Viewing Guides

[Mike]

Available here (also RIAT 2011 map) :- http://www.pb-photos.com/maps.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Habu Hunter]

UPDATED MAP - RAF FAIRFORD MAP - PB-Photos.com

Updates to the RAF Fairford map.



We have had a few changes mainly with regards to the Taxiway and parking designations. It was pointed out to me that the official RAF Fairford designations alter to those that are used during RIAT each year. RIAT has an independent air traffic service during the week of the show and they redesignate all the runways and taxiways.

I understand that Fairford is not used regularly but it is good to have the most accurate map possible.

To download please visit http://www.pb-photos.com/maps.html and either use the menu, interactive map or the image to get the PDF

regards

Habu

[graham luxton]

Bad news regarding parking at the West end near the Runway09 holding point.
The powers that be have posted a notice on the crash gate at the end of Marston Meysey lane informing the public that they intend to "extinguish" a section of road leading up to the crash gate. Details regarding the length of this section are confusing but it may be up to approx 81metres killing off a popular parking area, which is obviously the intention. When this will happen isn't known - no date was given.
Copies of the order may be obtained on application to the :
Secretary of State,
National Transport Casework Team,
2nd Floor,
Lancaster House,
Hampshire Court,
Newcastle Business Park,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE4 7YH
(quote ref NATTRAN/SW/S247/386)
or,
inspect it at Cricklade Library!

[mushbuster]

Graham, i think you will find this related to a short section of road within the base which was not correctly closed down in the 1950s when the runway was extended to its current length. If you read the text it refers to a section of road north and north east of that crash gate to the taxiway and then further. The OS grid reference quoted (at its end) is almost on the runway and if you look very carefully at the area on google earth you can see part of the road in question. This road used to go across the other side of the base where the other crash gate is located on the north perimeter.

here is the text

Date: 20 January 2012 Issue Number: 60035 Page number: 1092


Publication Date: Friday, 20 January 2012

Notice Code: 1601

Town and Country Planning



Department for Transport

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 & LAND POWERS (DEFENCE) ACT 1958

THE SECRETARY OF STATE hereby gives notice that she has made an Order under Section 247 of the Town and Country Planning Act as extended by Section 8 of the Land Powers (Defence) Act 1958 entitled “The Stopping up of Highway (South West) (No. 2) Order 2012” authorising the stopping up of the 6 metre wide unclassified road (Wiltshire u/c highway 2014) commencing from Ordnance Survey grid reference SU 1321 9804, on The Street, Marston Meysey, Wiltshire, directly adjacent to security fencing and crash barriers situated on the boundary of Fairfield Airfield. Proceeding north north east, through security fencing, following metalled road for approximately 34 metres, before joining Fairford Airfield taxi way. Continuing north north east across taxi way for approximately 47 metres to finish on Fairford Airfield taxi way at Ordnance Survey grid reference SU 1322 9812. Total length of unclassified road to be extinguished is approximately 81metres.

COPIES OF THE ORDER MAY BE OBTAINED, free of charge, on application to the Secretary of State, addressed to the National Transport Casework Team, 2nd Floor, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH (quoting reference NATTRAN/SW/S247/386) and may be inspected at all reasonable hours at Cricklade Library, 113 High Street, Cricklade, Swindon, SN6 6AE.

ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY THE ORDER and desiring to question the validity thereof, or of any provision contained therein, on the ground that it is not within the powers of the above Act or that any requirement of that Act or of any regulation made thereunder has not been complied with in relation to the Order, may, within 6 weeks of the 20 January 2012 apply to the High Court for the suspension or quashing of the Order or of any provision contained therein.




Denise Hoggins



On behalf of the Department for Transport


(1515843)

[graham luxton]

Thanks mushbuster I think you're right. The part that confused me was where it stated "Proceeding NNE,through Security fencing...."
Panic over!
cheers,
Graham

[skywatch1]

Hi guys, when the Heat is on and parking becomes sensitive, I've parked the car in Castle Eaton village with bicycle on back and cycled to our viewing area's. I do the same for RIAT as a friend lives in the village. most spotters know the rules around the Base and keep all Crash Gates and access areas from obstruction in case of an "Emergency" sadly, a few visitors don't and are advised accordingly by local Police.
On a brighter note, See you around in the new year
skywatch1

[WD75]

Rhymes is now back open.

[bushande]

Dear gentlemen,
may I ask .... I've only ever visited RAF Fairford during the Air Tattoo so have basically no idea where to leave the car without causing trouble outside this time frame.
Can anyone provide me some spots, where I could leave my car if I wanted to go to the spotting area in the north of the base and likewise if I wanted to take pictures in the east?
I'm travelling from the continent so taking a bike with me would actually not really be an option for me, thus any parking spot that won't have me walk for over a mile would of course be more than welcome hihi.
Many thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

[The Cat]

Ditto for me as I am struggling to find out how to read the replies to this topic. Not sure how a 'stickie' topic works

[Pune]

Click on the link in the first post in this thread, scroll down to Fairford and download (click the button) the Fairford info'.
Cheers
Pune

[bushande]

I think everyone on here already did. Those maps are great to check the viewing / photographing spots but our questions were were to PARK A CAR when travelling from afar. Any parking information is not visible on the maps in the stated link.

[adimale1981]

Just as park sensibly as possible nearby where roads, paths, farm gates etc are not obstructed, nor other vehicles. Just think whether a lorry, fire engine, tractor can get by easily and it'll be fine.

It pays to drive past to see where there are gaps or logical places to park sensibly, but use your brain and there won't be a problem. There are plenty of options around the base, more so than most airfields I think, take a drive around the perimeter, find your spot and park sensibly. Aim for the viewing spots, there will be people in every one of those locations who have parked already during this deployment.

[bushande]

Many thanks! Very constructive input. Will do and try as you say. Thank you.

[Plane enthuiast]

Very informative

Thanks

[jackreacher]

Given the number of visitors during the current deployment, just a quick FYI. All parking access to the viewing spot by Rhymes Farm has been blocked off due to the ongoing building works. Security are on site during working hours and are very keen to move anyone on.

[ali65]

The Fairford town facebook group is kicking off big time about poor parking and the likelihood of "people with ladders dressed all in black" being knocked over in dark mornings on the Kempsford road. Lots of comment about asking local police to intervene given MOD police have no jurisdiction. Parking on the bike path then complaining about bikes trying to use it does not help either. Please be considerate so we can continue to enjoy passion for spotting, photography or just watching magnificent planes doing their thing

[Arran J]

Anyone know when the B1s are leaving raf fairford?

[Mike]

Anyone know when the B1s are leaving raf fairford?

Please use the Bomber Deployment section for info regarding it :- viewforum.php?f=440

[ringo747]

I'm likely to be in the area about 5-6 days before RIAT. I assume that is too early for any of the arrivals, but still worth a punt to see something different? A real shame the bombers are gone though.

[Spyderleader]

Be advised that apparently double yellow lines will be put down on the road leading to the quarry. Yesterday, 26th March the road sweeper guy asked us to move from there so he could clean it in preparation for the lines to be applied. No indication when the lines will be in place.