Spotting at Essendon.

[red750]

I spent an hour or so at Essendon today, and took a few photos.It is becoming increasingly more difficult to photograph many of the aircraft there as more and more obstacles such as high fences, equipment, shipping containers etc are placed between public access area and the aircraft, not to mention all the building construction. Many areas close to the fences are now reserved carparks for tenants at the airport, and even street parking areas are placarded as Permit Areas. There were 3 Skycranes and a Piaggio Avanti which could be glimpsed around the airport, but all were partly obscured by the above mentioned obstacles. I did manage to get a few photos which I attach below, but I wont add them to the Media section, as they are not "Recreational" aircraft. A couple of the buildings, also.

 

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[red750]

Hi Wally, Yes, I don't know why the observation deck is off limits. You can only view from within the terminal. I understand the requirement for an ASIC, although I question it, but it would not be too difficult to give access to the deck without compromising security. Like you, I spent hours as a youngster at Essendon, watching the Electras, Viscounts, DC4s and 6s, and later the 727s, DC9s, F27s, etc. Good times, them. Here's a few memories.

 

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[red750]

That brings back lots of memories. I never flew in a Hiller, but had a number of flights in a Bell 47J Ranger Essendon to Yarra Heliport.

 

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[Rastus]

I spent an hour or so at Essendon today, and took a few photos.It is becoming increasingly more difficult to photograph many of the aircraft there as more and more obstacles such as high fences, equipment, shipping containers etc are placed between public access area and the aircraft, not to mention all the building construction. Many areas close to the fences are now reserved carparks for tenants at the airport, and even street parking areas are placarded as Permit Areas. There were 3 Skycranes and a Piaggio Avanti which could be glimpsed around the airport, but all were partly obscured by the above mentioned obstacles. I did manage to get a few photos which I attach below, but I wont add them to the Media section, as they are not "Recreational" aircraft. A couple of the buildings, also.[ATTACH]50351[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50352[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50353[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50354[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50355[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50356[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50357[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50358[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50359[/ATTACH]

I spent an hour or so at Essendon today, and took a few photos.It is becoming increasingly more difficult to photograph many of the aircraft there as more and more obstacles such as high fences, equipment, shipping containers etc are placed between public access area and the aircraft, not to mention all the building construction. Many areas close to the fences are now reserved carparks for tenants at the airport, and even street parking areas are placarded as Permit Areas. There were 3 Skycranes and a Piaggio Avanti which could be glimpsed around the airport, but all were partly obscured by the above mentioned obstacles. I did manage to get a few photos which I attach below, but I wont add them to the Media section, as they are not "Recreational" aircraft. A couple of the buildings, also.[ATTACH]50351[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50352[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50353[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50354[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50355[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50356[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50357[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50358[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]50359[/ATTACH]

Geez, I flew RGE 30 odd years ago in western Qld when she was owned by the local Doctor. She didn't have a belly pod then. I remember the planning numbers - 130 Ktas and 60 lph. Happy days.

 

Robert

 

 

[David2ayo]

Seems to be a common issue with airports - at Dubbo, if you are farewelling family, the view from the highly secure (?) boarding area is very limited, due to the architect designed pretty windows with columns there is about 90 degrees of view. It is very difficult to get a good overall view from anywhere either inside or out. I once asked whether the now-unused control tower could be used by by the aero club, was told we couldn't even visit it - the dreaded asbestos! Maybe some enterprising person at Essendon will open a coffee shop in one of the adjacent buildings, advertise it as aviators lookout or something.

 

We have a Dubbo Aero Club committee meeting tomorrow, I'll have another go at seeing whether we could put up an observation deck next to, or on, the clubhouse.

 

Appreciate the pics, Peter, thanks.

 

David