Summary
Farnborough Airport is much more than its world famous airshow, held every second year, where the latest in aviation technology is presented and modern civil and military aircraft are put on display.
Farnborough is actually one of the UK’s most interesting airports for spotters who are looking for something a bit different to the usual airliners seen at other airports.
What’s more, it’s quite easy to reach from London and other parts of the country.
About Farnborough Airport
Expect impressive aerial displays during the Farnborough Air Show
Farnborough Airport is located near Aldershot in Hampshire. It has a long association with the history of aviation in the UK, and was for many years a centre for aircraft and engine development and testing.
Today, this continues with the air show usually held in July in even-numbered years, where the latest technology is demonstrated and marketed.
The airport is also a busy general aviation hub, with much of the biz jet traffic visiting the south of the UK using the airport.
Farnborough does not have any airline services at present, however BAe operates a shuttle service for its employees during the week.
Airport Layout
Overview of Farnborough Airport during the air show
Farnborough today has only one active runway, 06/24. This has a displaced threshold to allow aircraft to safely pass over the neighbouring built up area when on approach from the east.
The northern side of the runway is where most of the parking aprons and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) operate from, with the area to the south of the runway reserved for the air show and some other based companies.
What You’ll See at Farnborough
Busy lineup of biz jets at Farnborough
The Gulfstream facility at Farnbrorough
The based FBOs, maintenance and overhaul facilities and based private operators handle a large number of private jets and props at Farnborough.
Companies present include Bookajet, Dassault Aviation and Vista Aircraft Maintenance.
Gulfstream Aviation has a large facility at the airport where Gulfstream jets are overhauled.
Occasional military aircraft are also present, as well as larger government and VIP aircraft.
Where to Spot at Farnborough Airport
Rae Road/FAST Museum (1)
The cul-de-sac alongside the FAST Museum, Rae Road (postcode GU14 6XE) is more or less in line with runway 24. You can look along its length, and approaching aircraft will pass very low overhead. Walk a little along the main road to get a good vantage point, or read off (with strong binoculars) aircraft parked up on the north side.
Eelmore Bridge (2)
At the 06 end of the runway is a distinctive iron bridge off the main A323 Fleet Road. It is technically on Laffan’s Road (postcode GU11 2HL) and has a small area for parking. This location has great views of aircraft arriving and departing runway 06, and of departures off 24. You can see aircraft parked on some of the ramps, but not all.
Trenchard Way (3)
When the air show is not on, Trenchard Way (postcode GU14 6GU) is a good route to follow (preferably park the car and walk along it) as it offers views across the runway to the various parking aprons on the north side.
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum
“Live” cockpit of a Trident 3B airliner at the FAST museum.
This small aircraft museum is dedicated to the aviation history of Farnborough and its involvement in the development of aircraft and associated technology. It has some interesting displays and a number of aircraft outside.
It is located just to the east of the airport, on Rae Road.
Open weekends and public holidays from 10am to 4pm. Visit www.airsciences.org.uk
Airport Spotting Guides UK & Ireland
This handy guide book for plane spotters details the best spotting locations, as well as information on what you’ll see, at over a hundred airports and airfields across the UK and Republic of Ireland, including the Channel Islands.
An essential resource, it includes maps, details on spotting hotels and aviation museums.
1 comment
Farnborough! In 2015 we went there to have a look around, the reception staff told us in no uncertain terms that we were ”trespassing” and to leave! So drove round the public perimeter road to the end of the runway and got out to take some photos. A black short wheel base Land Rover ” Airport Security” arrived and the two lads got out and told us to stop taking photos and to leave and they would follow us out ! Showed them my airline ID, not interested they said, and the thugs then indicated we need to leave, however I did take my photos despite them. The virtually shunted us out of the area to the first roundabout and then left… so quite annoying….so havent been back !