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There are three unofficial viewing points for plane spotters to watch aircraft taking off and landing at Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport. One is a lane at the south end of the runway (1)*, which is a main road, although not terribly busy, but great for seeing the Aircraft from underneath as they take off and land over your head when the runway is operating in the right mode.
The other two are on a lane (2)* which runs down the eastern side of the runway, which is affectionally called spotter's lane. From here you can see the business end of the terminal, and get a good side on view of the aircraft as they travel along the taxiways, apron and runway. This is the most popular spot and there is a refreshment van there with drinks, Ice creams and sandwiches on most days. On my visit on Sunday 24th of July there were lots of aircraft movements, with 30 reported on the official website as take off and landing flights.
Very soon the Main terminal will have a public viewing lounge, for people waiting for arrivals and departures, no doubt it will have toilets and refreshments, and will have access to the departure/arrival boards and announcements. Hopefully it will have no impact on spotter's lane, where locals and enthusiasts can stop for a few minutes or an hour and enjoy a little free viewing, and friendly chat with other people who turn up.
| Please don't leave any litter when you visit Spotter's Lane, take it with you. If the area becomes a problem to the local community or the airport, then restrictions could follow |
These pictures are from my Visit to spotter's lane on Sunday 24th of July 2005
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This
view from near the snack van shows the fence and a young, extremely knowledgeable
spotter! In the Background are three large Hangars from the RAF Finningley
days, and one of the resident Thompson Boeing 737 Aircraft, on the Taxiway,
making it's way to the south end of the runway where it will be taking
off in the northerly heading direction.( today runway 02 was in use )
More below..... |
On spotter's Lane, the view south from the snack Van
Notice the approaching aircraft, having been cleared to land on Runway 02 (Ryanair B737-200 see more below) It is in the centre of the sky, halfway between the top of the photo and the green car.
And the View North
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| Here is a couple of shots of the Thompson Flight which left on time at 15.15, as it goes down the taxiway to the south of the runway, to take off in a northerly direction. Winds today were from the north, hence this unusual take-off and landing direction from and to Runway 02 |
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This is a shot of a Ryanair Flight approaching to land from the south. It was due in at 15.20 but was about 5 minutes late. You can see lots of smoke from this ageing 737-200 series underneath the lights in this picture. |
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These
Shots were Taken From Spotter's Lane By Paul from near the Biffa Plant |
G-THOI/CDZN?THOG at the terminal on the Morning of Tuesday 9th August 2005
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G-THOH coming in THOI coming out
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G-FCLE landing 31/07/05
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G-FCLE gives way to a very late EI-CNW !! 31/07/05
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Paul has been kind enough to share a second selection of shots which he has taken :-
This first one is spotters lane from 2000ft and the fire station and terminal area !
And also from 2000ft we can see the terminal. Both of these shots were taken on 28th July 2005
This is the rare 9G-PEL taxying on 10th August 2005
G-THOG landing 22nd July 2005
landing lights at the 02 threshold
Check The Smoke!
9G-PEL rotates
This is a fantastic Picture..
view of OG/OH/OI/CDZN and ZAPM 10 aug 05
new fire engine and the terminal in "snow" mode
both taken on 23/02/05
D-ANJA blue wings A320 04/07/05
OG / OH and OI 01/07/05
Amusingly Paul remarks TAXi ! and
D-AGER in the background 01/07/05
D-AGER and G-BYAH 27/06/05
G-BYAH holiday flight 27/06/05
air mediterainee F-GYAI operating pilgrim flights to lourdes 27/06/05
1 G-THOH lands on 20
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2 G-THOH takes of on 02
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this
is the Foxtrot November Yankee, |
DC8 , A6-HLA |
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HB-JEB Landing
ZE395 brings the duke of gloucester to DSA
Paul says TC-APH sprays 20 - Although I haven't a clue what that means..
More Soon..
Directions For Un Official Spotters (1)* High common lane. This lane is goes across the southern end of the runway. When the runway is in either mode the aircraft take off or land over your head. It is situated approximately a mile North of Austerfield and around 3 - 4 miles north of Bawtry and Joins the A614 (Bawtry Road) in the East to A638 (Great North Road) in the West. A little open to the elements, I would only recommend using this spot if you go in your car, which you can pull in and wait for the next aircraft movement. It is a little too far from the terminal to see much though, I can only recommend this spot for takeoffs and Landings.
(2)* Old Bawtry Road a.k.a Spotter's Lane This lane goes from Finningley town in the North, near the railway line, down to the roundabout at the junction of High common lane (currently sporting a floral aircraft) in the south, at the southeasterly corner of the airport. The central area of the Lane is reduced to a footpath, so you cannot drive right down this road. The road is in a poor condition but fine for all road vehicles, although you should drive at less than 20mph. South Part North Part |
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