TAIWAN
TAIPEI-CHIANG KAI SHEK (RCTP/TPE)
The terminal is a huge 'H' shape with a double horizontal bar, and after clearing security upon arrival it’s easy to walk around. Depending on wind direction, there is a spot past gate C10 area on the Eva side of the terminals, well out of the way of anyone whereby anything landing was coming towards you and could be read off through the glass and anything departing can also be read as they taxied to the holding points. After dark, unless you get right up to the gates it is hard to see anything and during the day the haze and smog may lead to some being missed. You can also spot from the former control tower at the Aviation Museum. There is a small charge for admission to the tower, which is part of the museum. There is a shuttle bus from the terminals to the museum, please not the museum does NOT open on Mondays. You get very good views from here.
Added 16 April 2007
TAIPEI-SUNG SHAN (RCSS/TSA)
No proper views from the terminal, however if you turn right in front of the terminal and walk for about 20 minutes parallel to the runway/taxiway, then make another right turn (can’t go anywhere else), you will pass a security point which is inside the perimeter fence. A further 5 minute walk from here will take you past the end of the single runway. At the end of this road is another security point, and there is a small shady area of large rocks and small trees where you will get a perfect view of all the action. The security here are ok with you spotting, but photographs are strictly prohibited so keep your cameras in your bag. Most of what uses TSA will repeat after about 3-4 hours so you probably only need half a day here.
Added 16 April 2007