This spot is along Moss Lane. Although it isn’t exactly easy to park along this country lane, it is the best place to leave your car.

The Airport Hotel can be seen just to the left of the tree and there it is possible to cross the fence to the right of the tree. You then have to move closer to the perimeter fence, pass through a gate and climb onto a mound just across from the Airport Hotel. This mound is perfect for spotting 23R landings and departures up until the second runway curfew ends.

Now I want to show you what type of photos you can get, so let us start with aircraft landing on 23R.

Half a mile or so out is this Alitalia A319.

This Thomas Cook Boeing 757-200 is closer to TD.

Almost there and a full side view of this British Airways CitiExpress Dash 8.

The classic side view.

The behind of an Aurigny ATR72

This is my favourite shot from my session at this spot. It was taken close to 3 p.m., with the sun’s reflection highlighting the aircraft. Here you clearly see the ‘hump’ on the runway. You can make out the top of European Aviation Centre’s hangar in the background.

During the 12 noon to 3 p.m. curfew on the Second runway, Manchester reverts to a single-runway operations and 23R is also used for departures. Let us take look at photos taken during that period.

This flybe Dash 8-Q400 has just passed Juliet Alpha.
In the background is where “plane food” is made by Alpha Flight Services.

A European Boeing 737-230 in Palmair colours is holding at Juliet Sierra 1.

The Palmair is eager to line up with runway 23R and the flybe Q400 is about to taxi forward to holding point Juliet 1.

The Jersey-bound Q400 lining up for take-off.

Half an hour earlier this bmi A332 in Star Alliance colours took off for Toronto.