An introduction
Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second largest airport and the busiest single-runway airport in the world. The airport handles over 33 million passengers a year to more than 200 destinations. It’s a base to Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyjet, Flybe, Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Contrary to popular belief, the airport is a great destination for aviation enthusiasts. Donbassaero, Afriqiyah, Air Atlanta Icelandic, Air Moldova, Air Zimbabwe, Cubana and Sun Country are just some of the more exotic airlines to serve London Gatwick.
As you’ll find out below; Gatwick is best visited when on easterlies (runway 08), which is used roughly 30% of the time.
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Spotting location one
LOWFIELD HEATH ROAD / 08 Arrivals & departures
Perfect for photographing the aircraft arriving on runway 08, this spot is ideal for most of the day. Everything landing at London Gatwick when on Westerlies can be shot from here. Additionally, with a little care, shots of the departing aircraft can be achieved.
Suitable lenses
A 70-300mm lens is ideal for here.
Lighting
During the winter the sun will be behind you for the duration of the whole day. However, during the summer the light will only be good up till around 4 or 5pm; afterwhich you will need to walk to spotting location two / 08 crash gate.
Reaching the location
The location is a rather unsafe three mile walk from the South Terminal. However, Airparks Gatwick car parking facility is located nearby and so you may wish to use their free transfer service. Available from both the North and South terminal, this will get you to this spotting location.
Otherwise, if you wish to travel to this location by use of your own car – then you can type in RH11 0QB to your satellite navigation system which is the post code for Airparks Gatwick. When you’re on Lowfield Heath Road, head east until you see the layby area on Charlwood Road, nearby to the Flight Tavern Pub. Park your car here and walk west back up the road past Airparks Gatwick.
Things to consider
In the summer the growth of the trees may stop you from viewing all of the departing aircraft, and from here photos of said movements will not be achievable unless you manage to take a peak over the fence using a very small set of step ladders. However, from this spot you will get car roofs in the lower half of your photographs. If you choose to do this, do not leave your step ladders unattended.
Likelihood of being moved on
If shooting the arrivals then you will not be moved on from here. However, it is not recommended to go climbing in the trees to shoot the departures or to leave step ladders hanging about. This may cause the local authorities to be upset.
Any pitfalls/advantages
Your car will be parked a good 5-10 minutes away, and you will be stood along side a road that at times can be quite busy.
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Spotting location two
LOWFIELD HEATH ROAD / 08 Crash Gate
Brilliant for shooting the aircraft holding for departure , the crash gate offers a superb view down the runway. Additionally, here you may also shoot the late evening arrivals as the sun will have moved around enough for them to not be backlit.
Suitable lenses
You will need a smaller lens for the larger aircraft such as Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 747 size, however Airbus A320 and similar sized aircraft then a 70-300mm lens is perfect.
Lighting
Backlit in the morning; this location is only usable during the afternoon when the sun has moved around enough to have the sun behind you.
Reaching the location
Just like 08 arrivals, however, instead of standing south of the runway, carry on walking along Lowfield Heath Road, under the flight path until you reach the crash gate on the right hand side.
Things to consider
Do not use Step Ladders here. You will attract attention from the authorities straight away.
Likelihood of being moved on
If you do not block the Crash Gate with you car and do not use step ladders, then you will not recieve any problems and you will not be asked to move on.
Any pitfalls/advantages
On days where the weather is very good, this spot will become very busy with enthusiasts. As a result, it becomes very hard to shoot here as there are limited holes for your cameras to fit through.
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Spotting location three
PERIMETER ROAD EAST / 26 Arrivals
Ideal for watching and photographing runway 26 Arrivals, perimeter road is the easiest location to reach if you do not have use of a car.
Suitable lenses
Depending on where you stand, a 70-300mm lens will be perfectly suited for this location.
Lighting
During the winter the sun will be behind you for the duration of the whole day. However, during the summer the aircraft on approach will be backlit during the early hours and the evening. It is however possible to shoot the aircraft from the other side by walking a little further up Perimeter Road East.
Reaching the location
If travelling by foot, then once inside Gatwick South Terminal; follow the signs for Concorde House. Once you’ve travelled down the flight of stairs, you’ll leave the terminal. The entrance to Concorde House will be on your right. Instead, follow Perimeter Road East, south bound until you reach the approach lights. Simply choose where you’d like to stay for the day along here.
If travelling by car, you can park in Gatwick Short Term Parking and follow the above walking directions. This however will get very expensive very quickly. Instead, you can park your car in the layby on James Watt Way and walk 20 minutes to the shooting location. To get to here using a satellite navigation system, type in “James Watt Way, RH10”.
Things to consider
Step ladders are not needed here. There is no shade in summer, but you’re a very small walk away from South Terminal should you wish to purchase any drinks and snacks.
Likelihood of being moved on
The local authorities do not like you leaning against the fence to take photos of aircraft taxiing out for departure, and may ask you to move away from the fence if you do. However, shooting arrivals from the footpath is not a problem and you will not be asked to move away from here.
Any pitfalls/advantages
Departures are not well photographed from here and would be backlit during the afternoon.
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USEFUL LINKS
– The Original Gatwick Spotters List
http://groups.google.com/group/gatwick
– Gatwick Airport, Official Homepage
http://www.gatwickairport.com/
– NATS Aeronautical Information Service (Aircraft Parking Charts etc)
http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/
– Gatwick Airport Movements
http://www.lhr-lgw.co.uk/
Planespotters.net 