Yeovilton (RNAS)

1FAA Museum

First spot on this busy airport is the excellent FAA museum. It is located next to the RNAS Yeovilton along the B3151. Inside this museum, there is a viewing area at the Swordfish restaurant with a nice view onto the apron full of helicopters and the regular business at an airport. Also the parking place next to the museum is a good spot to note down some numbers for free. Across the runway, the Cobham Hall is located where all the stored aircraft for the museum are located. When the doors are open some of those aircraft could be spotted.

2Landing 22

This spot can be reached by taking the first road to the right driving from the FAA Museum to the east. Just follow the road to cross the extended runway 22 and position yourself here. Parking of the car could be a problem. This spot is excellent to photograph any departing helicopters to the east.

3Landing 27

To reach this spot, continue the road to arrive nearby a small farm. You could park your car here near the ruin of a farm. From here walk across the fields towards the runway threshold and position yourself for the optimum landing shot.

4Landing 04

On the B3151, take the exit towards Yeovilton and drive carefully on the small road towards this village. While entering, take the directions towards the church with its FAA memorial and cemetary. Park your car on the lane outside the church and walk towards the beginning of the runway. Sometimes helicopters use this runway regardless of wind to land and park at the apron next to the FAA Museum. Also the Grobs could use it. Sometimes this taxiway is used for aircraft proceeding to runway 09.

5Mid Runway 09/27

Spot 5 can be reached from spot 4 or the church by walking to the north, towards the main runway. The fence is a bit too high for photography so use a stepladder for a clear view or use the terrain, which has some raised banks. At this spot you will have a good view on all aircraft using this main runway, while having the sun in your back. At this point most aircraft are just airborne at this spot. Also taxiing traffic on the south taxiway can be nicely photographed.

6Landing 27

This spot is very suitable for making landing photos. Take the exit from the B3151 towards Yeovilton. When you see the runway, you will also note the 'No Parking Zone' ahead. Park your car before this area at the left side and walk passing the runway and the crash gate. Position yourself along the low wooden fence, with the sun in your back, close to the runway and taxiways.

7View onto the aprons

To have a look at the aprons, this is a last chance position. On the B3151, on the west side of Yeovilton Naval Air Station, there is a small dirt road leading towards the fence. Park your car at the beginning of this road and walk towards the fence. From here you will be able to spot helicopters on the apron close by.

8Along the southerly taxiway

From the FAA Museum take the first right. Take the second right turn towards Bridgehampton. Take a right again and just before the road swings to the left a public footpath begins. Find somewhere to park and walk towards the taxiway. Best spot is where the river divides itself into two. From here you have a good view onto the taxiway leading from the runway towards the south apron.