| Spotting |
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| Commercial & Regional Aviation Interest Group |
| INTRODUCTION Spotting is the term used where aviation enthusiasts go to an airport to watch aircraft come and go. This section is to help aviation entusiasts with information about the best vantage points at some of the major airports accross Australia. As usual, if there is anything you would like to add, please email [email protected] GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SPOTTING IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION Since September 2001, there has been a marked increase in security and vigilance at airports all over the world. It is important that aviation enthusiasts be mindful of their actions and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to themsleves that may impact on other enthusiasts and spotters. Here are just some of the important rules you need to observe while spotting. Always follow the directions of Airport Security and Australian Protective Services (APS) staff. APS is the uniformed patrol branch of the Australian Federal Police and so they have the power to arrest a person for any breach or of non compliance to a directive. Remember that although you may be outside the fence, you are more than likely still on airport property so these uniformed staff are well winthin the rights of the airport management to direct you to do or not to do something. If you are approached by airport security or APS, simply comply with their request. Giving them a hard time will only mean that they may become more focused on the activities of other spotters who are doing the right thing. There is a 3 metre rule for most airport fences in that you are not allowed to be within or park your vehicle within 3m (12 feet) of the perimeter fence. If you are within the 3m and you are approached by APS or security staff to move, then do so. They may take your personal details and car registration number etc to ensure that you are not a repeat offender. DO NOT climb onto or up fences. This is both dangerous for you and it is totally forbidden . If you are trying to get a good photo of an aircraft there are many other ways and means of achieving this. If you use a ladder to take photos looking over the fence line, the ladder must not be leaning on the fence, nor is is allowed within the 3m (12 ft) exclusion zone as outlined above. Remember that any activity that breaches rules or if you challenge security or APS staff it only raises suspicion about your acitvities. By simply following these basic rules you can ensure that you and many others will continue to enjoy some of the spectacular vantage points that airports have to offer. |