Aircraft Spotting at Essex's Airfields and AirportsSpotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Essex. Use the hotlinks above or scroll down for spotting information on spotting locations, airfield hangar access, aviation museums, preserved aircraft. Plus all the information has been plotted as Points of Interest and can be downloaded to your SatNavs, Google Earth and Google Maps to make planning your spotting trips abroad so much easier and helping you log many more
PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN ESSEX - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK downloadWant to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report ABRIDGE-MAYHEM PAINTBALL STOREDSpotting InfoAt Mayhem Paintball east of Abridge and alongside the western perimeter of Stapleford airfield are 6 aircraft in various states. Stored here as part of the games are XP854 Scout, XX744 Jaguar fuselage, ZD276 Lynx cabin, G-AOHL Viscount cockpit with the centre section of fuselage of F27 3C-QSB next to it, G-AREE PA23 unmarked, G-BKLS Gazelle cabin, G-BOIP C152 fuselage, G-OBPL EMB110 fuselage and an unknown dark green SD3-60 fuselage. Only the Scout can be seen from the road outside and that's only be getting some height and looking over the fence. They are friendly to visitors but it's best to contact them in advance to arrange a visit to ensure you see them all, either by ringing or through the form on their site. The aircraft are dotted around in the various different games and you'll need wellies if it's been raining. Very friendly to spotters, enthusiasts, photographers. Due to them being very busy at weekends they can't accommodate any visits and they've asked that any visits be arranged for during the week. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report ANDREWSFIELD AIRFIELD - TWR 130.55Spotting InfoHead north through Stebbing Green village, turn right at the crossroads down Newpasture Lane and the airfield and entrance are on the right. Look carefully around as you drive through the middle of the airfield towards the clubhouse. Head into the clubhouse, ask for access and sign your name in the visitors book. They are friendly here and there's no problems taking photographs, but do not just start wandering around or you'll be asked to leave. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report ARDLEIGH-BOUNDS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead east out of Ardleigh town on A137 and after half a mile turn right at the start of a left hand bend, into Little Bromley Road. After a mile (over the railway line and round a sharp right and left bend) turn left at the T-junction and the strip is on your left at Bounds Farm. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report AUDLEY END AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHeading north out of Newport on B1383, go past B1039 to Royston on the left and take next right turn almost immediately. Head over the bridge and up the hill and turn right up a very steep incline. This leads to the strip. You'll reach a couple of hangars first that you'll drive round the back of - often there's a bus between them with an aircraft inside and there may be someone in these hangars to ask for access too. Continue along the track for Vintage Fabrics who own the large black hangar. Usually only open during the week, friendly as long as you keep to their rules, politely ask for access first before wandering around. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report BELCHAMP WALTER-WAITS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of Belchamp Walter village and the farm and strip are on the right. Friendly, ask for access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report BOREHAM HELIPADSpotting InfoHead northeast out of Boreham town on B1137 and take the first left. Head over the A12 and railway line and airfield is on the left. This road takes you right round the perimeter. Home of the Essex Police and Ambulance helicopters. Hangar and pad at centre of the old airfield. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report CLACTON AIRFIELD - TWR 118.150Spotting InfoFollow the Clacton-on-Sea coastal road (West Road) south and with the golf course on your left the airfield will be on your right. Clacton Aero Club Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report 
Custom Search
EARLS COLNE AIRFIELD - TWR 122.425Spotting InfoHead south out of Earls Colne airfield on B1024 and turn right after about 1.5 miles south of village, signed Essex Golf and Country Club. If there's a security guard at the barrier, just let them know you're visiting the flying club. Follow the track round and airfield will appear on your left. Park in car park behind control tower. If you're lucky a back door to the hangar will be open to have a peak inside as they don't allow access here. If you see anything you can't identify they will give you the registration in the clubhouse though. As you drive back, at the first bend there is a track straight ahead. Go down there as the left and right hangars contain aircraft. In the garden of the house here is SE-HXF Rotorway Scorpion. Back onto the road again and although aircraft are parked at an angle, if you crawl along the hard shoulder you will be able to log everything. Anglian Flight Centres Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report GREAT OAKLEY-THE LODGE AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead north through Great Oakley village along High Street and take the first single lane track on the left. It's just before a large field. This will take you to Great Oakley Lodge. The strip is just beyond the lodge with aircraft parked in farm buildings. 3 Percival Proctors currently on rebuild here - one of only two places worldwide that have 3 Proctors together. Friendly, ask for access, don't just go wandering around. Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HANNINGFIELD METALS SCRAPYARD, STOCKSpotting InfoTake the B1007 north out of Stock. After about 3 miles you will pass Ship Road on the right, the scrapyard is on the right shortly afterwards. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HIGH EASTER AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of the village. At a sharp left bend that heads to Leaden Roding, turn right here and the strip is immediately on the left. If the gate is shut, push the bit that looks like it lifts up, then lift it and the gate opens towards you. The aircraft are all in separate little hangars but have handy little gaps to read them off. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LAINDON-BENSONS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoIn Laindon town, head north on A176 and go under the A127. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit straight over. Take the second road on the left and the strip is on the left. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LIPPITTS HILL HELIPADSpotting InfoHead north on A112 through Sewardstone and turn right onto Mott Street. Turn right onto Lippitts Hill and it's on the right as the road bends round to the right. Hangar and helipad are not visible from the road and there's no access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report NAVESTOCK-JENKINS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of Stapleford Abbots on B175. After 1 mile take a sharp left onto Tysea Hill and then continue straight on onto Muthering Lane. After about 1 mile the road bends left and the strip is on the right as the road bends to the right. If you get to the M25 you've gone too far. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report NORTH WEALD AIRFIELD - TWR 123.525Spotting Info Alongside the M11 and A414, the airfield is well signposted. North Weald Last reported November 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RAYNE-RAYNE HALL FARM AIRFIELD - A/G 125.05Spotting InfoHead east through Rayne village along the high street. At the crossroads, turn left at the lights by Swan pub into Shalford Road. As the road bends left, turn right, follow the track past the barns, over the stream, up the hill and ask in the portacabin next to the hangar on the right for access, they are friendly. You have to cross an active runway as you approach so proceed with caution. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RIDGEWELL AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead east on A1092 into Stoke-by-Clare village. The road will bend left with two roads on the right. As this road straightens, take the next right, Ashen Lane. Follow round the sharp right bend and at the next sharp left bend the road become Ashen Hill. At the T-junction turn left onto The Street. Follow round a sharp right bend and a left bend. At the next sharp right bend, turn left onto Foxes Road (signposted Ovington). At the next sharp left bend turn right. Turn left at the end and the airfield entrance is immediately on the right. Friendly, ask for access. Essex Gliding Club Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SOUTHEND AIRPORT - TWR 127.725, APP 130.775In the north of Southend-on-Sea town and signposted off the A127, all viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. If visiting by train, it should take around 45 minutes from Liverpool St Station. There is a nice huge window at the airport train station with a view of the ramp, you can then walk the fenceline, take the No. 9 bus to the church and walk around the industrial area to get the stored aircraft. East Side Spotting Info North Side Hangars Spotting Info From the road behind ATC Lasham above, instead of heading back to McDonald's, carry straight on and turn right onto Eastwoodbury Crescent. Turn right at the mini roundabout onto Eastwoodbury Lane, follow the road past runway 06 and turn right at the mini roundabout onto Aviation Way. Follow the road right round and you'll reach the security entrance. Air Livery is the large hangar on the right and with smaller hangars beyond - Intora, Avionicare and a small GA storage hangar. To the left is the Inflite hangar with many aircraft parked around it and don't forget the aircraft outside the other end. Beyond Inflite is Hangar 2, with the Laing Orouke fleet kept in the southern end and a few light aircaft in the northern end. There should also be a footpath around here that leads behind the JRB hangar to the long term storage area in the northern part of the airport by the fire training area. As you head back along Aviation Way, there are nooks and crannies to maybe glean one or two more and you can turn into the entrance of the Essex County Hotel where you'll find the derelict HS748s VH-AHL and VH-AHQ and Be35 N60256. Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report STANSTED AIRPORT (EGSS/STN) - TWR 123.8, APP 129.65, GND 121.725Spotting Info Off J8, M11 and follow signs. The movements tend to come in waves, with the early morning rush approximately 0530-0900 with mostly Ryanairs, some easyjets and a few Aer Berlins amongst others. A smaller wave begins around 11:30 when the early departures come back. You'll also generally see a daystopping UPS B767 and one or two FedEx MD11s. All viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. There are places to view at either end of the terminal but as there is nowhere free to park, there needs to be at least two of you so one can jump out and log those visible. You'll probably only log half a dozen and most will move into view from the northside viewing area if you're staying for any length of time. To the left of the terminal are the Bravo stands. Walk down the hill looking towards the runway and walk along a long mound of grass, which is above but parallel to the railway line for Alpha stands. Charlie stands will be missed and Delta stands are to the right of the terminal building. Airside you can take the monorail between piers to get what's parked up and then stay at the end of any pier to watch the movements. A good pair of bins is needed to log the biz over the far side. For arrival into Stansted, make sure you check the wind direction beforehand to sit on the correct side - if they're on 05, the left side will give you views of the biz at some speed, whilst the right side will see you taxi past all the stands on your way to the gate. If on 23, the right hand side will give you a distant view of the biz depending on which runway exit, and you'll taxi past the stands. The left side will just give you a view of the stands at speed. No problems with spotting during the hours of darkness as long as you don't hang around in the same area for too long. Most areas described below are well lit and obviously the terminal area will be quieter for you to log what's parked at the stands. Bizjet Area Spotting Info For the bizjets follow the signs to long term car park and business estate. Turn right onto First Avenue and take the first left, Second Avenue. Head towards G-IOIT L1011 used for tug training and follow the road round to the right - Eleventh Avenue. Straight ahead and to the left is the back of the old KLM hangar, aircraft sometimes park either side of and beyond this. The front of the hangar can be seen on the way to the main northside viewing area described below. Titan sometimes park aircraft around here. Straight ahead is where some of the larger biz that are staying longer will park. Turn right onto Ninth Avenue, then follow the one way round to the left to the Harrods terminal where you may pick up one or two at the gate (you won't see these from anywhere else) but don't hang around here, especially during the week. Carry on past the terminal and follow the metal fence round to the left. Park up sensibly and there are gaps in several of the metal sheet fencing which may net you several more. Then turn left towards a security gate and park in this car park. You are now in front of Building 130, as per the sign on the building. DO NOT park in this car park. This is a staff car park as is clearly signed and they do not want us parking there. However they are perfectly happy for us to park in the car park outside the security gate and walk in to Building 130's car park. From here you can see most parked outside Inflite, including Titan. This area is known as the 'Security Gate' area. When done, continue round to the left on Seventh Avenue and turn left in front of the petrol station on Third Avenue. Turn right at the end, glance left in case you missed anything and go over a mini roundabout and round to the left behind the buildings. This road is very narrow and there's very little room to turn round so during the week when it can get busy, we have been asked not to drive down here. Park up and walk down. During the weekend it seems to be ok just park well back from the gate in the spot where the road widens slightly. You can log from the gate but don't hang around, and photos are not allowed. This ramp is known to regulars as 'In the Trees'. That's all, so follow the signs for the exit. Northside Spotting Info For best place to stay for any length of time you need to go north of the runway. Turn right out of biz area, go through the village of Burton End and past the Ash pub on the right. Keep following the road until it straightens out. You should then see cars parked on the right hand side of the road. Half way down, there is a large gap in the bushes. Turn round and park like the other cars, make sure you park sensibly or you will be moved on. Walk through the bushes and you will be alongside the runway. You can't log anything parked at the terminal from here, just tails are visibile, but you can see the cargo and FedEx. If you wait an hour or so everything at the terminal will taxi past. Security and police drive past every now and then and part of their job is to radio in the car details. Do not be alarmed, they are happy for you to be there, it is just part of their job. Similarly airport security drive past the fence in front of you but again, they are just monitoring who is present, we are allowed to stay here. Please note, the fire area is not accessible. It has been roped off by Police and you will be moved on. Don't bother going there. It's worth noting that one of the reasons the fire area is no longer accessible is because photographers kept cutting holes in the fence to take pictures. This is unacceptable anywhere and is a shame they have ruined that spot. DO NOT cut holes in the fence alongside the runway at this new place, in fact DON'T cut any holes anywhere. Planespotting Hotels - its location is marked in the Spotting in the UK download The Radisson Blu features on      for reviews, prices and room availability
Stansted Movements, Stansted Airport Email Group and Stansted Airport for arrivals and departures. Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report STAPLEFORD AIRFIELD - TWR 122.8Spotting InfoThere is no exit off J27 M25 or J5 and J6 M11 - if you are using the motorway, make sure you come off the motorway the junction before as it's too far to use the junction after. Airfield is on the right on A113 2 miles east of Abridge. Park in the car park on the immediate right and head towards the giant map. To the right is the fire services area. Take the path between that small hut and the clubhouse. Go through the gate and to your left is the radio room. A request here may allow access, it seems to depend on who is on duty, though having your own high viz jackets helps. It's also better to arrive first thing in the morning, before any flying starts. If you do get access, you probably won't be allowed any further left than the LEA apron as it is a live taxiway, but the other direction is also hit and miss. Some allow you right round the taxiway to the hangars, others only up to the end of the houses. If you do get to go all the way round, ask in each of the hangars - maintenance and Aeromega should be ok with different levels of access. Ask at M.W. Helicopters over the other side, though they will probably deny access, but there are gaps in their storage hangar to peer through if it's locked up. Make sure you continue past these to get all the light aircraft parked here and there is a remote hangar past all the lock-ups. Some of the lock-ups have gaps in if they're closed. Before you head round that way, turn left out of the picnic area and walk alongside the taxiway. Beyond the fence and fuel trucks there are quite a few aircraft parked on the grass out of sight from the picnic area. Then make your way back past the clubhouse and round to the hangars. From the clubhouse area, if you look out to the left of the hangars on the west side, follow the hill up and you can make out the wreck of G-OPJC C152 on the dump. Stapleford Residents List Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report STOCK-BROCK FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of town on B1007 and turn right on to Ingatestone Road. Strip is half a mile on left at a fishing/riding centre. Aircraft also parked behind hedge and there is an additional hangar up to the right. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report STOW MARIES AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west away from Cold Norton village, towards Danbury on Hackmans Lane. You'll go round a sharp right bend and after several fields, you'll pass a copse on the left. Turn left straight after the copse, onto Flambird's Chase and follow it round the left bend. Continue straight down and the airfield is towards the end, on the left. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report TAKELEY-STREET FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of Takeley village on B1256. After the fields you'll reach some more houses and the farm is on the right just before a turning on the left. There is a 'Street Farm' sign on a building that is right on the pavement next to the road. Go down the entrance next to this building. There is a small sign for the helicopter company, you can follow it left or go straight on and turn left after the building. You will see the offices, big glass windows. Home of Southern Helicopter Limited, a Rotoway Executive specialist maintenance and repair company. Very friendly and happy to show people round - some unmarked helicopters have signs on them with the registrations and the engineers can advise of any that aren't marked. There is a barn off to the right that houses other helicopters waiting for maintenance/repair and they are often happy to open it up to log what's in there. Please remember though, DO NOT visit on a Sunday. They are more than happy to accommodate you Monday-Saturday but have specifically requested no visitors on Sundays - please stick to this, the engineers are very friendly and welcoming and we don't want this spoilt. Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report THURROCK-KINGS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of Bulphan village and you'll see the airfield on the left after around half a mile. The entrance is on the left on a sharp right hand bend but as this airfield is very private, DO NOT enter. They wish to remain extremely private, so permission must be sought before entering, though it will likely be denied. You can contact Aero Services to arrange a visit and have been found to be helpful, as long as you follow their procedures, which usually involves a Wednesday visit. Right by the airfield entrance is a public footpath sign that leads into a field, and a public bridleway sign pointing into the airfield entrance. This bridleway leads round the back of the small black buildings and then alongside the aircraft parked outside, so you can use the bridleway if you wish though beware there are dogs on the premises that run loose. The footpath follows the edge of the field round and you can easily log the aircraft parked outside. Both the bridleway and the footpath follow the same route, with a small ditch inbetween so there's really no difference. The only issue is where to park your car. Right by the entrance to the airfield is an old rusted gate into the field, that's been blocked by old farm machinery. As it's no longer used there's room for one car here. There are grass verges just up the road, and passing points but park very carefully. There is also a gate on the western perimeter on the A128 for views and walking along here will give you views into the hangar if it's open. General Aero Services Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report WETHERSFIELD AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead northwest out of Wethersfield village on the B1053 and after around a mile, turn right at the triangle junction. The road winds around and the entrance is on the right. The VGS are friendly but you must arrange your visit in advance so the guards to the base know you're coming. On the northern perimeter, XM473 JP is stored in the front garden of a house. Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report WILLINGALE AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead in to Fyfield on B184 and head east towards Willingale (down Queen Street?). Go round sharp left bend, and after you pass a church on the right, turn right in to Cannon Lane. At the far end there is a gate, which is open most of the time. This track leads to the strip, with the hangars beyond. Very friendly, ask for access. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report WORMINGFORD AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead northwest out of Colchester on B1508 towards Wormingford, Bures and Sudbury. Head over the A12 and head through West Bergholt. 1-2 miles later, there is a sharp right bend, turn left here onto Packards Lane and turn right at the T-junction. Entrance is just up on the left. Friendly, ask for access - there are further details on the website about visiting, who to ask, and how to get safely to the other side of the airfield if no one is at the clubhouse, please follow them. Essex & Suffolk Gliding Club Last reported February 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report |
