AUSTRALIA
ARCHERFIELD (YBAF)
A largish GA airfield with Ce208s, Islanders, Metroliners and Beech 200s. No problems with driving round all the nooks and crannies. Ask for access, friendly.
Updated 25 January 2008
BRISBANE (YBBN/BNE)
It is possible to spot airside in the domestic terminal without a boarding pass - plenty of windows with good views of the main runway. The International terminal has views - there is a Mezzanine level to see arriving aircraft. Separate domestic and International terminals with a viewing area (if you have a car) next to the GA terminal on the west side of 19 threshold, which affords good views over both runways and is also a good spot for photos. Over the other side of the main runway are several hangars, Virgin Blue, Alliance airlines, Boeing and Qantas. No facilities though.
Updated 25 January 2008
MAROOCHYDORE (YBMC)
A GA airfield home of the Learjets of the Singapore Airlines training academy as well as numerous twin props.
Added 25 May 2007
MELBOURNE-ESSENDON (YMEN/MEB)
The large GA field serving Melbourne is only around a ten minute drive from the International airport and hosts a wide range of biz props and jets.
Added 26 May 2007
MELBOURNE-TULLARNARINE (YMML/MEL)
You can clear security in the Domestic terminal and spot from the bottom end of the terminal logging everything that lands in front. The end of the Virgin Blue pier has full-length windows and comfortable chairs and you shouldn’t have any hassle either. If you have transport then there is a viewing area adjacent to the main runway, which overlooks a good portion of the terminal.
Updated 28 September 2007
PERTH (YPPH/PER)
There is a terrace on the international terminal, which will give views across the airfield. However it’s better to go through the domestic terminal, where excellent views can be had near the QANTAS gates. A walk or drive to the various hangars nearby will allow the rest of the aircraft to be logged. Beware that the international terminal is a long way from the domestic terminal and hangars, approx 8km.
Correct as of 21 August 2007
SERPENTINE
A very friendly airfield, just report to Club Rooms prior to wandering around, no problems. Ask at every hangar for access.
Added 10 February 2008
SYDNEY-BANKSTOWN (YSBK/BWU)
A busy GA field with a mixture of biz jets, Metroliners, helicopters, light aircraft and a small museum with 6 DC-3’s present. Will take around an hour to drive around all the nooks and crannies to get a full log.
Added 20 May 2007
SYDNEY-KINGSFORD SMITH (YSSY/SYD)
The deck in the International terminal is accessed via the lift or stairs from the E-Sky Bar at the check in level, it’s well sign posted and it’s free. There is a café on the deck but toilets are on the ground floor. A good view can be had of the cargo apron and the domestic terminals and some of the international gates, though some of the international terminal building gets in the way of seeing the two main runways, so some of the arrivals do go onto gate without you seeing them and you will have to wait for them to taxi past for departure. There are monitors that list arrivals and departures for international flights - these also give the registrations of what is due. There are plenty of tables and chairs here, and a bit of shade at various times of the day. The pre-arranged ramp tours explore all corners of the airport, including the now deserted maintenance hangers - all work has now been transferred to Melbourne. Unfortunately due to security constraints, cameras and video equipment are not allowed on the tour. The GA area cannot be seen from the viewing deck, but with a hire car there are several vantage points to view from around the perimeter including the “shep mound” used by the locals. From here you can view all three runways with ease and is also very good for photos. You can also go through security in the domestic terminals without a boarding pass and sit at the end of the piers if you want. If you sit at the end of the Virgin Blue terminal you shouldn’t miss anything. To see what is on the GA ramp you will need to walk the fence, about 10 minutes from the QANTAS terminal, follow signs for the GA and NSW Ambulance and Police station. If you come out of the QF domestic terminal, follow the signs around past the car parks until you come to the Virgin Blue terminal. Carry on past here and walk to the end of this road and you will come to a busy junction. On your left will be a sign on a grassy area displaying Kingsford Smith. Directly in front of you will be the Stamford Hotel and to your left you will see a Formula 1 hotel. Head for this area and you will see the GA. Walk down here and you can take some excellent landing shots. Everything there should be visible and a look into the back of the hangars will net a couple more. No problems with police or security. You can walk through security without a boarding pass and go airside in the domestic terminals. Both the QANTAS and Virgin Blue terminals are accessible.
Hotels
The Ibis hotel 5th floor gives decent views of movements on 16L/34R. The Stamford is located closest to the domestic terminals and offers views from the rooftop of the hotel. A little pricey but excellent for the views you will get. The Formula 1 motel, cheapest by far out of the three and offers better views than the Ibis as its located closer to the perimeter and faces the GA. A room over looking the airport will see you log all GA movements and monitor one of the arrival runways. Whichever one you stay at they are all located within a 5-10 minute walk of the domestic terminals being Virgin Blue / QANTAS. No matter which one you go for, you know you always have the viewing deck on top of the International terminal to spot from or by going airside in either the QANTAS or the Virgin Blue terminals.
Updated 28 September 2007