SpottersWiki - User contributions [en]

Manchester Airport

2016-05-16T22:16:25Z

StuartB: /* Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1 */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 is now being used by the Car Rental Companies. Unfortunately there aren't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A330
*United Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A380, Boeing 777
*Etihad - Boeing 777, Airbus A330
*Qatar Airways - Boeing 777/787, Airbus A330
*Cathay Pacific - Boeing 777
*Singapore Airlines - Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A320/321
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 170/195, ATR72, Dornier Do328, Saab S2000
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson - Boeing 737/757/767/787
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320/321
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-900
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320, ATR72
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320/321/330
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Lufthansa - Boeing 777, McDonnell Douglas MD11
*Federal Express - Boeing 757
*Air Contractors - ATR72

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station, as is the Metrolink station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Manchester Airport

2016-05-16T19:24:59Z

StuartB: /* Scheduled/Charter Airlines */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A330
*United Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A380, Boeing 777
*Etihad - Boeing 777, Airbus A330
*Qatar Airways - Boeing 777/787, Airbus A330
*Cathay Pacific - Boeing 777
*Singapore Airlines - Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A320/321
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 170/195, ATR72, Dornier Do328, Saab S2000
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson - Boeing 737/757/767/787
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320/321
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-900
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320, ATR72
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320/321/330
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Lufthansa - Boeing 777, McDonnell Douglas MD11
*Federal Express - Boeing 757
*Air Contractors - ATR72

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station, as is the Metrolink station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

2016-03-31T19:08:41Z

StuartB: /* Facilities and Transportation */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Liverpool John Lennon Airport|
location=Speke, Liverpool|
iata=LPL|
icao=EGGP|
aptype=Commercial|
website=http://www.liverpoolairport.com/|
mapurl=http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&q=53.333611,-2.849722&ie=UTF8&ll=53.335588,-2.851639&spn=0.018015,0.040169&z=15&om=0|
mapsource=Google Maps|
atctower=126.35|
atcground=121.95|
atcclearance=|
atcapproach=119.85|
atcdeparture=|
atcatis=124.325|
atcunicom=}}

[[Image:Liverpool Airport EGGP apron from Ryanair 737-800.jpg|thumb|right|The apron area.]]

Liverpool 'John Lennon' Airport is situated on the edge of the River Mersey. It serves the 2008 European Capital of Culture city Liverpool, but the airport itself is sited in Speke. Also at the airport is Liverpool Flying School.

Liverpool airport has one runway (27/09) going from East to West. Aircraft usually land
into the prevailing Westerly wind on runway 27 after lining up with the Runcorn-Widnes bridge. Departures usually take the same direction, Westerly towards the Irish Sea and over the Wirral peninsular. This flow changes when there is a strong Easterly wind and runway 9 is used. Liverpool Airport is not as busy as [[Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)]] as It's mainly used by the budget airlines. Aircraft such as the Airbus A319 and the Boeing 737 are in common use at Liverpool but occasionally, larger aircraft come in on freight operations. The existing runway is capable of handling very large aircraft such as the Antonov-124, Ilyushin-76 and the Boeing 747-200F.

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Location===

==Other Spotting Locations==

===Terminal Building===

On the first floor of the terminal building, there are a couple of restaurants offering great views over the apron. Grab a burger and a drink, grab a seat and easily pass an hour or two away. This is only available to airside passengers; there are no viewing facilities within the terminal from landside.

===Approach to runway 27===

At the eastern end of the runway, there is a car park on short final to runway 27. This offers good views of everything landing on 27, and is south of the approach so isn't into sun. You can also see everything departing from 27 as they line up in front of you.

To get to this location, head out of the airport car park as if you are leaving the airport. Turn right almost straight away onto Dunlop Road, which turns into Hale Road. You have a large council estate on your left hand side. After a short while, take a right turn onto Dungeon Lane. You will pass through the approach lights, and shortly after there is a dusty carpark on the left hand side on the corner of another road.

One word of caution for this location - it can attract some less than pleasant characters from the surrounding areas, as testimented by the abundance of empty beer bottles and cans in the car park by day, and cars meeting other cars, having a brief chat and then driving off again by night. Be careful and keep an eye on your equipment, and generally stay safe!

===GA Apron===

There is a lane that offers great views of the general aviation apron, with bizjets, light aircraft and helicopters. You can also see everything taxying out to runway 27.

To get to this location, head out of the airport car park as if you are leaving the airport. Turn right almost straight away onto Dunlop Road, which turns into Hale Road. Take the third right onto an unsignposted drive. Follow this round to the right, and pull up taking care not to block any access gates.

===Eastham Country Park===

Eastham country park is located on the opposite side of the River Mersey to Liverpool Airport. From this location, you are directly opposite the end of Runway 27 and the start of Runway 9. As it is quite a distance diagonally across the river to the airport, when the Runway 27 departures fly over this place they're already quite high. This means on a day with low cloud, many aircraft will not be visible but, you can always hear them. Eastham Country Park is located about 1 mile from Junction 5 of the M53 Motorway and can also be reached on the A41. There is a Merseyrail station 1 mile away - Bromborough. At the site there is a large stone built jetty opposite the runway that goes about 4 meters into the river. There is the main attraction - a large Country Park and forest, a hotel just across the road and an Ice Cream shop tucked away in the trees.

Wirral Council Eastham Country Park information page

http://www.wirral.gov.uk/LGCL/100006/200073/670/content_0001004.html

==Locations to Avoid==

===Location===

==Regular Traffic==

Ryanair and easyJet both have hubs at Liverpool. The mainstay of an afternoon's spotting will consist of plenty of Ryanair, a little less easyJet, then everything else. You will sometimes see the Airbus Belugas pass overhead travelling to and from Hawarden.

===Scheduled Airlines===

*Aer Lingus (737)
*Blue Air (737-400)
*Blue Islands (ATR-42) from 4th June 2016
*CSA (A319-100)
*EasyJet (A319 & A320)
*FlyBe (DHC8)
*Ryanair (737-800)
*Vueling (A320)
*Wizz Air (A320)

===Charter Airlines===

*Thomson - summer 2016

===Cargo Airlines===
None

===Ad-hoc Airlines===
*Alitalia (A320) during the summer for occasional student exchange visits
*Various airlines use the airport for football charters from across Europe and the UK

==Facilities and Transportation==

*Bus services operate to the airport everyday from in and around Liverpool and the surrounding area.
*Regular coach services run to Manchester city centre.

==External Links==

[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum430.html Forum for Liverpool John Lennon Airport] For LPL spotters and aviation enthusiasts as well as aviation professionals to discuss all aspects of the airport.

[http://www.nwan.co.uk North West Air News] Website primarily for Liverpool Airport but covers other airports in the North West and has interesting pages on local and other aviation history.

London Heathrow Airport

2016-03-25T23:44:00Z

StuartB: /* Regular Traffic */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=London Heathrow Airport|location=London, England|iata=LHR|icao=EGLL|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.heathrowairport.com|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=51.471119,-0.455246&spn=0.030780,0.076484&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.7, 118.5|atcground=121.9, 121.7
|atcclearance=121.975
|atcapproach=120.4|atcdeparture=118.5
|atcatis=|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-heathrow}}

==Official Spotting Locations==

===View Heathrow Observation Deck===
A former airline lounge in Terminal 4, between gates 15 and 16. Free to enter during Terminal 4's operating hours. Only available to ticketed passengers.

===Terrace at Thistle London Heathrow Hotel===
This is a good spotting place since you will see the Rwy 27R / 09L. You do not need to be a overnighter to use this point. The only thing is you have to ask at the reception desk.
Bath Road, Longford
West Drayton UB7 0EQ
Phone: 0871 376 9021 / +44 845 305 8321

===Heathrow Academy===
Located on North Perimeter Road, many spotters choose to spot from here. This location is good for spotting but no good for photography, because of the perimeter fence! From here runway 09L/27R has very close views and also from here views of aircraft parked in Terminal 1 Stands and part of Terminal 3 stands can be seen. Also from here the maintenance area has clear views, here park up South African (747's and A340's) and Qantas (747's). Also some executive and government planes can be seen. When the weather is right views of 09R/27L can be seen, the weather has to be perfect! Sometimes it is to hazy or sometimes too cloudy. Also at the visitors centre there is an [expensive] cafe - although this is only open on weekdays. But there is a McDonald's over the road. Also here is a a enthusiasts shop - where models, books, magazines, etc are sold. This location is only called the visitors centre, but really you are spotting in the car park it cost £1.00 per hour, so be aware of the weather. Happy Spotting at LHR, there are some interesting planes to be seen here, I have listed some further down the article.

The centre has now re-opened under a new name, of Heathrow Academy. It is open at weekends and school holidays from 10am to 4pm. Within the centre, there is a Ritazza coffee shop (open from 7am to 4pm), there is still a aviation model shop.

{{#display_map:
51.480608, -0.443187~Heathrow Academy
| type=satellite
| zoom=16
}}

===The Queens Building===
On top of terminal 2. Shut, indefinitely.

==Other Spotting Locations==
===Rwy 27 threshold===
Early in the morning, if traffic is coming down on 27R, you could get lucky and witness dual rwy ops/landings. In such cases most the BA heavies will opt for 27L whilst a lot of the T3 traffic will land on 27R.
{{anetlink|802551}}

===Block 94 crash gate===
A real no-no, the Police will see you off from here quicker than anything! If you dare to venture into here, as it is open, be aware it's not advisable to hang around for too long. Shots of a/c lining up at B94 (for 27L) can be had though, should you get lucky.
{{anetlink|881225}}
Or shots of landing a/c onto 27L also.
{{anetlink|887541}}
Almost as good a spot is across the dual carriageway, which is perfectly fine, where landing a/c can be shot over the fence.
{{anetlink|887540}}
===09L Field===
There's a field similar to that found at Myrtle Avenue, although this one is for 09L arrivals. Very nice in the mornings when light from the rising Sun hits the fans.
{{anetlink|955969}}
===Hilton Hill===
Either walk from Myrtle Av. or from terminal 4. Expect a 15 minute walk from Myrtle, 5 from T4. The hill is on the side of the road that leads into terminal 4 itself. Plenty of space to not bother anyone. Very hazy in the summer though. Only good for 27L arrival shots, with a different backdrop from the "normal" LHR ones.
{{anetlink|891165}}
===Line ups on 27R===
Shooting through the fence on the Northern Perimeter Road. Excellent spot on late summer evenings when the Sun is almost behind you.
{{anetlink|949901}}
===Gate by Road Crossing===
Only good for 27R ops. Better for landing traffic than departing. Spot is by the mini roundabout near the white huts. Where the a/c cross the road from the airport to the maintenance area there's a red and white gate. Excellent spot for touch downs on 27R.
{{anetlink|950006}}
Aircraft being tugged across the road are also easily shot here too.
{{anetlink|802553}}

''This area has now been '''closed''' (as of mid March 2006) with the road being diverted around the back of the BA Maintenance Area, so any shots taken from the level crossing are now impossible.''

===Myrtle Avenue===
A field at the end of Myrtle Avenue, by the approach lights for 27L. By foot, either walk from terminal 4 northbound alongside the dual carriageway or southbound from Hatton cross tube. The field can not be missed; it's about a 10 minute walk from either end. <br />

{{anetlink|956772}}
{{anetlink|930453}}
{{anetlink|907596}}

===09R banking/climbout shots:Tesco Dukes Green===
Excellent spot just outside the airport perimeter,located on the A312.About a 10-15 minute southbound walk from Hatton Cross tube station.A good spot for shooting banking,heavy takeoffs when 09R is use(about 30% of the time)especially for heavy A340s.

{{anetlink|809816}}
{{anetlink|816157}}

===27L climbouts:Former Essso garage alongside the southern perimeter road===
Popular spot for capturing takeoffs from 27L.Hard to park the car here now as the slip lane as been coned off to prevent such activity!Possible to get a bus to the cargo centre but and walk westbound for about 10minutes.Brick bollards provide useful height for shooting aircraft climbing out slowly after a long takeoff run.

{{anetlink|767759}}
{{anetlink|816429}}

Note : The garage has now re-opened. ( July 2007 )

===Perimeter road in north-west corner 27R climbouts===
The perimeter road in the far north-west corner also provides some excellent opportunities for 27R climbout shots although the sun is not far round enough for this spot to be effective during the winter and autumn months.

{{anetlink|836263}}
{{anetlink|890483}}

===27R final approaches from the mini trading estate===
Given the road works and the imminent closing of the 'road crossing road' this area may not be around for too much longer.This spot is on a small trading estate,just off the perimeter road,comprising a series of mainly single tier buildings and is generally quiet at the weekend.Parking the car is not advised here as it is a private estate.Others prefer to shoot from the roundabout on the perimeter road and the little patch of land next to it but I personally find that you are a little too 'under' the aircraft compared to the trading estate spot.

{{anetlink|818386}}

===Runway 27R touchdowns===
Like the 27R climb outs spot,the light here is only good about 1/2 of the year as you are facing south but it is perfect for evening photography.A few different angles can be had from along the north perimeter road depending on where exactly you shoot from.

{{anetlink|907626}}
{{anetlink|907656}}
{{anetlink|902362}}

==Airside Spotting Locations==
===Airside - Terminal 1; Gate 8 - bmi domestic Lounge===
Glazed floor to Ceiling overlooking the eastern end of the Northern Runway (27R/09L). Touchdowns on 27R, and taxiing aircraft visible. Aircraft landing on 09L have mostly left the runway and those for Terminal 3 turned away before getting close.

{{afleetlink|25901}}
{{afleetlink|25182}}

===Airside - Terminal 1; Gates 36-56 ===
Gates 36-56 are located in a glass and steel building at the extreme eastern end of the central area with views over runway 23 and B pier of Terminal 1. There are plenty of windows that line up with gaps in the parked aircraft and photography is best in the afternoon. On the down side the northern most gate offering the best views can be closed off by moveable barriers if it is being used for flights to Israel.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway)to check the monitors there.

===Airside - Terminal 4 ===
In addition to the windows behind the duty free shop the Gate 23 area has windows overlooking the southern taxiway and 27L holding point.
WARNING:If you don't know the gate your flight is departing from allow time to walk back to the main departure lounge (without a moving walkway) to check the monitors there.

===Airside - Terminal 5 ===
If you take a trip to Terminal 5, you will be able to capture ground traffic, but also departures and arrivals on all runways, depending on which side of the terminal you are. If you arrive at terminal 5 by the main entrance, and turn left or right before entering the terminal, you will get to the end of the terminal next to the arriving perimeter roads. From here, you will be able to see ground traffic and lots of pushbacks from the Terminal 5 ramps. If the active runways are 09's then you will be able to see very close arrivals and departures at your eyeline, and if the active is 27's then you will be able to photograph climb outs.
Sometimes police will stop you from spotting here, but i shouldn't see it occurring much, as it's only happened to me once.

{{jplink|6506394}}

==Locations to Avoid==

===Airport Car Parks===
I used to use the airport short stay car parks to spot, but since security has rose the BAA security move you on VERY quickly. These are very expensive anyway, MY HINT IS TO NOT SPOT FROM THE CAR PARKS!

==Regular Traffic==
British Airways, Heavies from Asia, EU Carriers, Boeing 787/777/767/757/747 and Airbus A330 from America.

==Facilities and Transportation==

Heathrow airport is connected directly by Tube (Piccadilly line) and Rail (Heathrow Express) to central London. The Tube is not too expensive for a day ticket, and it takes about 45 minutes from Kings Cross. The Heathrow Express is much faster, but it is a lot more expensive and doesn't allow you to stop at Hatton Cross, which is a more advised station than Heathrow Terminals 1,2&3.
There are also a number of buses which go to Heathrow from cities in the southeast, but I have not used these myself.

Get off at the Hatton Cross tube station to catch 27L&R Arrivals and 9L&R Departures, with most of the named sites not a long walk away.

From Heathrow airport itself (T's 1,2&3) you can catch a free bus to the new Terminal 5 site where you can see 27L&R Departures and 9L&R arrivals not a long walk away.

South West Trains runs a regular service from Central London / Clapham Junction to Feltham, where it is easy to board the 4 times hourly Service 285 to Hatton Cross Tube Station, where it is an easy walk to view 27L/R arrivals.

==External Links==
*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum421.html Forum for Heathrow Airport] For LHR spotters, aviation enthusiasts as well as aviation professionals wishing to discuss all aspects of Heathrow airport.
*[http://twitter.com/LHR_movements @LHR_movements] - Twitter feed of interesting arrivals/departures and other LHR news
*[http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/plane-spotting-heathrow/ Plane Spotting Hotels] Hotels with views of Heathrow including room numbers, photos and videos of the views available.

Manchester Airport

2016-03-25T23:39:09Z

StuartB: /* Public Transport */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A330
*United Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A380, Boeing 777
*Etihad - Boeing 777, Airbus A330
*Qatar Airways - Boeing 777/787, Airbus A330
*Cathay Pacific - Boeing 777
*Singapore Airlines - Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A320/321
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 170/195, ATR72, Dornier Do328, Saab S2000
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson - Boeing 737/757/767/787
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-900
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320, ATR72
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320/321/330
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Lufthansa - Boeing 777, McDonnell Douglas MD11
*Federal Express - Boeing 757
*Air Contractors - ATR72

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station, as is the Metrolink station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Manchester Airport

2016-03-25T23:37:41Z

StuartB: /* Cargo Airlines */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A330
*United Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A380, Boeing 777
*Etihad - Boeing 777, Airbus A330
*Qatar Airways - Boeing 777/787, Airbus A330
*Cathay Pacific - Boeing 777
*Singapore Airlines - Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A320/321
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 170/195, ATR72, Dornier Do328, Saab S2000
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson - Boeing 737/757/767/787
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-900
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320, ATR72
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320/321/330
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Lufthansa - Boeing 777, McDonnell Douglas MD11
*Federal Express - Boeing 757
*Air Contractors - ATR72

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station every Saturday and Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Manchester Airport

2016-03-25T23:35:28Z

StuartB: /* Scheduled/Charter Airlines */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A330
*United Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A380, Boeing 777
*Etihad - Boeing 777, Airbus A330
*Qatar Airways - Boeing 777/787, Airbus A330
*Cathay Pacific - Boeing 777
*Singapore Airlines - Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A320/321
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 170/195, ATR72, Dornier Do328, Saab S2000
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson - Boeing 737/757/767/787
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-900
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320, ATR72
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320/321/330
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Cathay Pacific Cargo - Boeing 747-3/400
*Great Wall Airlines - Boeing 747-400
*Air China Cargo - Boeing 747-400

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station every Saturday and Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Manchester Airport

2016-03-25T22:43:55Z

StuartB: /* A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours and '''RAF BAe Nimrod MR2 XV231''', which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end. Be aware that Wilmslow Old Road is a very narrow and twisty country lane with very few sections of pavement for pedestrians, so keep an eye out for traffic, which tends to speed along this road.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 767
*Continental Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A330/380, Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777, Airbus A310
*US Airways - Airbus A330
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A300/320/321/330, Boeing 767
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 195
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson/First Choice Boeing 737/757/767, Airbus A320/321
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320, Embraer 195, Fokker 100
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-100/200/700/900
*BMI & bmibaby - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321, Embraer 135/145
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*CSA Czech Airlines - Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Cathay Pacific Cargo - Boeing 747-3/400
*Great Wall Airlines - Boeing 747-400
*Air China Cargo - Boeing 747-400

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station every Saturday and Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.

Manchester Airport

2016-03-25T22:29:24Z

StuartB: /* Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1 */

[[Category:England]]
{{categorywithregion|Europe|United Kingdom|England}}

{{infobox|fullname=Manchester Airport|location=Manchester, England|iata=MAN|icao=EGCC|aptype=Commercial|website=http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk|mapurl=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=53.354138,-2.279320&spn=0.029493,0.076484&t=h&hl=en|mapsource=Google Maps|atctower=118.625 (23R/05L)119.4 (23L/05R|atcground=121.85 (Primary) 125.375 (Secondary)|atcclearance=121.7 (delivery)|atcapproach=118.575 & Director 121.35 |atcdeparture=118.625 & 119.4|atcatis=128.175 (Arrivals) 121.975 (Departures)|atcunicom=|psh=http://www.plane-spotting-hotels.com/index.php/499/}}

In 2004, Manchester International Airport (Ringway) was voted Britain’s premier spotting airport by a well-known aviation magazine, and anyone who has been there will probably agree with them. It is not a question of which is the best place to watch planes at Manchester, more a question of which spot do I want to choose?

MAN has 2 parallel runways, 23R / 05L (Runway 1) and 23L / 05R (Runway 2) . Aircraft movements are generally inbound on 23R and outbound on 23L. However the wind direction shifts approx 20% of the year and this flow is reversed. During the quieter period of each day from 12.00hrs to 15.00hrs and at night between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs the airport reverts to single runway use and uses 23R / 05L (Runway 1) for both inbound and outbound flights. [http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B40F30197901518780257393003585FE/$File/Single+Runway+Operations+Data+Sheet.pdf Single Runway operations data sheet.]

==Official Spotting Locations==

===Multi Storey Car Park Terminal 1===

[[Image:T2View.JPG|thumb|right|Terminal 2 from the top of the Multi-Story.]]

13th Floor of the multi-storey car park - Terminal 1 - Views of Runway 1 where you can view aircraft landing and taking off, also close views of aircraft parking and moving from Terminals 1 & 2 plus a good view of the Cargo area. Level 13 now being used by the Car Rental Companies. But there isn't any facilities here any more. Toilets are situated in the Terminal 1 arrivals area, just get the lift down from Level 12. There were some thoughtfully provided camera holes in the security fences, however these have now been filled in. Although it is still extremely easy to take photographs from here, you may occasionally encounter difficulties, especially when using wide-angle lenses.
Be warned however that this is a short-stay car park and is very expensive to park your car:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ShortStayPark

'''The Aviation shop''' is now situated in Terminal 1 arrivals and stocks everything for the enthusiast, binoculars, telescopes, models, airband radios, scanners, DVDs, notebooks, pens, postcards, and the SBS Radar System.

===A.V.P. - Aviation viewing park===

[[Image:B-18703 From The AVP.jpg|thumb|right|China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 photographed from the Aviation Viewing Park.]]

[[Image:AP-BGL PIA 777.jpg|thumb|right|A PIA 777 taxying past the Viewing Park]]

The A.V.P is located approx 2/3 way along Runway 23R (Runway 1) and offers excellent views of both flying and taxiing aircraft,and is widely recognised as the best facility for enthusiasts in the UK.
It has 3 raised platforms for better viewing and photography, a very good snack bar, Family picnic areas and clean Male and Female toilet facilities. There is also a well-stocked aviation shop selling books, aircraft models, binoculars and radios etc.

Signposted from main terminal areas and railway station. This A.V.P also contains a '''British Airways Concorde G-BOAC''' (for details of tours see below), '''BAe Avro 146-RX100''', '''Monarch DC-10''' nose section, De Havilland Vampire jet fighter (at the moment been removed for restoration), and a '''BEA British European Airways Hawker Siddley HS-121 Trident 3B G-AZWK''' aircraft resplendent in full BEA Colours, which you can have a tour of (at cost).

The A.V.P is situated off the A538 between Junction 6 of the M56 motorway and the airport tunnels.

From the Junction 6 Roundabout follow signs for Wilmslow. After a very short distance you will see Sunbank Lane on the left with a sign post for “Concorde”. Turn left here and then immediately right at the crossroads onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow to the end.

You can get to the A.V.P by bus from the "The Station" at the Airport, which is situated mid-way between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 . Journey time by bus is approximately 5 minutes. The Swans Shuttle bus 200 operates year round on weekends and Bank Holidays. Buses leave The Station at 09:16, then every hour until 17.16. Buses leave the Viewing Park every hour 09.25 until 17.25. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

Arriva North West operates a regular daily service (bus 18, 18A, 20, 20A) stopping at the rear of the World Freight Terminal from where the Aviation Viewing Park is approximately a 10 minute walk. Full timetables for the service can be found at http://www.arrivabus.co.uk but generally there are four services per hour in each direction between The Station (Stand K) and the Freight Terminal. Some evening services are operated by service number 19. The adult single fare is £1. From the Freight Terminal bus stop, turn left out of Viscount Drive on to Avro Way and follow the road to where it bends round to the left. Walk into the junction on the right - you should see LSG SkyChefs on your right hand side, and a yellow and black car barrier ahead with a bollard to allow pedestrians through. Pass the barrier and turn left up the lane (Wilmslow Old Road, as in the directions above.) The AVP is about 6-7 minutes walk, right at the end of this lane.

==Other Spotting Locations==

===South Side (Runway 2 - 23L/05R)===

[[Image:Manchester Airport South side terminal view.jpg|thumb|right|Manchester Airport's Terminal area from the mound behind the new fire station on the South side.]]

A disadvantage of the official Aviation Viewing Park (AVP) is that it faces into the sun until late in the day, making photography more difficult. Better photography is often offered by heading around to Runway 2 on the South side of the airport. Going there is easy by car. By public transport is possible too, but a bit of a handful.

The closest bus stop to Runway 2 is at the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn) on the A538 Wilmslow road . Bus service no 288 runs along the A538 and there is a stop near to the AVP at the junction with Sunbank lane – from the AVP this means walking back towards the main road (approx ½ mile). From this bus stop it is then 2 stops along to the Moat House Hotel (Holiday inn). The bus runs every 30 mins.

By car, from the Junction 6 Roundabout off the M56, follow signs for Wilmslow along the A538. Approximately 1 mile along this road you will drive under the 2 runway tunnels. As you exit the 2nd tunnel you will come to a roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout and then turn immediately right before the gate - Then park up on the left before the bridge, as this road becomes the Moat House hotel car park beyond the bridge. Do try to tuck your car into the hedge, as the hotel mini-bus screams up and down here every half-hour or so and its a narrow road!!

'''DO NOT''' park anywhere between the roundabout and the gate - you '''WILL''' get a ticket or a '''TOW''' - even on the grass verge.

Once you have reach the Hotel, you have two options. There are raised viewing mounds running the length of runway 23L. These are segregated by the road tunnels which allow the A538 to go under the runways. So your choice is to cross the road and go left and past the new fire station to get to the mid point and beyond of runway 23L for views of aircraft rotating and taking-off OR go right to the start of runway 23L for close-up taxiing and line-up views of aircraft.

====Runway 23L - taxi and line-up====

[[Image:Runway 23L threshold Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Elevated Mound next to the Runway 23L threshold]]

From the Hotel entrance, turn right and walk through the car park, over the small stone bridge and up to the top of this road. On the right is a black cattle gate. Walk through the gate and follow this footpath for approx half-a-mile. The path finishes at the runway security fence and you will see long earth mounds either side of you which offer superb elevated views of the first 1/3 of runway 2.Further around to the right is an elevated mound which is directly in front of the link taxi-way between runway 1 and 2 - you can practically count the rivets on the aircraft as they line-up !!!

====Runway 23L - rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 2 landing manchester.JPG|thumb|right|A Thomsonfly.com 737-300 lands on Runway 05R]]

The second option is to walk from the hotel back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road you just came in on, you will see a footpath of steep steps rising to the top of the hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the side of the new fire station and up to the runway security fence.

From here, you can go left and follow the path parallel to runway 2 down into a valley and then back up again to raised mounds which offer superb views of aircraft rotating on runway 2 for take-off.

As an alternative, turn left after the fire station and follow the path downhill to the lowest lowest point of the valley. Then turn right and follow the river through the tunnel under runway 2. As you exit the tunnel turn right up the hill for a viewing spot half way between runway 1 and runway 2

Please note that runway 2 is usually closed between 12:00 and 15:00 hours. Also check before making any journey which way the aircraft are flying!. For approx 20% of the year, the wind shifts and the flying changes direction.

===South Side (Runway 1 - 05L/23R)===

====Runway 05L - approach and landing, rotation and take-off====

[[Image:Runway 05L Lights at Manchester.JPG|thumb|right|The Runway 05L Lights Field]]

[[Image:Manchester Airport River Bollin tunnel under RWY 2.jpg|thumb|right|The River Bollin tunnel under Runway 2 (23L/05R)]]

From the Moat House hotel, cross the A538 and head back to the roundabout. On the other side of the road, there is a footpath with steep steps leading up a hill. Follow this path for roughly 15 minutes past the rear side of the new fire station and follow the path on the left side fence of the fire station. Follow this path (it goes a bit up and down) until you descend into a valley and the River Bollin tunnel.

Cross the Bollin using the metal bridge and head North through the tunnel. Then, turn left up the steep hill with Crash Gate No. 12 at the top. Carry on up there until ground levels out and you're beside Runway 2. Then, go right through a gate. Follow the long path past the dead tree (on your right) and then go through the gate at the end of the path. Turn left at this gate and then take the next right turn. This will lead to a field with the lights for Runway 05L. This is a really good place to photograph and film from.

If 05L is being used for landings, aircraft come straight over your head and if the same runway is being used for take-offs, the aircraft take off away from you. Alternatively, if 23R is being used for take-offs, the aircraft will take off directly at you. This spot is especially interesting during the curfew of runway 2 (23L/05R) when all movements are on runway 1 (23R/05L).

(This spot is usually quite quiet and there's normally nobody about.)

=== Junction of Ringway Road & Shadowmoss road ===

Not far from Terminal 1, this area gives excellent views of aircraft on final approach to Runway 23R. Be warned that car parking is limited because of parking restrictions. The local residents get rightly annoyed when thoughtless spotters park cars that partially block access to their driveways and the hand-painted yellow lines outside some houses show the level of feeling about this – please be considerate.

=== Airport Hotel Public House ===

Next to the final approach to Runway 23R, the beer garden of this pub offer great views of landing aircraft and also aircraft holding for departure. This spot is especially interesting during the 12PM - 3PM curfew of Runway 2(23L/06R). Because the public house and it's beer garden have become so popular with spotters, the pub has a pay-and-display car park. It's essential to pay-and-display if you don't wanted to be fined £60.

==Locations to Avoid==

[[Image:Crash Gate No. 12 at Manchester Airport.JPG|thumb|right|Crash Gate No. 6 on the South side of the airport.]]

None really - just be sensible - '''don't park in-front of crash gates''' and stay on the public side of the security fences and you will be ok.

The areas offered as alternatives to the AVP (the mounds and the area beyond the new fire station) are public footpaths and you wont get more than a passing glance from the security staff when they are patrolling airside.

The airport and council have always been fairly spotter-friendly so just read the notices and don't go or park where it says you shouldn't.

==Spotting Locations Map==

[[Image:Manchester Spotting Map.JPG]]

==Regular Traffic==

===Scheduled/Charter Airlines===

*British Airways - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321
*American Airlines - Boeing 767
*Continental Airlines - Boeing 757
*Delta Air Lines - Boeing 757/767
*Emirates - Airbus A330/380, Boeing 777
*PIA - Boeing 777, Airbus A310
*US Airways - Airbus A330
*Monarch Airlines - Airbus A300/320/321/330, Boeing 767
*Flybe - Dash 8-400, Embraer 195
*Jet2.com - Boeing 737/757
*Thomson/First Choice Boeing 737/757/767, Airbus A320/321
*Air France - Airbus A318/319/320, Embraer 195, Fokker 100
*KLM - Boeing 737, Embraer 190
*Lufthansa - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321, CRJ-100/200/700/900
*BMI & bmibaby - Boeing 737, Airbus A319/320/321, Embraer 135/145
*Finnair - Airbus A319/320, Embraer 170/190
*Turkish Airlines - Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737
*CSA Czech Airlines - Boeing 737
*Ryanair - Boeing 737-800
*Aer Lingus - Airbus A320
*Thomas Cook - Boeing 757/767, Airbus A320
*Virgin Atlantic Airways - Boeing 747-400, Airbus A330/340
plus many more, for a full list (and of which Terminal) click on this link: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

===Cargo Airlines===

*Cathay Pacific Cargo - Boeing 747-3/400
*Great Wall Airlines - Boeing 747-400
*Air China Cargo - Boeing 747-400

Plus you never know what will turn up, the A380 has done a missed approach at Manchester, the Antonov An-225 and a few An-124s have been to Manchester, there are always a few surprises!

==Facilities and Transportation==

===Public Transport===

The Railway Station is situated at the Airport between Terminals 1 & 2.
Services from most of the UK mainline stations.
The Bus & Coach Station is adjacent to railway station. Also served by National Express.
Bus service number 200 serves the viewing park from the airport bus station every Saturday and Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour from the bus station and 25 minutes past the hour from the viewing park. The fare is £1.40 for a single (one-way) ticket, or £2.30 for a return (July 2011).

==Travel tips==
If traveling by car and you do not wish to pay for the airport car parks, you could always park your car at Heald Green Railway Station and catch the train to the airport. Before 09:30 the fare is £1.60 single or £2.20 return. After 09:30 the fare decreases to £1.40 single or £1.50 return. (July 2011)

http://www.spotterswiki.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=29#p29

==External links==

*[http://www.forums4airports.com/forum423.html Manchester Airport Forum] to discuss all aspects of the airport about all aspects from route development to infrastructure improvements. All the latest aviation news for spotters and aviation professionals alike.

*[http://www.plane-spotter.com/Airports/UK/MAN/SpotterGuide_MAN.pdf One page spotter guide for print out] - contains radio frequencies, airport map and a brief description of the spotting spots at MAN.

*[http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/ringway.htm Manchester airport aircraft movements website] - contains every movement of every plane at Manchester since 2003. You can submit your photos or view others from the day as well as view timetables of expected aircraft in a large database.

*[http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/alldocs/B6F0247D7CBCF65F80257393003585FD/$File/Runway+Data+Sheet+2007-+v+FINAL.pdf The official Manchester Airport Runway data sheet] featuring all the relevant information regarding the runway operations.