Hi everyone, new to this site and a lady spotter too!
Started at old terminal, up the spiral staircases or in the snack bar overlooking the apron if it was raining. Could spend all day there during school holidays. Remember flight announcements containing aircraft type as well as usual info. The outside domestic luggage pick up that resembled a bus shelter. Then, when Wardair began flights to Canada, the 747 parked just outside the large glass windows. Don't think they had a special assistance vehicle suitable, as most of the elderly passengers negotiated the many steps supported by helpful airport staff. Heard that Doug Ellis used to man the check-in desk for his package holidays, never saw him though.
Then the new terminal opened, including a new viewing area with live ATC transmissions. Last time I used it, entrance fee was 30p. Outdoor area at bottom of long-stay carpark had picnic benches. When Eurohub was built got great close-ups of aircraft at gates 1-5? Many pilots waved from here or when taxiing out to Rwy33. Sadly, extortionate parking fees and increased security limited spotting choices. Did see Concorde; didn't know it was due and just wanted a few hours of spotting. At carpark barrier, policeman observed "don't know what the fuss is about, it's only an aeroplane!" My reply was "but it's a very special aircraft, we may not see anything like it again". He agreed and let me in.
Moving on, Sheldon Country Park is now my chosen spotting location. Living in Sutton Coldfield, it's easier to get train as parking's a pain. Don't go during school holidays though. Last year, met very interesting guy who'd worked at airport. Haven't been this year yet, due to lockdown but still seen some unusual aircraft. RAF C-17 has been frequent visitor and a Mustang (American version of Spitfire). Thank goodness we now have FlightRadar24.
Currently writing blog for a spotters site and articles for another. Had honour of seeing AN-225 over my house Sunday 2nd August. Now waiting for Emirates A380 to return to BHX. Starting again in September with B777 4xweek. Must be patient for a bit longer....
Many more memories so will post again.