Between
12 noon and 3 p.m. the centre line of runway
05L is a very good option, and as a local spotter
said it "It is very exciting to see
old heavy loaded 747s taking off".
We didn't get any low passing 747, but
we
got
something almost as exciting during our stay
in September 2004 - a go-around
(photos
of this you'll see below). With a southwestern
wind during our September visit, the aircraft
will be touching down at the
far end of the runway and we hoped for take
offs as close as possible for us. With wind
from the opposite direction, the spot is perfect
for nailing touch downs from behind.
To
reach the spot, here is a shot description
how to reach it from were you need to park
the car (spot F):
Cross the Wilmslow Road
(A538), follow the National Trust path up the
hill and behind the fire station. From here
you follow the fence. It may be a bit rough
going as the path goes up and down. After
having crossed the pedestrian bridge over
the
river Bollin, turn right through the tunnel under
the runway. Turn left up a steep hill and continue along the foot path. At the
top of the hill you will find a gate to the right, go through
the
gate,
cross
the
field,
go
through
the
next gate, turn left, then right. This will lead you to the lights at
the end of the old runway.
Now
let us take a closer look at what you can
get at this spot starting with a landing:
Balkan Holidays Tu-154 about to land - distance
5 km (3 miles).
This
September day was hot and humid and therefore
a mirage landing.
The Tu-154
is turning off on Alpha Echo.
Still
with reversers deployed.
Behind
the Balkan Holidays aircraft you see parts of
Terminal 3.
On
Alpha Foxtrot shortly before turning right on
to Alpha.
