Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Difference between revisions

{{categorynoregion|Europe|Netherlands}}

{{infobox|fullname=Amsterdam Schiphol Airport|location=Amsterdam, Netherlands|iata=AMS|icao=EHAM|aptype=Commercial|website=www.schiphol.nl|mapurl=www.schipholspotter.com/|mapsource=|atctower=118.1, 119.225|atcground=121.95|atcclearance=121.95|atcapproach=118.4|atcdeparture=119.050

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Schiphol has three official viewing areas: The observation deck at Schiphol Plaza, the McDonalds overlooking 09/27 (Buitenveldertbaan), and a parking lot alongside 06/24 (Kaagbaan).

===Observation Deck===

The airport hosts a large outdoor observation deck with great views of the terminal. There is also Dakota's Café & Bar, just inside the observation deck with good view if the weather is bad. Unfortunately the platform faces the sun most of the day. For photography it is therefore not too great. If you want to catch registrations this is a great place though! Just don't forget to bring your binoculars!

Operating hours:

:Summer 07:00 - 20:00

:Winter 09:00 - 17:00

For now access to the observation deck is free of charge, however there are plans to change this. The turnstiles have already been installed, so it is probably just a matter of time.

 

This spot is really excellent, and quite possibly one of the best of the world. You are just a few hundred metres away from the Kaagbaan. This runway is used almost all day, and offers a view without fences. A levy prevents you from entering the runway, along with video surveillance and regular driveby's by police.

To get a full frame side-on shot of a B747 you should need no more then 50mm. An F50 or ATR can be had at 200mm easily.

You can also go here by car, and there is a lot space to park. When driving over the A4 motorway take exit the to Aalsmeer on the N201. At the end of the motorway exit, turn left towards Aalsmeer. At the first crossing you must go to the left, into the Aalsmeerderweg. At the end of this road is the parking lot.

 

 

=== 06/24 Kaagbaan ===

You can get into the approach of the Kaagbaan, but you are not allowed to park here. You can easily park your car at the local McDonalds though, and walk the last 5 minutes. Just take the exit towards Hoofddorp/Aalsmeer on the A4 motorway. Park the car at the McDonalds across the intersection, and walk under the bridge towards the runway.

 

 

 

=== 18R/36L Polderbaan ===

 

 

This spot can not be reached by public transport, so a car or a bike will be required. When coming from the A4 motorway you must take the exit to Hoofddorp. At the exit go to the left and follow this road.

 

Now you have two options. You can take the exit onto the N520 towards Boesingheliede. At the end of this road you must go to the left (onto Schipholweg), and then at the first crossing again to the left (IJweg). At the end of this road you can park and look over the Polderbaan from the east.

The taxiway linking this runway to Schiphol is also accesible. However, this place is always very busy. There is a fence so a step ladder will be required. To get here get onto the N520 as mentioned earlier. After a few minutes you will drive under a bridge, this bridge is the taxiway. You can park your car at the cemetary just in front of the bridge on the western side of the river. Of course you can also park your car at the crashgate as many others do, but I would ask you not to. This place has attracted a lot of attention from the local autorities for all the wrong reasons. A lot of people park their car here rather dangerously. If this goes on this spot might well be closed.

=== Schiphol Oost ===

Schiphol Oost is the maintenance and executive part of the airport. You can see a limited part of Oost. This includes the police air wing (Bo-105, C.172), the hangars of the Dutch Dakota Association and some Martinair hangars. The biz jet ramp can also be seen.

To get here you can easily take bus 190, 191, 196, 198 or 199. When you see the police air hangar on your right, you will know you are there! It is the second stop after the McDonalds adjacent to the Buitenveldertbaan.

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*http://www.worldofwings.net/