Den Helder/De Kooy

1Hangar row

At the Doggersvaart, take the first left onto Luchthavenweg. At the next crossing take a right and then left again. Park your car at the end. There is a practice helicopter landing and hover area east of the beginning of runway 03. From here you have a nice view on that area. Furthermore, when using runway 21, the departing traffic can be seen here. You can walk along the perimeter to a better spot.

2Civil terminal area

From the Doggersvaart, take the second left towards the civil terminal. Most of the civil aircraft and helicopters can be seen between the buildings. Photography is difficult here but the numbers can be scored. You can also have a view onto the most westerly part of the military apron from the parking spots near the buildings.

3Final 21

Follow the Doggersvaart to this spot. Park your car at near the crash gate. You can stay at the gated area. At this spot, one can stand at either side of the centreline for landing or take-off shots (depending on the wind) and to read off the helicopters on the military apron. Due to the fences you will need a small step to photograph over the fence onto the heli spots, especially with easterly winds. Most of the time, with easterly winds, smaller helicopters will use the heli spot near this spot. Bigger ones will use the mid runway heli spot but will depart on runway heading and will not be too high. With westerly winds, all traffic will cross this spot while the smaller helicopters, like the Lynx, will use the taxiway close by to fly towards the apron with a nice turn. If you walk a bit to the south, towards the military gate, you will have a view of some parts of the military apron.

4Northern platform view

From the Doggersvaart, a bit west of the runway centreline, one has a good view of the military apron and the helos can be spotted from here, despite looking into the sun. Those on the civil part are further away but may be read off too. It is best to use the parking spot related to the cycling training grounds.

5West side

This side of the runway gives a clear view over the base. This is also an alternative to watch the practice areas along the runway and the beginning of 04 during the afternoon. While driving around the airport onto the Kortevliet, take the road towards the radar station.

6Runway 03

This spot is no longer available as this is private ground.

7Final 03

A bit less known is spot number 7. From spot 1, take a left at the crossing and take the next right again. mid part, south of the airfield one can turn a car onto a hardened dirt road and follow it to the end. From there a short walk leads to the spot with a very good view on the practice area and runway 03.