Viewing deck Dublin airport

cjk photos

What are the chances of getting a viewing area back in Dublin airport like in the old days.

Work safely in some EU airport IE AMS FRA

bernsy

When I worked for DAA i was trained to treat every person entering the door of the terminal as a terrorist and for that reason I doubt it will ever happen. They do not understand or want to understand the concept of plane spotting or even just people wanting to wave off friends or family.

scudzilla

bernsy wrote: »

When I worked for DAA i was trained to treat every person entering the door of the terminal as a terrorist and for that reason I doubt it will ever happen. They do not understand or want to understand the concept of plane spotting or even just people wanting to wave off friends or family.

WTF????

pm.

bernsy wrote: »

When I worked for DAA i was trained to treat every person entering the door of the terminal as a terrorist and for that reason I doubt it will ever happen. They do not understand or want to understand the concept of plane spotting or even just people wanting to wave off friends or family.[/QU

Are you for real

bernsy

scudzilla wrote: »

WTF????

Yeah we were told that the only way people should be allowed into an airport was naked and with no baggage and that included staff. I think this particular individual may be retired now but I'm sure his mentality remains.

chrysagon

I have a few friends who work/worked in Dublin airport, and theres NO WAY were they ever told or trained to treat everyone like a potential terrorist,, in fact quite the opposite..

bernsy

I also have friends who still work in security out there and will remember the lecture we got on day 1 of training.

bernsy

Can I also say that this was a time very soon after "Sept 11th" so things were very different back then.

cjk photos

It may have been like that a few years back after 911 but things must be better now ??????

chrysagon

Last time i was in new terminal, there was no viewing deck, shame really,

cjk photos

seeing aircraft on the ramp and the smell of fuel is great

I miss it.

bernsy

Even some kind of viewing park along the lines of Manchester would be great and also a bit of extra revenue if run right.

Strumms

I'm not sure the DAA would want all the hassle to be honest, the extra security etc. and the cost of the infrastructure. I'd also have no clue where a good place to have one of those would be to be honest. Although I do remember the indoor view section there was upstairs in T1 beside the Mezzanine and Pizza Hut... Always good for half an hour to check out what was happening and pass the time. The was also a reasonable view from the adjacent bar from what I remember.

Going by the amount of aviation history associated with a Ireland it's a pity we don't have some sort of aviation museum anywhere though. Run and marketed correctly that could be a nice money maker. If anyone has been to the Le Bourget Air and Space Museum something along those lines would be great.

andy_g

Strumms wrote: »

Going by the amount of aviation history associated with a Ireland it's a pity we don't have some sort of aviation museum anywhere though. Run and marketed correctly that could be a nice money maker. If anyone has been to the Le Bourget Air and Space Museum something along those lines would be great.

There is someone trying to setup a museum similiar to the malta aviation foundation here but dont know too much on it at the moment

Pat Dunne

Strumms wrote: »

Going by the amount of aviation history associated with a Ireland it's a pity we don't have some sort of aviation museum anywhere though. Run and marketed correctly that could be a nice money maker. If anyone has been to the Le Bourget Air and Space Museum something along those lines would be great.

I recall back in the 70's that there was a museum upstairs in Terminal 1. We were often brought there as kids, on a Sunday. I seem to remember a sectioned cockpit from a Viscount (open to correction), there was even a piece of Moon rock from one of the Apollo missions. I also seem to remember a bi-plane hanging from the ceiling as well, possiblly the "Iolar", but there again that could be my mind playing tricks on me.

Anyone else remember it?

chrysagon

Pat Dunne wrote: »

I recall back in the 70's that there was a museum upstairs in Terminal 1. We were often brought there as kids, on a Sunday. I seem to remember a sectioned cockpit from a Viscount (open to correction), there was even a piece of Moon rock from one of the Apollo missions. I also seem to remember a bi-plane hanging from the ceiling as well, possiblly the "Iolar", but there again that could be my mind playing tricks on me.

Anyone else remember it?

begobs i do... brought back memories as a very small kid:P

andy_g

The cockpit section is in hanger 6 now if i recall correctly was put into storage when the museum closed up.

2 stroke

I drove up to collect a relative in terminal 2 last month and my nephew asked to tag along for the trip. Up early, 2 1/2 hours in the car, 1 hour in the airport, all the food that he could eat and presies from his aunty. Yet, he was clearly dissapointed in the car back on the M50. When asked what was wrong, he said he didn't even see one plane. Had to do an about turn at Blanch exit, an back to the side road around the airport, in miserable weather.
It would not have been too difficult to have designed the terminal with a view from the food court.

cjk photos

I agree 2 stroke point well made its for young and not so young

lord lucan

I don't see a viewing area happening anytime soon, it was suggested by a number of staff a while back as part of the T1 redevelopment but I've heard no more since.

An outdoor area on the mezzanine level in T1 would work. The old meeting place restaurant has been vacant for some time, perfect spot for a little shop and history of Irish Aviation leading to an outdoor viewing area which would allow a decent view of B, most of E ops and some of A. Good view of 16/34 if in use and a clear view of traffic taxing to/from 10/28.

Noxegon

Strumms wrote: »

Going by the amount of aviation history associated with a Ireland it's a pity we don't have some sort of aviation museum anywhere though

We do.

Apparently I'm still a new user on boards.ie so I can't link to it, but Google for the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

cjk photos

Lets start a campaign who do we email or contact

cml387

The main object of the DAA it seems to me (and as an airport administrator it's by no means alone in the world) is to fill the airport with as many shops as possible to extract as much money as possible from the mugs sorry flying public.

Supplying an area to simply watch the plabes is far down the list.

Did Shannon not have enclosed viewing area at one stage?

Strumms

Noxegon wrote: »

We do.

Apparently I'm still a new user on boards.ie so I can't link to it, but Google for the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

True, although I prob should have specified one that takes in the whole story of aviation in Ireland rather then just mainly the Foynes story in the main.

rubberdiddies

cml387 wrote: »

The main object of the DAA it seems to me (and as an airport administrator it's by no means alone in the world) is to fill the airport with as many shops as possible to extract as much money as possible from the mugs sorry flying public.

Supplying an area to simply watch the plabes is far down the list.

Did Shannon not have enclosed viewing area at one stage?

Agreed but would a small viewing area not have the potential for generating revenue such as paying for the car park, buying food etc.

Surely it would bring a lot of non passengers (ie potential customers) to the airport

2 stroke

cjk photos wrote: »

Lets start a campaign who do we email or contact

Do the DAA need to apply for planning permission for new developments/redevelopments?
I suggest objections to any airport development that don't include a public viewing area.

Wise Old Elf

cml387 wrote: »

Did Shannon not have enclosed viewing area at one stage?

It's still there and you can access it without going airside. Parking charges would put you off on a regular basis, and you'd want to know when something interesting is due in as it can be quiet at times.
Some nice pics there of previous visitors to Shannon as well.

Edit: I also recall having to kill a day in Gatwick about 17 years ago. There was an outdoor viewing area there which was great. Was gone the next time I was in Gatwick though.

mickdw

Is there nowhere in the airport to actually see the planes taking off? That's madness. I remember being there years ago and sitting in a large area with full length windows looking out on the apron.
I later worked on building terminal 1 extension and while there were great views from the higher floors of the extension while under construction, alot of that would be lost on completion.
I can't believe that they have build a new terminal and have not orientated a public area with proper viewing facilities towards the apron.

Del2005

The smoking area in the bar upstairs in T1 has to be the biggest let down. They could easily enough have designed it to be looking at to the apron not into the building and with full length glass for safety.

billie1b

Del2005 wrote: »

The smoking area in the bar upstairs in T1 has to be the biggest let down. They could easily enough have designed it to be looking at to the apron not into the building and with full length glass for safety.

Funnily enough the smoking are in T1 was part of the old outside viewing area, they blocked it all off, it used to be great as a kid standing outside on top of the building watching the planes

Stealthirl

I feel it's a missed opportunity for someone with the money to get an old double decker bus and kit it out with a coffee shop set up downstairs and viewing area up top.
It could move between the spots around the airport as traffic movements change,parking it might be a challenge

cjk photos

great idea it the CC you have to worry about health and safety.

Pat Dunne

Stealthirl wrote: »

I feel it's a missed opportunity for someone with the money to get an old double decker bus and kit it out with a coffee shop set up downstairs and viewing area up top.
It could move between the spots around the airport as traffic movements change,parking it might be a challenge

Whatever happened to this idea?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=89795244&postcount=1

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=89795244#post89795244

dogmatix

Noxegon wrote: »

We do.

Apparently I'm still a new user on boards.ie so I can't link to it, but Google for the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.

That place looks like it's well worth a visit - i'm putting in on my "2015 - things to do" list.

I also remember the old dublin airport mueseum from the late 1970's - and the moon rock. Is it true that this moon rock has since been lost?

My best memories from that long ago aviation era was being taken on a guided tour of Baldonnell at a time when it was filled with such interesting types as the the magister, alouette, king air, warriors and spotting a vampire and anson in the hanger.

I think the vampire is currently hanging from the ceiling of the Collins barracks museum near Hueston.

man98

Funny enough I emailed Dublin City Council, who told me to email Fingal County Council, who told me to email the DAA, over the condition of the spotting area short of RWY 34 (not great in this stuff, may be 16) and RWY 10. It's a nice place, but it really needs development. Raise it up a bit, throw in a concrete path, steps and a place to park, along with a few picnic benches. As said further back, other airports have nice things (AMS has an area with a McDonald's, telescopes etc.)

man98

man98 wrote: »

Funny enough I emailed Dublin City Council, who told me to email Fingal County Council, who told me to email the DAA, over the condition of the spotting area short of RWY 34 (not great in this stuff, may be 16) and RWY 10. It's a nice place, but it really needs development. Raise it up a bit, throw in a concrete path, steps and a place to park, along with a few picnic benches. As said further back, other airports have nice things (AMS has an area with a McDonald's, telescopes etc.)

28 end just needs some gravel to help you walk up the mound and not slip over with your camera gear.

10 end is fine, I have no issues with its condition.

Both however need to be raised a little bit more but are fine at present height as you can see/shoot over the new fence fine.

cjk photos

yes i aree the 28 end is as high as the bus and 10 is perfect as well

In the summer they cut the hedge at 16 /34 and as its not in use that often you will find it hard to get the day right.

Where i think it would work is the area at the gate along the 28 road were they lift or are about to lift.

It am just work as a place for spotters or photgraphers to meet each other and have a tea or coffee

thanks

artanevilla

There's a museum in Baldonnell. Has lots of old Air Corp aircraft and a few bits about Irish aviation in general. Not sure it's open to the public yet, but as far as I'm aware they're planning to open it.

franer1970

bernsy wrote: »

When I worked for DAA i was trained to treat every person entering the door of the terminal as a terrorist.

I think he's referring mainly to the home-grown 70's-80's type of terrorist. I was under impression that the viewing deck was closed due to fear of someone taking pot shots at British Airways planes or whatever.

For many years there was only one entrance open into the terminal and a guard (Garda?) stationed there would wave some kind of sniffer device at everyone's bags.

cjk photos

yes yout right but its now 2015 so its time to move on and get it reopened as it would be great

Lockheed

We don't need new viewing are, just redevelopment of the layby on Old Dublin road. Tarmac the parking area, plop a snack shop in on one side, concrete path and steps, benches and maybe even have them develop it back and have a green area. It would be nice.

cjk photos

For me i would love a viewing area in the airport as i am into photography and would love to try night aviation shots of the ramp

You can see from MAN you get some great images

Peregrine

artanevilla wrote: »

There's a museum in Baldonnell. Has lots of old Air Corp aircraft and a few bits about Irish aviation in general. Not sure it's open to the public yet, but as far as I'm aware they're planning to open it.

Yeah, it's great. It would be nice if they opened it up to the public but I'm not sure it will be, given it's location within the base. I think there was a feasibility study done on having an aviation museum in South Dublin but I don't know what came out of it.

dogmatix wrote: »

My best memories from that long ago aviation era was being taken on a guided tour of Baldonnell at a time when it was filled with such interesting types as the the magister, alouette, king air, warriors and spotting a vampire and anson in the hanger.

I think the vampire is currently hanging from the ceiling of the Collins barracks museum near Hueston.

Pretty sure the museum at Baldonnel has a Vampire, Anson, Cadet, Alouette and a few Chipmunks and Magisters.

They had the King Air but I don't know if they sold it. There was talk about selling it in 2012.

Duffer2010

Nim wrote: »

Yeah, it's great. It would be nice if they opened it up to the public but I'm not sure it will be, given it's location within the base. I think there was a feasibility study done on having an aviation museum in South Dublin but I don't know what came out of it.



Pretty sure the museum at Baldonnel has a Vampire, Anson, Cadet, Alouette and a few Chipmunks and Magisters.

They had the King Air but I don't know if they sold it. There was talk about selling it in 2012.

King Air was indeed sold. There was someone out in Weston during the boom trying to develop a mueuem. At one stage there was a DC 3, Fueslage of a Catalina and Bucanneer doted around the field in anticipation of the proposed museum. Never happened. The Catalina was carved up and the DC 3 went to the Indian Historic flight. Bucanneer still there.

Peregrine

The Catalina It would have broken my heart to watch that getting scrapped.

adlima

Wise Old Elf wrote: »

It's still there and you can access it without going airside. Parking charges would put you off on a regular basis, and you'd want to know when something interesting is due in as it can be quiet at times.
Some nice pics there of previous visitors to Shannon as well.

Edit: I also recall having to kill a day in Gatwick about 17 years ago. There was an outdoor viewing area there which was great. Was gone the next time I was in Gatwick though.

Is that still open at shannon? I have heard about it but I was under the impression that it was long closed off. Where abouts is it?

On a slightly similar note, I have often asked the same questions about Dubai where I'm based at the moment. There are A380s and 777s in and out every minute at the airport and it is such a shame that they have nothing here to view these stunning aircraft from. There are a few places you can pull in alright but you need to be alert. Apparently the cops don't take too kindly to spotting!

Wise Old Elf

It was last year when I was there but it was open then. You've to take the lift from the main entrance hall. It can be closed at times without prior warning (no idea why, guess at when troops are in), but usually OK.