Orlando Airport

[Saudistu]

So, myself and my good lady are off to the States next January (I know it's a long way off) for a month and I was wondering if anyone has been spotting at MCO "recently". There are so many conflicting pieces of information regarding the use of the multi-storey car park with a "use of facilities" I.D that I thought it would be better to see if anyone on this site has been there in the last year, and if so did they have any problems or find any other locations that don't attract the attention of the Authorities. I read somewhere that one person approached Delta Airlines Maintenance and was allowed to use their car park. Working in the Aircraft Maintenance business myself, maybe this could be an option ! Thanks for any advice. We fly back from Miami so I have already blagged a day there as long as I find my wife a hotel with a pool. Maybe the Airport hotel would be the best option !     

[Smudger98]

Stu,

There is a group that is US based on face book that that upload shed loads of pictures from all over.. maybe worth an ask

AVIATION WORLD AND PR SPOTTERS

Smudger.

[Saudistu]

Thanks for that mate. Will take a look..

[Smudger98]

Don't know if this still works or not..

Where are the best places for aircraft spotting?
On completion of a "Use of Facilities Form", aircraft spotting/photography is permitted on Level 9 of the Terminal Top Parking Garage, which provides a panoramic view of most of the airfield and airside terminal buildings. The form must be completed in person, and accompanied by a valid photo I.D., between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), at the Public Affairs office, located on the 3rd level of the Main Terminal in the Aviation Authority Executive Offices (to the left of the East Security Checkpoint for Gates 60-129).

http://www.orlandoairports.net/faq.htm

[Saudistu]

I sent them an e-mail this morning because I have seen information that says this was stopped a few years ago - even though it is on the website. I asked what the current status of the scheme is, and am awaiting a reply. Some people are saying it depends on the "security state" at the time. I only remember having "Bikini state Black, Amber and Red" from my military days. Hopefully it will be "Black" when I am there !

[viking9]

'Bikini' referred to the Nuclear alert state.

My understanding is that airport security state levels remain 'High' all over the USA.

[G4UMW]

"Keen Wind State" rings bells..

[Saudistu]

I got a reply from the MCO Information team yesterday evening and they told me that the "Use of Facilities" scheme is still running and that they hope I enjoy my spotting trips to the Airport.

[Saudistu]

I have worked out that using Staff Travel I can get a return from MCO to MIA on AA for about 45 Euros ! I am going to do this for a day. My question now is, has anyone been to the place called "The Holes" that is by the Customs Building and overlooks 08R and 12 ? Firstly, has anyone been there using a Taxi, and secondly, without a car, is it a safe place to be ? I know there are no facilities although some people have said the Customs Building would let you use the toilets. I would  just like to know if it is feasible without a car. Thanks for any info.

[IanH]

Re the MIA airport hotel (known as the MIA) I haven't been there since before 9/11. Stayed a few times.

It did have a rooftop pool  and no one was bothered about spotters then. But last time I checked, the roof area was closed.