When the second runway opened in February 2001, it opened new possibilities to the avid spotter. On the south side of the new runway there is an embankment that runs the length of the runway (expect where it crosses the Wilmslow Road). This embankment offers grandstand views of 23L departures. During the Second Runway curfew (1200-1500) it is also good for 23R departures. By this time the sun is in your back. When the winds are easterly, 05R is used for arrivals. Arriving aircraft are bound to pass by you on their way to the terminals - taxying on Victor, Victor Charlie or Victor Delta.

In order to reach this spot you need to park your car on the shoulder of the old Altrincham Road - just remember not to block any of the roads as they are quick to tow parking offenders. It's only a short walk to the spot. Follow the public footpath through the gate and up the hill to the embankment. The last climb is rather steep and can very slippery after it has rained and when it is very humid. So proceed with caution as they say. No need to reach the embankment all muddy and wet with broken lenses.

This is what 23L departures look like from Spot G:

A Qatar Airways A330 crossing the old runway on Delta.

The Qataries have now reached Taxiway Sierra.

QR042 has now reached holding point Tango 1.

The Qatar Airbus rolling on runway 23L.

Close up as they pass our spot

Approaching V1

V rotate

Positive climb - airborne

Almost cleaned up - next stop Doha

With winds from the southwest and the midday closure of the second runway, runway 23R is used for take offs. To illustrate what you can get during this time, we are going to follow a Syrian 747SP departure - as we see it taxying from the terminal to climbing out.

On taxiway Delta in front of Pier C.

The Boeing 747SP has now turned on to taxiway Juliet, and will follow this taxiway to the end and then enter runway 23R for departure.

The Syrian Baby Jumbo rolling down the runway.

Lifting off half way down the runway.

Compared with other 747s at MAN - the SP is almost like a rocket obviously with a low fuel load.

Gear in - only the gear doors to shut.

A Damascus bound 747SP climbing out.

You can also follow arrivals on runway 23R from the south side. Here is a series of photos showing the arrival of a China Airlines Cargo 747-400 Freighter.

A few mile out

Touching down.

Speed brakes and reverses deployed.

Just before vacating the runway at Alpha Echo.

On taxiway Alpha - heading for the cargo area off November.

With the wind coming in from the northeast in May 2004, runway 05R was used for arrivals.

A PIA 777 touching down.

Abeam the new fire station.

Vacating the runway on Victor Charlie.

And on the other side - the north side - aircraft are taking off. Let us follow the Virgin Atlantic’s Island Lady departing for Florida.

Taxying on Alpha - having just passed in front of the Aviation Viewing Park.

G-VSSS on the move down the runway.

The Island Lady is climbing out from Ringway.

And to end this short description of the south side spot - here is a photo showing what the Aviation Viewing Park looks like with spotter mound and the DC-10 front section.