Sydney Airport: Difference between revisions

(→‎Other Spotting Locations: added radar field)
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A view of Qantas Drive from the opposite side of the road as the main spot:
A view of Qantas Drive from the opposite side of the road as the main spot:
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===Radar/Padap Field===
The Radar Field (sometimes called the Padap Field) contains a large mound of gravelly construction material which gives you an excellent, elevated view of 16R/34L and the taxiways on either side (Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie). The visible action is similar to that which can be seen from Shep's Hill, however the Radar Field affords an added view of 34L touchdowns which is relatively unique compared to all of the other spots. Note that, because the mound at the Radar Field is on a construction site, access may be limited at times - weekends are your best bet. Also, you may find that the size of the mound changes from one visit to the next, as the material that it is made up of is used for the construction.
To get to the Radar Field from General Holmes Drive or Southern Cross Drive, driving west, take the lefthand exit for Foreshore Road. Right after you exit, the road will fork. Take the righthand fork, which brings you to a set of traffic lights. There should be a sign for Gate 16. Go straight through the intersection, following the sign for Gate 16. From here, park somewhere along the bottom of the grass hill on your right (either right after the intersection next to the "end restricted parking area" sign, or further along past the 16L threshhold) and then walk up onto the grass hill and straight towards the 16R/34L fenceline across a somewhat big field (at which point you'll see the large mound that you stand on). Make sure you park away from the 16L threshhold, as airport security can be picky as to where you park.
The main photographic attraction of the Radar Field is the view it gives you of 34L touchdowns and late 16R rotations and departures. You also have a similar view of side-ons as at Shep's Hill, as well as taxiway movements. Lighting is best for photography in the morning. The approximate required focal length is about 300 to 400mm for 34L touchdowns, and about 50 to 400mm for most other shots.
Sample photos from the Radar Field:
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===Shep's Hill (Tower Mound)===
===Shep's Hill (Tower Mound)===
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