Hong Kong Airport: Difference between revisions

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===Skydeck above Terminal 2===
===Skydeck above Terminal 2===


This is deemed the 'official' spotting point at HKIA. It is located just about a few hundred meters south of the RWY 25R landing path, and the deck itself is on top of a building which is about 30 - 40 meters high. Planes landing on both RWY 25R and RWY 25L can be viewed from here, also a bit apron movements. There is no fence / glasses in front of you and it is just simply a 'building roof' overlooking the airport. Note that the viewing area has no roof-top and also no any facility for instance toilet, food kiosk or even vending machine. Visitors need to go downstairs back to Terminal 2 for drinks, snacks, toilet, etc.
This is deemed the 'official' spotting point at HKIA. It is located just about a few hundred meters south of the RWY 25R landing path, and the deck itself is on top of a building which is about 30 - 40 meters high. Planes landing on both RWY 25R and RWY 25L can be viewed from here, as can some apron movements. There is no fence or glass in front of you and it is just simply a 'building roof' overlooking the airport. Note that the viewing area has no roof-top and also no facilities; for instance toilet, food kiosk or vending machine. Visitors need to go downstairs back to Terminal 2 for drinks, snacks, toilet, etc.
 


'''''Access and Transport'''''
'''''Access and Transport'''''


Make yourself in HKIA terminal 2. With your back facing the drop off area, there is an escalator on the far left end (near check-in aisle N). Take the escalator for going up 1 level to the 6th floor. You will see the entrance of Aviation Discovery Centre with some artificial runway painting on the wall, etc. Ticket to the skydeck is on sale at the counter, ask the ticketing staff for further direction to skydeck.
Start in HKIA terminal 2. With your back facing the drop off area, there is an escalator on the far left end (near check-in aisle N). Take the escalator up 1 level to the 6th floor. You will see the entrance of Aviation Discovery Centre with some artificial runway painting on the wall, etc. Tickets to the skydeck are sold at the counter, ask the ticketing staff for further directions to skydeck.
 


'''''Opening Hours'''''
'''''Opening Hours'''''
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Entrance fee: HKD 15.00 (ticket to be bought at entrance of the Aviation Discovery Centre on the upper level of Terminal 2)
Entrance fee: HKD 15.00 (ticket to be bought at entrance of the Aviation Discovery Centre on the upper level of Terminal 2)


'''''Photo opportunity during RWY 25 direction'''''  
'''''Photo opportunity during RWY 25 direction'''''  
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Planes landing on RWY 25R (majority of the landing movements):  
Planes landing on RWY 25R (majority of the landing movements):  


Always high (around 100mm lens for a B777-200 whole body). However, it is only good during morning especially summer time as that would be backlit staring from 2pm onwards. Sample pics for RWY 25R landing viewing from skydeck: {{jplink|6230369}}
Always high (around 100mm lens for a B777-200 whole body). However, it is only good during morning especially summer time as that would be backlit staring from 2pm onwards. Sample pics for RWY 25R landing viewing from skydeck:
 
{{jplink|6230369}}




Planes landing on RWY 25L (some private jets / cargo movements):  
Planes landing on RWY 25L (some private jets / cargo movements):  


As the viewing deck is situated between RWY 25R and 25L landing paths, planes approaching RWY 25L can also taken. You would need a longer lens for that(around 200mm for a B777-200 whole body and more for private jets). However, it is only good during afternoon especially in summer time. Sample pics for RWY 25L landing viewing from skydeck: {{jplink|6680193}}
As the viewing deck is situated between RWY 25R and 25L landing paths, planes approaching RWY 25L can also be photographed. You would need a longer lens for that( around 200mm for a B777-200 whole body and more for private jets). However, it is only good during afternoon especially in summer time. Sample pics for RWY 25L landing viewing from skydeck:
 
{{jplink|6680193}}




Planes lining up near RWY 25L (all of the take-off movements):  
Planes lining up near RWY 25L (all of the take-off movements):  


Difficult, as that is distinct from view and with many ground obstruction.
Difficult, as that is distinct from view and with many ground obstructions.




Planes lining up near RWY 25R (During RWY 25L is closed for overnight maintenance):
Planes lining up near RWY 25R (During RWY 25L is closed for overnight maintenance):


Possible. But RWY 25L maintenance closure would be finished by approx. 0830 local time, which is before the opening time of skydeck.   
Possible. But RWY 25L maintenance closure would be finished by approx. 0830 local time, which is before the opening time of the skydeck.   




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Planes rotating from RWY 07R (all of the take-off movements):
Planes rotating from RWY 07R (all of the take-off movements):


Possible. But limiting to those long-haul heavies and planes with high loading.
Possible. But limited to those long-haul heavies and planes with high loading.




Planes rotating from RWY 07L (During RWY 07R is closed for overnight maintenance):
Planes rotating from RWY 07L (During RWY 07R is closed for overnight maintenance):


Possible, but limiting to those long-haul heavies and planes with high loading. RWY 07L maintenance closure would be finished by approx. 0830 local time, which is before the opening time of skydeck.
Possible, but limited to those long-haul heavies and planes with high loading. RWY 07L maintenance closure would be finished by approx. 0830 local time, which is before the opening time of the skydeck.


==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==