Spotting at BRU 2016

[nry50]

I'm thinking of coming over to BRU from the UK in a few weeks time for some spotting and photography.
What I would like to know is that in view of the heightened security in the Brussels area, is it still possible to spot and photograph from the roofs of Frontpark1 and Frontpark 3 without being moved on by the police or security services?

Regards,

Neil.

[SabenaForever]

No problem to use parking 1 or 3... Although you always can see some security of El Al but that is standard for some years now...

Greetz

[nry50]

Thank you for your replies Flying Scout and Sabena Forever, glad to know spotting is still possible.

Regards,

Neil.

[teach]

Also, if you have ground transport available, check out some of the other spots. The hill near the refugee center offers great views of arriving traffic on 25L. There's also a great spot for arrivals on 01 when that's in use.

[nry50]

Thanks for that, unfortunately will only have access to public transport so will stick to the car parks.
Have used the "Wingtips" restaurant in the terminal previously, but I believe the views of 25R/07L are pretty restricted now due to building work.

[sn26567]

I'm thinking of coming over to BRU from the UK in a few weeks time for some spotting and photography.

Neil.

Hi Neil (nry50),

Your topic has been moved to the "Plane spotting - Belgium" forum.

[Homo Aeroportus]

Hi Neil,

Welcome to our little paradise !

I am not a spotter but I remember having had a bad experience many years ago at EBBR/BRU while using an airband radio (Rx only) outside of the airport premises. It wasn't to the liking of the local "Peacekeepers" and it took me lots of singing and dancing not to hand over my Yupiteru.

Maybe some fellow spotters here can advise you on the do's and don'ts in this respect if you intend to bring your radio with you.

Good spotting !

H.A.

[jan_olieslagers]

It's been many years since I was a spotter, but I would recommend to be very very careful. Legally you can't listen to aircraft R/T, the argument being that you would be gaining access to communications of which you are not the intended adressee - I think the UK situation is similar. Twenty years ago nobody cared, the average policeman was unable to tell a scanner apart from an MP3 player anyway. 10 years ago people would put the scanner somewhere in their pockets, and listen with earplugs. Today I think I'd not even recommend that, one can't be too careful as all security staff are nervous to the extreme - and who could blame them?
Also, if you have mobile internet you can use FlightRadar24 or such to see what plane is moving where, even though the really interesting planes (to some people) may not be broadcasting ADS-B so they won't show up.

Oh, and I almost forgot: welcome to Belgium! Do not forget to try our wonderful cuisine, and perhaps some museums, at least the (free!) aviation museum at the "Cinquantenaire" park - highly recommended!

[nry50]

Thanks for your help and advice gentlemen.
Had heard that scanners are pretty unwelcome in Belgium.
In the UK, apparently the law is that whilst it is not illegal to listen to aircraft, it is illegal to pass on any information you hear to a third party.
I did actually visit the excellent museum in the park in Brussels in 2000, long time ago!!
Certainly will try the Belgian cuisine and more importantly, some of the superb choices of Belgian beers.

[airtrainer]

Hi Neil,

I would suggest waiting for spring for better temperatures /daylight, but if you are from the UK you certainly know that
Let me (us) know about your visit, depending on my schedule I will try to join you...

[nry50]

Will certainly wait for the weather & daylight to improve.
Haven't booked anything as yet, but am looking at coming over in late April or May.

Regards,

Neil.