Spotting in Italy

Location : Reading, Berkshire Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi,
I wonder if anyone has been spotting in Italy and can tell me what the police are like as far as number taking and photography are concerned. I am thinking of visiting Grosseto for some Typhoons if anyone has any info on if it is possible to spot there and if so where to go.

Many thanks

Rob

Moderator Location : UK Spotter Watch Member : No

The Police around Deci on Sardinia, both Civil and Mil, were evil.

Mainland may be different but I would advise caution.

Location : Guildford, UK Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi, in the past I have had serious problems spotting at Verona, an airport with a restaurant with massive windows looking out over the aprons! I was basically arrested and escorted to the Police station in the airport where I had my passport photocopied, logbook confiscated and was interrogated by an Alitalia pilot interpreting for the Police. Considering this was the day after my Wedding and I was getting an internal flight down to Naples with my Bride for our Honeymoon it was not a great experience!

I was detained and questioned for an hour, warned about spotting in Italy, was told it was against the law to note aircraft registrations and escorted through to the departure lounge where I was starred at by the other passengers as if I had TALIBAN on my t-shirt!

Needless to say that in Naples I never got my telescope out and missed loads of numbers. I am now banned by my wife from taking the telescope on holiday :-(

Italy, not my No.1 spotting location!!

Location : Lincolnshire

I was catching a flight back to stansted in feburary from pisa airport which is both civil and military. I didnt have any problems when i was taking photos looking out from the terminal at the storage area full of G-222's but I was told by a police woman to stop taking photos when i was boarding the plane. I was photographing a police A-109 and a US military 737 and she told me to stop and put my camera away which i did pretty quickly Whistle

Its abit hit and miss in italy, not the most spotter friendly place in the world! But if your cautious and dont draw attention to yourself you should be fine.

Hope thats of some help. Have fun!
Andy Smile

Admin Location : Birmingham B17

My advice is to contact the base itself and get written permission.

In the past guys and fellow members of the LPG have been both to Grosetto and Grazinisse,Cervia and other places.But have always done alot of homework before going.

Start with the Italian Embassy in London and ask for the military attache.

Jim.

Sara Rezoagli
First Secretary
Press, Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy
stampa.amblondra@esteri.it

Try the above contact i have found.

Subject: Spotting in Italy 2009-06-25, 14:34

Aren't these countries educated to what Aviation Enthusiasts do!!!,thought the European Parliament's ears would prick up when incidents of people getting arrested/locked up for the night happens,seems some countries police act like para-militaries,acting like thugs,because they have a uniform on...the police should concentrate on catching real criminals / terrorists and the activity that comes with it.

Location : Reading, Berkshire Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your replies. I was hoping to tie in a bit of spotting on my honeymoon next May but I am not sure that getting grief from the police would go down with my better half Crying

.

Thanks again

Rob

Location : EGVN/EPML Spotter Watch Member : No

Hi (this is my first time on FC Embarassed

)

I haven't had any problems at Naples Capodichino. I took several photos from the terminal (in 2007 and 2008) and from outside of the airport in 2009 (Viale Umberto Maddalena, at RWY06). The problem is the high, concrete fence arount the airport - cannot see what's going on.

Robert