Aberdeen Spotting Update Dave Rose 20th/21st April 21
Its been a few years since I was up in Aberdeen, and I needed to visit on business so took the opportunity to check out the spotting areas. I flew up on the excellent Loganair service, with good loads each way, and taking just 38 minutes!! Quite a few hotels have been built in the airport complex, and I chose the "Moxy" which is a funky version of the Marriott, good views of the runway can be had from any east facing room, and its of a high standard.
Spotting Spots - These are all assuming you are on foot
Northern Apron - On exit from the terminal, turn right and follow the fence line. A high grass mound takes you above the fence and photography is good here. Bristow's operate from here, so taxying shots of the numerous choppers can be had, and Eastern base 2 J41's here on contract to Bristow's, taking riggers to Sumburgh. CHC are based to the right of this area, and there choppers are difficult to shoot. You can also see everything parked on the northern stands of the terminal, and shots can be had on pushback. The stands are mainly used by Loganair and Eastern. Some shots from here - (Click to enlarge)
Southern Apron - Turning left when leaving the terminal takes you towards the hire car compound. Once here turn left and a road takes you along the fence line, looking towards the main apron, and continue round so that you are parallel to the runway. Shots are through the fence, but nothing can be missed here. Views are also of the eastern aprons where Babcock are based and NHV further along. Choppers come and go most of the day, and they follow the runway centreline before hovering onto the apron. Loganair have 2 ATR42-500's on contract to Babcock, taking riggers to Sumburgh, with a few SF340's as back up. Loganair have a hangar on the Eastern side, and most of their stored EMB135 fleet is parked here.
Eastern Apron
Runway 34 - Walk towards the new Exhibition Centre and you come to a cricket ground. Bear left and this new road takes you twards the approach lights. A steep bank on the left gives great shooting possibilities if they are landing on 34.
Terminal Building - Once airside, head towards gate 10 - 20 which takes you over a glazed bridge area, above the terminal itself. All movements can be seen, and shots through glass can be had, which are better in the afternoon.
Aberdeen is generally busy when in normal operations, although most things will repeat during the day. A day return flight would be ideal when they get back to normal, and check the weather, as it can be dreich!!