Farnborough

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ICAO Code EGLF/FAB
Last Validated 07-2022
City Farnborough
Position 51°16'33"N 000°46'35"W
Runway(s) 06/24
Elevation 324

General

Farnborough is the oldest active airfield in the UK and probably most famous as the home of the bi-annual SBAC Airshow. The field has a long history in aviation experimenting and development, but nowadays plays a new role as a centre of business aviation. A new futuristic terminal and control tower dominate the area around the main aprons. TAG Aviation operates the airport and the RAE moved most of its activity to Boscombe Down. QinetiQ maintains a presence here though, as well as BAE Systems.

Noise abatement is a big issue for Farnborough nowadays. Operating hours are from 7am until 10pm (8am - 8pm during weekends and bank holidays) and permission has to be obtained to operate anything larger than a bizjet from here. No aircraft larger than a B737-800 are allowed at all. Obviously, none of this applies during the airshow period.

Note: during the air show the views around the field are restricted. The road behind the Aviator Hotel (spot 3) is closed for cars. General access to the Industrial Park on the north side (on the Costco side) is restricted to "those on authorised business only".

Layout

The once quite extensive runway and apron pattern has been increasingly confined by built-up areas. Only the main runway remains usable, with considerably displaced landing thresholds, and many of the remote aprons and taxiways are now closed to aircraft. The perimeter is mostly lined with business areas (restricted access) and forest, leaving little opportunity for the enthusiast to enjoy the operations.

Around the Airport

1Eelmoor Bridge

This is possibly the only spot to watch and even photograph landing and departing aircraft in a convenient way. The spot is easily found by following Fleet Road after exiting the A325. Cars can be parked across the bridge along the canal. From here, the West 1 Apron can be seen in the distance, being the smaller of the two central aprons. It is possible to walk along the fence, parallel to the runway, to change your angle of view.

2Aerospace Centre

A lot of new office buildings have been erected at the south side of Farnborough. This means better opportunities to spot what is on the other side at TAG Aviation, at different angles than from spot 3 or 4. Do not forget to try the side roads of Aerospace Boulevard for a better view. The office car parks can be used for a quick stop & go to read what you need. You will probably not be allowed to stay all day.

3Aviator Hotel

This spot is at the parking lot of the new Aviator Hotel & Restaurant, just north of the Dairy Gate crash gate, which itself is situated some 450m south of the FAST museum. It is useful for logging planes on the distant main ramp (North Apron), although summer heat haze can be a problem. Note that the hotel staff and security do not like spotters, so stay away from the hotel as much as possible.

4Museum

The Farnborough Air Sciences Museum, maintained by FAST, preserves part of the airfield's rich past and has several aircraft on display.
From the dead end road that runs down the side of the Swan pub you can see part of the ramp. Photos can be had of aircraft landing on 24 but it is difficult to get decent shots.

The view from spot 3 towards the main apron and hangars. Fence enclosing the current active part of the airfield in the foreground. (John Leadbetter)

Frequencies

122.500Tower
134.350Approach
130.050Director
125.250Radar (zone)
128.400ATIS
121.600Aircrew to Fire Brigade
130.375TAG Operations

Based Operators

AvijetCe550
CL-604
BookajetCe525
Ce560
Ce680
Raytheon 390
Corporate Jet ManagementERJ135BJ
Global XRS
Executive Jet CharterFalcon 900EX
Falcon 2000LX
BAe125-800
Gama AviationB737
BAe125
Beech 200
CL-601/604
G-IV(SP)
G550
Global XRS
Lj45/60
S-76
International Jet ClubERJ135BJ
G-IVSP
G550
Global Express
Manhattan Jet CharterRaytheon 390
TAG Aviation UKBAe125
Ce560XL
Ce680
CL-300
CL-601/604/605
ERJ135BJ
Falcon 50
Falcon 900
FAlcon 2000
Falcon 7X
G-IV/450
Global Express
Global XRS/5000
Lj45/60

More Info

TAG Farnborough AirportOfficial website
Farnborough Air Sciences TrustMuseum page on the FAST website
Farnborough International AirshowOfficial site
EGLF Farnborough-Aviation-Group FABEnthusiasts website with movements and more
Farnborough MovementsAnother Farnborough message board
Farnborough SpottersEnthusiast website with movements, photos, detailed viewing descriptions, etc.

Other Airfields

Aberdeen-Dyce  
Barkston Heath (RAF)
Benson (RAF)  
Biggin Hill  
Birmingham
Boscombe Down (QinetiQ)
Bournemouth (Hurn)  
Bristol - Lulsgate  
Brize Norton (RAF)  
Cambridge
Cardiff (Rhoose)  
Chester (Hawarden)  
Coningsby (RAF)
Cranwell (RAF)  
Culdrose (RNAS)  
Durham Tees Valley (Teesside)  
East Midlands  
Edinburgh  
Fairford (RAF)  
Farnborough
Fife (Glenrothes)
Glasgow - Prestwick  
Glasgow Intl (Abbotsinch)
Lakenheath (RAF)  
Leeds Bradford  
Leeming (RAF)  
Leuchars  
London - City  
London - Gatwick  
London - Heathrow
London - Luton  
London - Stansted
Lossiemouth (RAF)  
Manchester (Ringway)
Marham (RAF)  
Middle Wallop  
Mildenhall (RAF)
Newcastle  
Northolt (RAF)  
Norwich  
Odiham (RAF)  
Southampton - Eastleigh  
Southend
St. Mawgan - Newquay Cornwall Airport  
Syerston (RAF)  
Valley (RAF) - Anglesey
Waddington (RAF)
Wales Low Flying Area 7
Warton
Wattisham (RAF)  
Wittering (RAF)  
Yeovilton (RNAS)  

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