Airliners.net

How's spotting on the island of Sicily? I've seen a few pictures on a.net, but the number of them is small.
Could it be that there are problems with photography there?
I'll be there soon so I'd like to at least try to do something...

Been there in May.

Palermo is very bad for spotting. No way to get near to runways, huge and big fence around whole airport. A little to the south-west there is a small town Favarotta with a nice beach, you can see the planes from here but you need a telelens and sunblock.

Catania is a bit better. Along the only runway there is a good spot on the south-side, a by road of the Stradale Primosole. Also possibilities around the landing lights but I didn't try these because of the harsh sunlight.

View Large View Medium Photo © Erwin

View Large View Medium Photo © Erwin

And unfortunately the authorities do not appreciate photography there. There is also some military activity closeby - could be the reason. Traffic isn't good either so nothing is lost. When you are around here you better save some money and make a sight seeing flight along the Etna.


Kind regards,
Erwin

Palermo has an excellent spot for nice clear ramp pictures:

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Photo © TZ Aviation

Gets very same-ish if you are there for long, but nice for a while. Sun is good in the mornings.

Also, stored aircraft and remote stands are visible through the fence (again, a morning is best):

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Photo © TZ Aviation

The two biggest problems are: (a) The airport is mostly surrounded by the sea, which makes access almost impossible, (b) Italian Police do not like aircraft photography other than at the places above.

Good luck and take the sun-block!

TZ

wonder where this photo is taken from, looks like one hell of a place (like SDU Rio)


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Photo © Tommy Mogren - Viking Slides

That spot is easily photographable - the rock dominates the entire backdrop and they aircraft always fly past it. Just line yourself up and wait... Palermo is not busy so all you need is patience (and quite a long lens).

TZ

I'm thinking about getting on the top of that rock - a nice airport overview should be possible...