Aircraft Spotting at Poland's Airports and Airfields

MINSK MAZOWIECKI (EPMM)

A viewing guide of this air base can found here http://www.scramble.nl/airports/publish/epmm.htm

Added 2 March 2009

 

WARSAW (EPWA/WAW)

To the left of the domestic terminal there is a viewing area open 8am-8pm.  Go down some steps outside near the terminal and it’s signposted.  Go through the security check, up eight flights of stairs (around 90 steps), entrance is only 5 Zloty, which is about 80p and you're on a long but narrow terrace that runs along the front of the main terminal.  The view is really good and there are no problems with logging or photography.  Apart from the cargo area to the south, all movements and apron can be identified from various points (though the biz ramp seems to be behind the LOT hangars), either on the roof or from the car park - from the doors at the bottom, turn left and walk along the front of the terminal to where the road comes in, it's right in front of you.  This car park is the only place you will see the Polish AF aircraft.  No facilities apart from toilets so make sure you bring plenty of food and drink and wrap up warm as it's not sheltered and there are no seats either.  If you're tall, the toilets have windows and as it's warm, this may be somewhere to stay for a while to thaw out!  Your ticket isn't really good for re-entry but they sometimes allow you through if you wave it.  Mornings are busy but mid afternoon is extremely quiet.  You will also need to look out for both IL14s when you taxi in, as only one is visible from the viewing terrace – they are behind the fire station on the opposite side of the runways from the terminal, one is a fuselage, the other is complete.  There are no views once you go airside.  The military ramp and hangar area can be seen as you arrive in the new terminal 2.  There is another area at the far end of the new terminal, just outside on the approach road - gives excellent view over the back ramp.

Correct as of 10 March 2008

WARSAW-BABICE

Located in the northwest of town and visible on Google Earth.  The Aeroclub hangers are on the north side - there is a man with a gate, but immediately in front of the barrier is an open car park, from here you then walk to the back of the hangers and onto the airfield.  Very friendly, ask for access.  A former PWL An-2 fuselage is here used for parachute exit training.  The former military area is on the south side however their dispersal is now used by the Police and they have maybe 3 or 4 Mil 8 based over here plus one Jetranger.  This area is visible by going along Himalajska (this street shows on Google Earth) - you will end up behind a long row of car garages, keep your eyes peeled to the left.  Also here as you enter Himalajska is the military air academy – their hanger and apron is visible and if you are lucky some of their GIA frames will be outside, including Mig 21, Iskra, Yak 40, Su 22 and Mil 2.  If you have a car, keep going west towards Grotowska - here is the Cafe Zepplin which is next to the tall ATC tower.  There are usually another 6-0 aircraft parked over here including firefighting Dromader.

Added 19 January 2008

 

WARSAW-FORT SADYBA, KATYN MUSEUM

A large aviation collection in the southwest of town.

Added 19 January 2008

 

WARSAW-RAKOWICE, MUZEUM WOJSKA POLSKIEGO

In the city centre so viable by tram/bus from Okecie on the Al Jerozolimskie which runs east-west.  The Museum is on the west bank, adjacent to the Vistula river by the bridge known as Most Poniatowskiego.  The aviation exhibits are all outside.

Added 19 January 2008