REQ: Info on spotting at Gioia del Colle and Lecce

[Basman]

Dear all,

Can anybody give me hints on spotting from the outside at Gioia del Colle and Lecce? I am looking for answers on the following questions:
-Is photography allowed and is it possible? Will it be tolerated maybe as long as you don't shoot towards the base (landing shots only)?
-Will the polizia/carabinieri let you stand more or less near the fence?
-How about the attitude towards binoculars, will it be allowed to watch only if photography is not tolerated?
-Any information on vantage points, flying hours etc. is most welcome!

Looking forward to any reply!

Best regards,

Bas van Oorschot

[Fiddler]

Gioia is rather a difficult place to stay low profile. The roads below the base are all private and closed off by gates. At the top you are very visible and will atract quit soon attention of the guards. The eastern runway is out of use as works take place (end of april that was so I guess they are still working) And with winds coming from the north, the other runway is to far into the base for descent photography. A total disaster so to speak. We went there just for nothing.

[Basman]

Gioia is rather a difficult place to stay low profile. The roads below the base are all private and closed off by gates. At the top you are very visible and will atract quit soon attention of the guards. The eastern runway is out of use as works take place (end of april that was so I guess they are still working) And with winds coming from the north, the other runway is to far into the base for descent photography. A total disaster so to speak. We went there just for nothing.

Thanks for the information, albeit rather disencouraging. I have a question though: when looking at Google Maps, it looks as if the Eastern runway is the one lying more inside the base, the western one doesn't seem to be that far away from the fence and a road (Strada Lago Scalcione). It is visible with Streetview so should be open to the public I guess. Did you try your luck from that side? If photography is not possible (there are signs on the fence if you look with streetview) I am still interested in a numbers only visit as well.

Bas

[Fiddler]

Ow, sorry, I missed it totaly. The eastern runway was in use, the western was out of service. And the road to the left of the base is accessible, but it's all flat and there's a railroad in the back so you can't really get out of the sight there... But at the end of the road you mention, south of the base most of the roads are public but not far enough to get close to the base. I'll try and post it more in detail, if you want but now I'm little short in time.

Greetings!

[Basman]

Hi Fiddler,

I already was afraid that you meant the western runway as being the one out of use.. . Oh well, maybe I'll try my luck a bit further away from the base to catch some landing stuff.

Bas