ETAD Newcomer

[mcstamp]

Hi: have never been to Germany to spot on AAF bases. How is security handled, are you allowed to take pictures of flying acft? Does anyone have a hint as to which base is better, Spangdahlem or Neuburg/Donau?
Thx for ideas!

[jp 74]

Which base is better, depends on what you like, at Spangdhalem the flying (F16) is usually pretty good add some amc movements.
At Neuburg i guess maybe 6 to 8 Eurofighters and maybe a visitor.
For locations you can check the airfield guide on this site (you have to be a member though).
If you go to Spangdhalem you can also check out Ramstein.
In Germany it depends on the mood of the polizei and Bundeswer if you are check you out making pictures on base is forbidden and if you are checked you have to hand over you memory card in the air is usually no probem. If you use a scanner you can be fined a €1000,- and hand over your scanner.
Those are the formal rules in Germany however i never had real problems in Germany......

[mcstamp]

THX!
In the Netherlands: do you have the same regulations? Where would you go for fighters?

[herbie]

Hello Newbie,

Neuburg is a very nice place to watch aircraft and take photographs. Unfortunately the wing will deploy to Lechfeld starting in week 7 due to rwy re-construction at their home base. Lechfeld is bad for photos at both rwy sides - aircraft are still high and what makes things complicated is the fact that you are on military ground even outside the fence. The EF will return to Neuburg only in December.

Fighter Flying at Spangdahlem is not consistent and not worth taking the trouble with the nervous US guards. If you wanna see some Biggies, then Spang and Ramstein are ok.

[jp 74]

THX!
In the Netherlands: do you have the same regulations? Where would you go for fighters?

In the Netherland spotting is easy just behave normal, but you should check the notams before you go.

https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/
Fighters are at Volkel and Leeuwarden.
You can also check out Norvenich if they fly from the western approach you have a nice view.

[mcstamp]

Hello Newbie,

Neuburg is a very nice place to watch aircraft and take photographs. Unfortunately the wing will deploy to Lechfeld starting in week 7 due to rwy re-construction at their home base. Lechfeld is bad for photos at both rwy sides - aircraft are still high and what makes things complicated is the fact that you are on military ground even outside the fence. The EF will return to Neuburg only in December.

Fighter Flying at Spangdahlem is not consistent and not worth taking the trouble with the nervous US guards. If you wanna see some Biggies, then Spang and Ramstein are ok.

Hey, thanks, you're a help!

[mcstamp]

THX!
In the Netherlands: do you have the same regulations? Where would you go for fighters?

In the Netherland spotting is easy just behave normal, but you should check the notams before you go.

https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/
Fighters are at Volkel and Leeuwarden.
You can also check out Norvenich if they fly from the western approach you have a nice view.

maybe I'll try this when I'll be going to Germany: making a few days of spotting out of it!
Thx for helping!