Menorca Mahon

[Jonathan Gallagher]

Hi there

Im off to Menorca nxt week and wondered what the situation is on the spotting there.

Also looking at Google Earth there is a smaller airfield just next to MAH, does anyone know what this is called

Thanks Jonny

[viscount]

Must be in the region of 15 years ago, so my notes may well now be out of date. At that time there was no landside apron views from the terminal, with very limited views around one end from the approach roads. There has been much building development since. The island's main road runs right across the threshold to the usual active. No opportunity to stop, or park, or even walk in safety. From memory little could be seen of the apron from the perimeter outside roads due to walls, woods and shape of the land.

However close to where the main island road crosses very late finals a track lead off away from the airport, signed to a historic tower and a Roman mosaic. I enjoyed many an hour from the window/door in the tower photographing aircraft going past. Aircraft at the threshold on departure could be seen, but too distant for full frame 300mm lens. There was very limited track-side parking, but a larger car park a little further on at the Roman floor mosaic (inside a roofed structure). Specifics may have changed with time.

The light field is not that far away. Was very quiet (in a week only saw one movement from afar) and permission to wander into the small hangar was given by the only guy around who appeared to be a spoke Spanish only gardener - I just waved my camera towards the aircraft! From memory 8 or so aircraft, but several were interesting older Spanish types. A grass airfield with a clubhouse - think it was simply refered to as Mahon Aero Club, rather than by a place name. I walked there, either from bus or the airport, I now don't recall.

I used the local service bus, or a hired death trap bicycle as my resort of Cal'n Porter was not far away. One morning the bicycle was particularly useful as the wind direction reversed on German day - found poor spots to log, but not photograph from. Seem to remember that breakfast time and dusk were the busier periods. Visit was mid-summer.

Advise internet research in the week before departure, noting the best traffic and patterns of busy periods from the daily airport website arrival boards. Google the airport name, or use a link from www.fola.org.uk Then there were distinct 'national' days, with British day, German day, Scandinavian day, French day and very quiet day - although I suspect that the no frills carriers may have amended this traffic flow.

Have fun and enjoy Menorca.

[Jonathan Gallagher]

Thanks for the info

Jonny

[john1958]

Hi Jonny, a good mate of mine is not long back from there, I've emailed him for details, if he sends them in time, I'll post them.

John

[markmai]

Try this website

www.aircraftspotting.co.uk/planespotting-guides/spain.php#menorca%20mahon%20airport

Also check www.aena.es for arrivals and departures.

Mark

[Jonathan Gallagher]

Oct 1, 2010 9:10:40 GMT 1 john1958 said:

Hi Jonny, a good mate of mine is not long back from there, I've emailed him for details, if he sends them in time, I'll post them.

John

Oh great stuff, Thanks. If not in time thanks for trying


Jonny

[Monvillez]

I went just over 12 months ago. Viewing locations aren't the best but in fairness I didn't put a lot of time into trying to find good spots. Had a hire car so basically drove around the full perimeter one morning and the best I could really find was just beyond the threshold of runway 01. Managed to get a few good approach shots if they were coming in from the south.

Location marked on map below and managed to capture the 767 that brought us in on the same cycle a week earlier;





Regards,
Garry

[Jonathan Gallagher]

Thanks for your infomation looking at the Aiports Boards there no more then 27 flights a day during October Mite do a few hours, If the Gf lets me lol

Jonny

[griff]

Try this link www.aeroclubmenorca.com/

Cheers Griff

[Jonathan Gallagher]

Ive since retured and looking at tie-ing up some movements

Anyone know any good Spanish Groups i can join for tieing up

Gracias Jonathan