Gando AFB

[Knife75]

Going to Gran Canaria in early February and I was wondering how active Gando is during the week and what movements I could expect to see. I've found a spotting guide which tells you where the best places are to spot from, just wondering if it's worth a day at the fence.

Any help would be appreciated

Cheers

[Andy Marden]

That’s an impossible question to answer.
Do you do numbers or photos?
How many Gando F-18s do you need?
What are your expectations?
Man A might be happy to sit there for a day and make one new number (might be me).
Man B would need to see 10 new numbers.
Man C only wants to take photos.
etc etc

[Knife75]

I'm a numbers man, haven't seen anything on base so would be happy with anything pretty much. It was more of a question of how active the base is, weather they fly 1 sortie a day etc etc

[100arw]

Knife75,

I can understand and appreciate your question.

I have only been there during exercises, but from talking to locals and past experience, you can expect occasional Puma and Casa SAR flights - both training and tasking's, and a few F-18 sorties. There are also regular military visitors to the civy terminal.

As for Wrecks and relics etc. Check out the Casa 212 by the shopping area (N27.917166,W15.399874), the gate guardians (N27.947644,W15.384605) and the DC-9 (N28.141454,W15.429554).

A camel ride and a visit to Sioux City will also keep your other half happy ;-)

P.

[JPS]

I'm a numbers man, haven't seen anything on base so would be happy with anything pretty much. It was more of a question of how active the base is, weather they fly 1 sortie a day etc etc

I spend some mornings in August of last year at the base. Morning wave of 3 local F-18's and a SAR heli, although they did not fly every day in the morning. You can spot quite some F-18's in the hangar area, but be prepared for a windy experience on the hill next to the base which is also great for landing shots with a nice background.

Once a week there is a flight from mainland Spain to Tenerife and Gran Canaria with A400 or A330. The TDY CASA 212 from Ala 72 is flying between the Canary Islands on almost a daily basis. CN235's of both the Air Force and Coast Guard also fly regularly.

And please take a look at the terrace near Gate C-12 before you departure flight at the airport, you have a good view on the hangar for the CN235's/heli's and departing planes, especially in the afternoon when the sun is well positioned.

[Knife75]

Knife75,

I can understand and appreciate your question.

I have only been there during exercises, but from talking to locals and past experience, you can expect occasional Puma and Casa SAR flights - both training and tasking's, and a few F-18 sorties. There are also regular military visitors to the civy terminal.

As for Wrecks and relics etc. Check out the Casa 212 by the shopping area (N27.917166,W15.399874), the gate guardians (N27.947644,W15.384605) and the DC-9 (N28.141454,W15.429554).

A camel ride and a visit to Sioux City will also keep your other half happy ;-)

P.

Many thanks for the information!

[Knife75]

I'm a numbers man, haven't seen anything on base so would be happy with anything pretty much. It was more of a question of how active the base is, weather they fly 1 sortie a day etc etc

I spend some mornings in August of last year at the base. Morning wave of 3 local F-18's and a SAR heli, although they did not fly every day in the morning. You can spot quite some F-18's in the hangar area, but be prepared for a windy experience on the hill next to the base which is also great for landing shots with a nice background.

Once a week there is a flight from mainland Spain to Tenerife and Gran Canaria with A400 or A330. The TDY CASA 212 from Ala 72 is flying between the Canary Islands on almost a daily basis. CN235's of both the Air Force and Coast Guard also fly regularly.

And please take a look at the terrace near Gate C-12 before you departure flight at the airport, you have a good view on the hangar for the CN235's/heli's and departing planes, especially in the afternoon when the sun is well positioned.

Many thanks!

[Mikey1050]

Having been in both exercise times (last october) and normal times when on holiday, it is a great spot for spotting and photography, particularly in the morning at the spot on the hill by "Burrero Seasight" apartments. Out of exercise time I have always seen at least 3 Hornet launches, and normally a CASA or 2. With the added benefit of a lovely normally empty beach 5 min walk away, and the sleepy sea side town of El Burrero an easy ten minute walk away if you find yourself with the munchies or wanting a cheeky pint.
One bit of advise - take a hat.

[Knife75]

Thanks Mike, much appreciated