Photos:

 

Other Information:

The top of the terminal 3 short stay car park offers views across the end of 24R and is a good spot to get arriving aircraft on a late summers afternoon, evening. Pretty useful aside from that, the sun never quite works its way around in the winter.

 

How To Get There

Go to the top of the terminal 3 short stay car park. Get as far towards the end of 24R as possible for the best view.

 

 

[TW Teo 0]

Seth, just provide the URL will do... Plane Mad - Spotting guide to Manchester

 

Imran, when will you be in Manchester?

[I. Wong 0]

forgot to add:

 

a) 0800 to 1400 is the busiest time in MAN with most heavies (US airlines, SIA, PIA, VS, EK and other chartered airlines)

 

MAS has one large and eye-catching advertisement board in the T2 check-in lounge. not sure is still there or not now.

 

c) the airport is the hub for many chartered airlines, such as, Mytravel, etc.

 

d) Long walk between T2 and T1/T3 via The Station and connecting bridge

 

e) Very efficient public transport connection to various cities and towns in the UK

 

Personally like the airport as it is not as busy as LHR and easy for flight connection.

[Seth K 3]

Seth, just provide the URL will do... Plane Mad - Spotting guide to Manchester

 

Imran, when will you be in Manchester?

Yes, I should, well at that time, I'm at the airport waiting for my dad flight from Heatrow, been delayed due to icy rain(Car severly damage ), so from doing nothing, I just photobucket them and share The wireless connection also very excellent and find a lounge, so, a.net and mw etc come to mind.

Edited May 14, 2006 by Seth K

[TW Teo 0]

Thanks for the effort Seth... it's a good idea too in case that site goes down

 

Just remember to give credits to the original authors. That's all.

[Imran K. 0]

Wow...thanks alot for the information guys! I've printed out the "spotting guide" which was posted by Seth and it will definitely help me when I'm in Manchester. Wong, I've also noted down the info you've provided and collectively, Im sure these valuable pieces of information will ensure that I have a fantastic spotting trip!

 

Cheers to you guys!

 

Teo,

 

As of now...im listed on the first EK flight on the 28th...and should arrive there by about lunch time (GMT). Thinking of coming down from Liverpool? Would be great if you could join me!

[Pieter C. 5]

Imran,

 

Not too far from MAN, do not forget to visit the airports at BHX (Turkmenistan flights and plenty of PIA) and CVT, the latter having a nice 'museum' collection on the field

[Imran K. 0]

Pieter,

 

How about popping on over for the weekend?

 

If not...i'll see how much EasyJet is charging me for AMS ...

Edited May 15, 2006 by Imran K.

[TW Teo 0]

Yeah, Imran... I'm thinking of heading down to MAN. On the bank holiday weekend? Hm... not sure yet...

[Imran K. 0]

Yeah, Imran... I'm thinking of heading down to MAN. On the bank holiday weekend? Hm... not sure yet...

 

Care to join me for the Concorde Tour then? We can go spotting before and afterwards!

[TW Teo 0]

Concorde tour? Sure! If I can make it... Got to prebook the tour if I'm not mistaken.

[Imran K. 0]

Concorde tour? Sure! If I can make it... Got to prebook the tour if I'm not mistaken.

 

I'll reconfirm the dates by this weekend. Let me know if you can make it on that day (Monday, May 29th right?)

[TW Teo 0]

Yeah, will do.

[Peter Smith 1]

K-han, MAN is one of a very minute number of airports, who encourage spotters. Its proven its worth for them. Certainly an initiative more airports worldwide should adopt.

[Pieter C. 5]

Pieter,

 

How about popping on over for the weekend?

 

If not...i'll see how much EasyJet is charging me for AMS ...

 

What period are we talking about, bro ?

Note: Easyjet does NOT operate between MAN-AMS and v.v.: you'd better check Jet2.com (if you wanna come-over to AMS (also operating from close-by LBA): they're quite good service-wise)...Easyjet does operate between LPL-AMS and v.v., though...

[Imran K. 0]

Yeh..i was talking about the flight ex-London.

 

As of now...26th may right up till the 3rd of may. Think you can make it sometime then? Over the weekend perhaps?

 

Be advised, the plans are not confirmed yet. Such is the life of a staff traveller (also..im looking for a date where I can get the J class on the -300ER!)

[Pieter C. 5]

Yeh..i was talking about the flight ex-London.

 

As of now...26th may right up till the 3rd of may. Think you can make it sometime then? Over the weekend perhaps?

 

See my signature, bro, no trips planned sofar between 26/05 and 03/06, so would be able to fly over to the UK...just mention the airport you want to meet, and I'll see what I can do...

[Imran K. 0]

Perggh...I meant 3rd of June bro. Sorry....im actually flying on flightsim right now...so my mind was on the flight!

 

Well...as of now...how about Manchester? I was also planning on heading down to Heathrow the next day (day after Manchester)...and you're welcome to join me! Was planning on meeting up with brother Andrew Lim as he's been bugging me to come and try his steak!

 

If you do decide to come...would it be a daytrip?

[Pieter C. 5]

If you do decide to come...would it be a daytrip?

 

Yes, daytrip only, whether MAN or LON is similar to me; heard spotting at LHR or LGW is extremely difficult now...LHR: only Hatton Cross subway station OK...so, prefer MAN, as spotters friendly place

[Imran K. 0]

Perggh...I meant 3rd of June bro. Sorry....im actually flying on flightsim right now...so my mind was on the flight!

 

Well...as of now...how about Manchester? I was also planning on heading down to Heathrow the next day (day after Manchester)...and you're welcome to join me! Was planning on meeting up with brother Andrew Lim as he's been bugging me to come and try his steak!

 

If you do decide to come...would it be a daytrip?

 

Alright then. It's set! Manchester it is! I'll PM you guys (you, Teo and Andrew) with the details!

 

Looks like its going to be one fun day!

 

Btw..."Old Amsterdam" s'il vous plait

[Pieter C. 5]

Btw..."Old Amsterdam" s'il vous plait

 

pas de problems, combien de grammes/kilos ???

[Imran K. 0]

pas de problems, combien de grammes/kilos ???

 

Cinque cent grammes s'il vous plait. Qu'elle dommage?

 

(500 grams k...whats the damage? )