GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg – Jul 2018
LANDSIDE
There are two viewing areas allowing excellent views over the field and runway. There is now one long terminal for both international and domestic. One viewing area is located very centrally and the other is in the far corner of the international side. This one has better views of some remote stands and cargo. Both offer slightly different views of various gates. A few stored and parked aircraft on the other side of the runway can be logged with a good pair of binoculars, but don’t expect to get everything. Unfortunately they have removed the seats.
The perimeter is mostly surrounded by a large wall but I have heard there is a spot on the other side of the field with good views as well as a couple of spots on the approach if your looking for good photo’s. It may be advisable to contact local spotters for directions.
AIRSIDE
The international terminal had decent views and all movements should be seen. A little more comfortable than the viewing areas given you can sit down. The domestic terminal in 2012 had some views of the SAA hangers but there where no views of the runway so stuff will be missed.
HOTELS
The Protea hotel reportedly has good views.
I stayed at the Southern Sun hotel. It reportedly has good views. I didn’t ask as I was only there for a quick night stop. The end of the corridor had views onto the domestic hanger area. I didn’t look like rooms would have good views to me and would probably require SBS but I can’t be sure. However its conveniently located only 5/10 minute walk from the terminal and is good quality with a good bar.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The majority of South Africa’s mainline fleets can be seen in a day. However a lot of the commuter fleet didn’t show up and are based at various places around the country. Kulula and British Airways / Comair make up most of the remaining scheduled flights.
International wise you can expect regular flights from some of the neighbouring countries, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia. Unfortunately a lot of the regional airlines ( Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar ) either arnt flying anymore or are using the larger aircraft on this route ( Mauritius, Angola ) that you can see elsewhere. It can be worth checking timetables to see what the best times are as there can be large gaps with nothing of interest once you have seen the based aircraft.
The older aircraft are gradually disappearing with only a few remaining in storage. Most flights are now conducted by modern aircraft.
Lanseria – Jul 2018
LANDSIDE
Situated North West of Johannesburg and about an hours drive from the main airport. Lots of aircraft live here and if you get access to the field you will have a fantastic time walking around them. Expect upto 5 hours if you collect everything.
The terminal has a small café upstairs with outside deck giving great views over the runway. However you will only get a handful of aircraft from here. There must be about 30 hangers to explore and to only way to do this is to prearrange a tour.
AIRSIDE
Send an email to permits@lanseria.co.za . Unless anything has changed they should grant you access and tell you to go to a security hut down the road from the terminal to gain permission onto the ramp. You will be escorted around the airfield including the hangers and storage area on the far side. Most hangers are open and they generally don’t mind if you want to venture inside and take a closer look. There is now a fee of 360 Rand.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
A massive amount of maintenance facilities exist here. Expect to see lots of B1900’s some E120’s, lots of general aviation and biz and who knows what else.
A lot of the older South African Gulfstreams appear to be stored here now but most of the derelict aircraft have been tidied up.
Not as much stuff as there used to be but produced a few gems as always. Notably a Heli Malongo DH4 from Angola this time.
A handful of domestic flights operate each day by Kulula and Safair.
Rand – Dec 2012
LANDSIDE
Located 15 miles from the main airport catering to general aviation and private owners in the main. Its not easy to see too much stuff without a tour. There are a lot of hangers and buildings in the way. If you drive to the museum its possible to see all these without obtaining entrance and from here you can see a few aircraft on the ramp.
AIRSIDE
Go to www.randairport.co.za to request a tour. If granted you will be escorted around all the hangers and ramps.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
If your into the older propliners you will love this place, some very nice and well maintained aircraft live here along with some general aviation stuff. Very little in terms of airline traffic passes though here. N340SS S340 is currently stored.
The South African Airways museum is located here. Go to www.saamuseum.co.za to view a list of aircraft.
Cape Town – Dec 2012
LANDSIDE
Within the terminal there is a good viewing area overlooking the ramp and runway. All movements easily seen but some gates including the commuter aircraft are obstructed.
Long walks to either end of the two multi storey car parks will assist in getting the commuter and freight aircraft.
If you have a car you can drive past the cargo area towards the threshold where it may be possible to park and get some good approach shots. Going the other way following for general aviation you will find a couple of old stored aircraft and possibly a bizjet or two. Further along there is a fighter on a pole next to an air force building. Not sure if this is a museum or not. Wasn’t paying attention as I don’t collect them. Unfortunately most biz park at execujet and its not possible to get views of the ramp unless you stop on the side of the motorway.
AIRSIDE
International Terminal had good views of the international gates and runway. All movements can be easily seen.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not a whole lot here. Expect 5 or 6 SAA commuter aircraft based and maybe a couple of freight that you won’t see in Joburg.
The only thing of interest is the TAAG B737 twice a week and Mauritius A319 twice a week. A very nice place for a holiday though with a quick trip to the airport here and there to see these.
Polokwane – Dec 2012
LANDSIDE
Terminal has a viewing area which assists in seeing a few of the stored aircraft. A drive around the hangers will get the rest.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
14 Aircraft stored at the time.
5Y-BNJ B707 No titles
ZS-IJI B707 Inter Air
3C-JZW B707 All White
S9-BOE B727 All White
3D-AVC B727 All White
N25AZ B727 All White
5N-BCY B727 Polokwane International Airport parked in centre of field
3D-ITC B727 Inter Air
ZS-IJK B727 Inter Air
TC-IYA B727 Blue Tail
? B727 Red / Blue cls
9J-AFW B737 missing Tail
3D-AAJ B737 Benin Golf Air titles missing tail
ZS-SIM B737 Inter Air
