Picture: A family having a close look at a landing airplane at Zurich airport.
Since 9/11 airport security around the world has been beefed up. In Heathrow for example it is virtually impossible to get close to a plane without authorization, be it while they are parked or while they are landing or taking off. Even the runway is widely fenced off and clearly off limits. But there are a few locations where airplane enthusiasts still can get a close, in fact a very close look at landing planes. At Zurich airport one is allowed to stand at the very end of the runway. This means that planes directly fly over ones head, 100m above your head that is. The airport authority even put up special parking spots with fast food joints lining the area. So airplane enthusiasts gather every weekend with their binoculars, cameras and walkie-talkie. The walkie-talkies allow them to listen in on what the pilots are saying to the tower. Flying is nice but seeing a plane land so close up lets you realize what a marvel planes are!
PS: I am sure that you are aware that every Swiss soldier has a proper assault rifle in his cupboard. With planes flying in at about 100m it would be easy to hit one with the rifle. Scary thought!
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Posted by: test king | July 06, 2009 at 02:23 PM