Malta International Airport - Revision history

Kukkudrill: /* The Spotters' Wall (Safi side) */

2011-09-11T09:06:47Z

The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:06, 11 September 2011
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	If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking used to be available next to the spotting platform, but it is not clear what the situation will be once the works are complete and access is restored.		If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking used to be available next to the spotting platform, but it is not clear what the situation will be once the works are complete and access is restored.
	{{jplink\|~~118458~~}} (the Spotters' Wall)		{{jplink\|6981598}} (the Spotters' Wall)
	{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)		{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)

Kukkudrill: /* The Spotters' Wall (Safi side) */

2011-09-11T09:04:17Z

The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:04, 11 September 2011
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	===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===		===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===

	[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it ~~offered~~ unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it ~~was~~ the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft ~~would~~ rotate right in front of you. It ~~was~~ easily the best spot for photography at MLA, its only drawback being its very popularity since it ~~tended~~ to get crowded when there ~~was~~ a particularly unusual movement.		[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA, its only drawback being its very popularity since it tends to get crowded when there is a particularly unusual movement.

	The ~~above has been amended to the past tense because~~ the Spotters' Wall ~~is inaccessible as of August 2010 due to works in the~~ area.		The area around the Spotters' Wall has been embellished and turned into an attractive little recreational area, complete with picnic benches and an old aero engine with propeller.

	A short distance down the airport perimeter road ~~(now blocked to traffic),~~ lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. The complex is across the road from the airport perimeter. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa used to cross the perimeter road, offering an opportunity for interesting photos since those present could get within metres of the aircraft at the crossing. ~~However~~, the ~~above~~-~~mentioned works will incorporate the Medavia facilities~~ within the airport perimeter ~~and reroute the~~ perimeter road~~. Road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past, but hopefully at least access~~ to the Spotters' Wall ~~will be restored once the works are over~~.		A short distance down the airport perimeter road lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. The complex is across the road from the airport perimeter. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa used to cross the perimeter road, offering an opportunity for interesting photos since those present could get within metres of the aircraft at the crossing. In 2010, however, the Medavia complex was been developed as an aviation-related industrial park and incorporated within the airport perimeter. The airport perimeter road now leads to the Spotters' Wall but no further.

	'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.		'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.

David: Undo revision 12421 by Aviador

2011-01-06T00:21:50Z

Undo revision 12421 by Aviador

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 6 January 2011
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	==Links==		==Links==

	*[http://www.forums4airports.com Forums4airports] Ideal for Spotters and Enthusiasts. Dedicated Aviation forum for Spotters & Passengers using Malta's airport.

	[http://maltaspotters.14.forumer.com/ Malta Aircraft Spotters Forum]		[http://maltaspotters.14.forumer.com/ Malta Aircraft Spotters Forum]

Aviador: /* Links */

2011-01-05T08:43:10Z

Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 5 January 2011
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	==Links==		==Links==

			*[http://www.forums4airports.com Forums4airports] Ideal for Spotters and Enthusiasts. Dedicated Aviation forum for Spotters & Passengers using Malta's airport.

	[http://maltaspotters.14.forumer.com/ Malta Aircraft Spotters Forum]		[http://maltaspotters.14.forumer.com/ Malta Aircraft Spotters Forum]

David-bot: moved Malta International Airport (MLA/LMML) to Malta International Airport: Bot: Moved page

2010-10-09T01:25:31Z

moved Malta International Airport (MLA/LMML) to Malta International Airport: Bot: Moved page

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:25, 9 October 2010
(No difference)

Kukkudrill: /* The Spotters' Wall (Safi side) */

2010-08-11T10:20:56Z

The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:20, 11 August 2010
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	===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===		===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===

	[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it ~~offers~~ unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft ~~will~~ rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA~~. Its~~ only drawback is its very popularity: it ~~can~~ get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement~~. Works currently under way have made this spot difficult though not impossible to reach by car. Hopefully this situation will be temporary~~.		[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offered unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it was the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft would rotate right in front of you. It was easily the best spot for photography at MLA, its only drawback being its very popularity since it tended to get crowded when there was a particularly unusual movement.

	~~Just down~~ the ~~road, on~~ the ~~opposite side~~ to the airport perimeter, lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa cross the ~~airport~~ perimeter road. However, ~~a project is under way to~~ incorporate ~~this area~~ within the airport perimeter~~. The perimeter road has been blocked to traffic just short of the Medavia complex,~~ and the ~~sight of~~ road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past.		The above has been amended to the past tense because the Spotters' Wall is inaccessible as of August 2010 due to works in the area.

			A short distance down the airport perimeter road (now blocked to traffic), lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. The complex is across the road from the airport perimeter. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa used to cross the perimeter road, offering an opportunity for interesting photos since those present could get within metres of the aircraft at the crossing. However, the above-mentioned works will incorporate the Medavia facilities within the airport perimeter and reroute the perimeter road. Road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past, but hopefully at least access to the Spotters' Wall will be restored once the works are over.

	'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.		'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.

	'''Directions:''' Starting from the airport terminal, go left as you leave the building and head for the airport McDonald’s restaurant. Pass it by and you will reach the road to Zurrieq. Turn left and follow the road through a tunnel (there is a roadside pavement for walkers). As you emerge from the other side of the tunnel you will reach a roundabout: go left again ~~and carry on till you reach~~ the ~~viewing platform~~. The walk should take perhaps 20 minutes.		'''Directions:''' Starting from the airport terminal, go left as you leave the building and head for the airport McDonald’s restaurant. Pass it by and you will reach the road to Zurrieq. Turn left and follow the road through a tunnel (there is a roadside pavement for walkers). As you emerge from the other side of the tunnel you will reach a roundabout: go left again. You are now travelling south-east, parallel to the airport perimeter. The walk should take perhaps 20 minutes, but the road is blocked just short of the Spotters' Wall.

	If arriving by bus, there is a bus stop just past the end of the tunnel which is served by all the buses mentioned below under facilities and transportation, except the airport bus proper. Get off here then follow the above directions.		If arriving by bus, there is a bus stop just past the end of the tunnel which is served by all the buses mentioned below under facilities and transportation, except the airport bus proper. Get off here then follow the above directions.

	If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking is available next to the ~~viewing~~ platform ~~and across~~ the ~~road. You~~ will ~~need to negotiate a series of concrete barriers across~~ the ~~road just short of the platform, but so far at least (August 2010) the platform remains accessible~~.		If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking used to be available next to the spotting platform, but it is not clear what the situation will be once the works are complete and access is restored.
	{{jplink\|118458}} (the Spotters' Wall)		{{jplink\|118458}} (the Spotters' Wall)
	{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)		{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)

Kukkudrill: /* Regular Traffic */

2010-08-04T19:58:09Z

Regular Traffic

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 4 August 2010
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	The most important operator at MLA is obviously [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Air+Malta Air Malta,] which operates a fleet of Airbus A319s and A320s. Other local airlines have come and gone: BritishJet, European 2000 Airlines and most recently Efly were all local start-ups which have ceased operations. There are three flying schools which contribute to a fairly lively general aviation scene. Also based at MLA is the [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Malta+-+Air+Force Air Wing] of the Armed Forces of Malta, which operates a mix of helicopters and light aircraft.		The most important operator at MLA is obviously [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Air+Malta Air Malta,] which operates a fleet of Airbus A319s and A320s. Other local airlines have come and gone: BritishJet, European 2000 Airlines and most recently Efly were all local start-ups which have ceased operations. There are three flying schools which contribute to a fairly lively general aviation scene. Also based at MLA is the [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Malta+-+Air+Force Air Wing] of the Armed Forces of Malta, which operates a mix of helicopters and light aircraft.

	MLA hosts two maintenance and repair facilities. Lufthansa Technik Malta carries out maintenance on Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies and Airbus widebodies in a recently-built complex by the airport perimeter next to park 4. Next to the airport on the Safi side (across the road from the Spotters' Wall), the Medavia~~/NCA~~ complex carries out maintenance work on smaller aircraft. [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Medavia Medavia] operates its own small fleet of turboprops, mostly on ferry flights to and from North Africa.		MLA hosts two maintenance and repair facilities. Lufthansa Technik Malta carries out maintenance on Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies and Airbus widebodies in a recently-built complex by the airport perimeter next to park 4. Next to the airport on the Safi side (across the road from the Spotters' Wall), the Medavia complex carries out maintenance work on smaller aircraft. A third maintenance provider, SR Technics, is also to start operating from Malta, where it will perform servicing on easyJet aircraft.

			[http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Medavia Medavia] operates its own small fleet of turboprops, mostly on ferry flights to and from North Africa.

	Other airlines which fly to Malta throughout the year include Alitalia, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Sevenair of Tunisia, Libyan Airlines, EgyptAir Express, Thomas Cook, Thomsonfly and Easyjet.		Other airlines which fly to Malta throughout the year include Alitalia, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Sevenair of Tunisia, Libyan Airlines, EgyptAir Express, Thomas Cook, Thomsonfly and Easyjet.

Kukkudrill: /* The Spotters' Wall (Safi side) */

2010-08-04T19:52:13Z

The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 4 August 2010
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	[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement. Works currently under way have made this spot difficult though not impossible to reach by car. Hopefully this situation will be temporary.		[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement. Works currently under way have made this spot difficult though not impossible to reach by car. Hopefully this situation will be temporary.

	Just down the road, on the opposite side to the airport perimeter, lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa cross the airport perimeter road. However, a project is under way to incorporate this area within the airport perimeter. The road ~~past the Medavia complex~~ has been blocked to traffic, and the sight of road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past.		Just down the road, on the opposite side to the airport perimeter, lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa cross the airport perimeter road. However, a project is under way to incorporate this area within the airport perimeter. The perimeter road has been blocked to traffic just short of the Medavia complex, and the sight of road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past.

	'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.		'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.

Kukkudrill: /* The Spotters' Wall (Safi side) */

2010-08-04T19:48:04Z

The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:48, 4 August 2010
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	===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===		===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===

	[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement.		[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement. Works currently under way have made this spot difficult though not impossible to reach by car. Hopefully this situation will be temporary.

	~~Across~~ the road ~~from here~~ lies the Medavia~~/NCA~~ aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft ~~cross~~ the ~~road~~ to the ~~complex~~ and ~~back via~~ a ~~gate in~~ the airport perimeter ~~just beyond~~ the ~~viewing platform~~, ~~with~~ road ~~traffic being temporarily halted by barriers. Aircraft~~ crossings ~~are infrequent, however, and you would need to~~ be ~~very lucky to witness one~~.		Just down the road, on the opposite side to the airport perimeter, lies the Medavia aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft transiting from the airport to the Medavia facilities and vice versa cross the airport perimeter road. However, a project is under way to incorporate this area within the airport perimeter. The road past the Medavia complex has been blocked to traffic, and the sight of road crossings at MLA will soon be a thing of the past.

	'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.		'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening or from around 9 am on in winter for take-offs and landings.
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	If arriving by bus, there is a bus stop just past the end of the tunnel which is served by all the buses mentioned below under facilities and transportation, except the airport bus proper. Get off here then follow the above directions.		If arriving by bus, there is a bus stop just past the end of the tunnel which is served by all the buses mentioned below under facilities and transportation, except the airport bus proper. Get off here then follow the above directions.

	If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking is available next to the viewing platform and across the road.		If driving, head for the airport but take the road to Zurrieq at the Gudja/airport/Luqa roundabout. Parking is available next to the viewing platform and across the road. You will need to negotiate a series of concrete barriers across the road just short of the platform, but so far at least (August 2010) the platform remains accessible.
	{{jplink\|118458}} (the Spotters' Wall)		{{jplink\|118458}} (the Spotters' Wall)
	{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)		{{anetlink\|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)

David at 17:34, 19 December 2009

2009-12-19T17:34:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 19 December 2009
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	===Airport Perimeter Near Taxiway C===		===Airport Perimeter Near Taxiway C===

	[[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_yak-42~~.jpg \|left\|thumb\|200 px\|~~Yak~~-~~42 on~~ taxiway C~~. Photo taken at 70mm.~~]][[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_B738~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Boeing 737-~~800 arrival on~~ runway 31. Photo taken at ~~200mm.~~]]This spot is an excellent morning vantage-point for departing aircraft on their way to runway 31 or arrivals exiting runway 13 via taxiways C or D. Aircraft in the nearer parking bays in park 9 are also reachable. Runway 31 takeoffs can be photographed with a moderately long lens. There are cutouts for photographers at intervals in the fence so a stepladder is not necessary, though shooting takeoffs through the cutouts is difficult.		[[Image: 10846_wm.jpg \|left\|thumb\|200 px\|MD-83 taking taxiway C]][[Image: 10677_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Boeing 737-700 taking off from runway 31. Photo taken at 190mm]]This spot is an excellent morning vantage-point for departing aircraft on their way to runway 31 or arrivals exiting runway 13 via taxiways C or D. Aircraft in the nearer parking bays in park 9 are also reachable. Runway 31 takeoffs can be photographed with a moderately long lens. There are cutouts for photographers at intervals in the fence so a stepladder is not necessary, though shooting takeoffs through the cutouts is difficult.

	However, heat distortion can be a problem on hot days when shooting at any distance and to avoid it you may find yourself limited to shooting aircraft on taxiway C.		However, heat distortion can be a problem on hot days when shooting at any distance and to avoid it you may find yourself limited to shooting aircraft on taxiway C.
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	===Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto===		===Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto===

	[[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_B733~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|~~Boeing 737-300 taking off~~ at dawn (~~210mm~~).]]An elevated vantage-point for runway 31 landings and for take-offs in either direction. However, for runway 31 movements it is only just high enough to clear the airport perimeter fence and the street lights present an additional obstacle. If you have a step-ladder you would be better off shooting runway 31 take-offs and landings from next to the perimeter fence.		[[Image: 10330_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Airbus A320 backtracking on runway 31 at dawn (160mm)]]An elevated vantage-point for runway 31 landings and for take-offs in either direction. However, for runway 31 movements it is only just high enough to clear the airport perimeter fence and the street lights present an additional obstacle. If you have a step-ladder you would be better off shooting runway 31 take-offs and landings from next to the perimeter fence.

	'''Time of day:''' Morning only (up to around 9 am in winter).		'''Time of day:''' Morning only (up to around 9 am in winter).
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	===Runway 31 Threshold===		===Runway 31 Threshold===

	[[Image: Charlespolidano_B752.jpg \|left\|thumb\|150 px\|Boeing 757 over the perimeter road (40mm).]][[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_L-1011~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|~~Lockheed TriStar~~ on approach ~~at sunset (250mm).~~]]This is an excellent location for photos of aircraft approaching runway 31 if you're content with in-the-sky shots (no terrain visible). There is a wide roadside walkway, though you have to cross to the other side of the road to get photos to avoid the streetlights. The road is beneath the level of the runway at this point so through-the-fence touchdown photos are not possible.		[[Image: Charlespolidano_B752.jpg \|left\|thumb\|150 px\|Boeing 757 over the perimeter road (40mm)]][[Image: 10966_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|MD-11F on approach]]This is an excellent location for photos of aircraft approaching runway 31 if you're content with in-the-sky shots (no terrain visible). There is a wide roadside walkway, though you have to cross to the other side of the road to get photos to avoid the streetlights. The road is beneath the level of the runway at this point so through-the-fence touchdown photos are not possible.

	'''Time of day:''' You can shoot from either side of the flight path so this spot is good for the whole day, although photos will not turn out so well when the sun is at its highest. On hot days avoid shooting at long range (above say 200mm) because heat distortion will affect the photos in spite of the aircraft still being well above ground.		'''Time of day:''' You can shoot from either side of the flight path so this spot is good for the whole day, although photos will not turn out so well when the sun is at its highest. On hot days avoid shooting at long range (above say 200mm) because heat distortion will affect the photos in spite of the aircraft still being well above ground.
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	===Perimeter Fence off Road to Safi===		===Perimeter Fence off Road to Safi===

	Good for runway 31 approaches with terrain visible in the photo. Large building blocks have been deposited at this site, apparently as a prelude to future works, but so far it remains accessible. It is also possible to get touchdown shots from here.		[[Image: 10670_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|A330 on touchdown]]Good for runway 31 approaches with terrain visible in the photo. Large building blocks have been deposited at this site, apparently as a prelude to future works, but so far it remains accessible. It is also possible to get touchdown shots from here.

	'''Time of day:''' Afternoon and evening (from about 9 am onward in winter).		'''Time of day:''' Afternoon and evening (from about 9 am onward in winter).
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	'''Directions:''' As with the previous spot but follow the road up the hill. Near the top turn right to take an old country road leading to the village of Safi. Very soon you will come to a fork in the road. Keep right and you will soon reach the airport perimeter fence. This spot will add some 15 minutes to your journey from the terminal if you are on foot.		'''Directions:''' As with the previous spot but follow the road up the hill. Near the top turn right to take an old country road leading to the village of Safi. Very soon you will come to a fork in the road. Keep right and you will soon reach the airport perimeter fence. This spot will add some 15 minutes to your journey from the terminal if you are on foot.
	{{jplink\|6373234}} (By the perimeter fence on airshow arrivals day)		{{jplink\|6373234}} (By the perimeter fence on airshow arrivals day)
	~~{{jplink\|5742719}} (Tu-154 touching down - 210mm)~~

	===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===		===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===

	[[Image: ~~CharlesPolidano_A300~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|~~Runway 13 departure (130mm).]][[Image: CharlesPolidano_B738_2.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Runway~~ 31 ~~rotation (135mm).~~]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement.		[[Image: 11067_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Embraer 170 departing from runway 31]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement.

	Across the road from here lies the Medavia/NCA aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft cross the road to the complex and back via a gate in the airport perimeter just beyond the viewing platform, with road traffic being temporarily halted by barriers. Aircraft crossings are infrequent, however, and you would need to be very lucky to witness one.		Across the road from here lies the Medavia/NCA aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft cross the road to the complex and back via a gate in the airport perimeter just beyond the viewing platform, with road traffic being temporarily halted by barriers. Aircraft crossings are infrequent, however, and you would need to be very lucky to witness one.
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	===Runway 13 Threshold===		===Runway 13 Threshold===

	[[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_ATR-42~~.jpg \|left\|thumb\|200 px\|~~ATR-42~~ approaching runway 13 ~~(150mm).~~]][[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_Gulfstream~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|~~Gulfstream V~~ in park 3 ~~(150mm).~~]]This is a good spot for aircraft on approach to runway 13. Unlike runway 31 the road here is at the same level as the runway, but the runway threshold is impossibly far from the perimeter fence. From here you can also see park 3 where the occasional executive jet, light plane or small turboprop may be parked. Beware of heat distortion on hot days however.		[[Image: 10833_wm.jpg \|left\|thumb\|200 px\|A320 approaching runway 13]][[Image: 10699_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Piaggio P166 in park 3]]This is a good spot for aircraft on approach to runway 13. Unlike runway 31 the road here is at the same level as the runway, but the runway threshold is impossibly far from the perimeter fence. From here you can also see park 3 where the occasional executive jet, light plane or small turboprop may be parked. Beware of heat distortion on hot days however.

	'''Time of day:''' The runway 13 approach is viable for morning photography if you are prepared to take head-on shots from directly beneath the flight path, but this location really comes into its own in the afternoon. For aircraft in park 3 you need to wait for the late afternoon ~~and evening~~.		'''Time of day:''' The runway 13 approach is viable for morning photography if you are prepared to take head-on shots from directly beneath the flight path, but this location really comes into its own in the afternoon. For aircraft in park 3 you need to wait for the late afternoon.

	'''Directions:''' If you do not have your own transport, your best bet is bus no. 35. Ask the driver to stop you by the Express Trailers building (a large garage for commercial vehicles) on the outskirts of Luqa, at the foot of Triq Hal Qormi which runs uphill to the previously mentioned Lidl supermarket and the airport cargo centre. The Express Trailers building is at the corner of this road and Triq Hal Farrug. The runway 13 threshold is about 20 minutes walk up Triq Hal Farrug.		'''Directions:''' If you do not have your own transport, your best bet is bus no. 35. Ask the driver to stop you by the Express Trailers building (a large garage for commercial vehicles) on the outskirts of Luqa, at the foot of Triq Hal Qormi which runs uphill to the previously mentioned Lidl supermarket and the airport cargo centre. The Express Trailers building is at the corner of this road and Triq Hal Farrug. The runway 13 threshold is about 20 minutes walk up Triq Hal Farrug.
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	===Park 4===		===Park 4===

	[[Image: ~~CharlesPolidano_C-130~~.jpg ~~\|left~~\|thumb\|200 px\|~~Canadian~~ C-130 in park 4 ~~(60mm).~~]]The occasional executive jet, civil or military transport or light plane may be parked here, though light aircraft tend to be parked far from the fence at a point where the ground dips, making them hard to photograph. There are cutouts for photography at intervals in the fence. Unless your subject is close to the fence you'll have to watch out for heat distortion and you may have to wait for the sun to start descending. Nightshots are also possible in this location.		[[Image: 10279_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|C-130 in park 4]]The occasional executive jet, civil or military transport or light plane may be parked here, though light aircraft tend to be parked far from the fence at a point where the ground dips, making them hard to photograph. There are cutouts for photography at intervals in the fence. Unless your subject is close to the fence you'll have to watch out for heat distortion and you may have to wait for the sun to start descending. Nightshots are also possible in this location.

	'''Time of day:''' Late afternoons, evenings and nights.		'''Time of day:''' Late afternoons, evenings and nights.
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	===Runway 05 Threshold===		===Runway 05 Threshold===

	[[Image: ~~Charlespolidano_P92~~.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|~~Tecnam P92 approaching~~ runway 05 ~~(175mm).~~]]Good for approaches to runway 05. As regards traffic the same applies to this spot as to the runway 23 threshold.		[[Image: 10737_wm.jpg \|thumb\|200 px\|Rare landing by an A319 on runway 05]]Good for approaches to runway 05. As regards traffic the same applies to this spot as to the runway 23 threshold.

	'''Time of day:''' Virtually all day.		'''Time of day:''' Virtually all day.