Spotting at Baneasa (BBU)

Good Day All,

Myself and a fellow spotter are visiting both Bucharest and Chisinau on a spotting trip next Month.

Having applied for a spotting permit for OTP we are happy with spotting there and think we are aware of some locations to view aircraft from.

However, we are keen to visit Baneasa as there seem to be some fascinating aircraft there which we do not see at home in London, UK. As such, can any assist us in providing us with some information as to where it is possible to view aircraft from this airport. Or if anybody has a contact at Romaero where maybe even a visit could be arranged?

I appreciate any help received and should anybody be visiting London or the UK please do not hesitate to contact me regarding queries.

Regards,

Mark

Hi Mark,

Baneasa mainly sees GA traffic now and it can get pretty scarce on some days. I suggest you follow the ROMATSA flightplan database here and only go when you are interested in particular movements (also change the last letters to LROP for otp.) http://flightplan.romatsa.ro/init/fpl/flightslr/LRBS

The safest option is to take photos from the main road on the west side of the airport. There are also nice spots on the south and north sides, but not exactly easy to get to.

Have a look also at the spotting guide I made for OTP for this board: https://romanian-spotters.forumgratuit.ro/t6551-otp-lrop-ghid-de-spotting-spotting-guide-updated-2013

Let us know what are the exact dates when you would like to go and perhaps one of us will be happy to join you guys adn show you some of the hidden spots

Don't hesitate to ask further questions.

Thanks for your response, very helpful.

We are aware that BBU is slow in terms of movements. We are more interested in the "stored" aircraft such as the many BAC 1-11's which are rare aircraft back home in London.

The date we are looking to visit BBU is Monday 11th August. We are travelling in on W6 3002 arriving at 13:45 (local) and from there will be spotting briefly at OTP before going down to BBU, returning to spot at OTP that afternoon/evening. If anybody is about at any point to show us the "hidden spots" we would be very grateful.

Mark

I won't be there on the 11th unfortunately. There are regular trade fairs or exhibitions held in the Romaero hangars, which usually gives a nice view over the stored stuff, which is how I've been able to sneak one or two pictures from there, so keep a lookout for those, maybe you'll get lucky. Mostly MD80s and 737s nowadays, maybe one or two 1-11s.

Have fun and share your results with us when you get back.