Awesome Glide Slope Aircraft Viewing Spot.

This video shows the heyday of aircraft viewing on the A15 road during the Waddington airshow, a truly magic time for aviation fans. If you’re planning a trip the A15 viewing spot at RAF Waddington—officially known as the **Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure (WAVE)**—is the gold standard for plane spotting, though it has seen some "budget cuts" in recent years. As of early 2026, here is the practical, no-fluff summary of what to expect: ### **1. The Essentials** * **Location:** Directly opposite the airfield on the **A15 (Sleaford Road)**. It’s impossible to miss—look for the massive **Avro Vulcan XM607** guarding the station gate nearby. * **Opening Hours:** Generally open from **09:00 to 15:00** (though sometimes until 17:00 depending on exercise schedules). * **Cost:** It remains a **free facility**, which is a win for anyone trying to avoid the "prestige pricing" of modern tourism. ### **2. Facilities (The Honest Truth)** The WAVE used to have a permanent cafe and shop, but those days are mostly gone. * **Food & Drink:** Usually limited to a **mobile burger van** or snack trailer. It’s reliable for a bacon roll, but don't expect a three-course meal. * **Amenities:** There are basic **portaloo** facilities on-site. * **The View:** Excellent for aircraft landing on **Runway 20** (coming in from the north). However, the "infamous Waddington hedge" along the A15 has been known to get quite tall. To get a clear shot of the wheels touching the tarmac, many regulars now bring a small **3 or 4-step ladder**. ### **3. What You’ll See (2026 Fleet)** Waddington is the "Intelligence Hub" of the RAF, so it’s less about "Top Gun" dogfights and more about high-tech surveillance: * **The Resident Stars:** You'll see the **RC-135W Rivet Joint** (a massive, lumpy Boeing 707 variant) and the **Shadow R1**. * **The New Arrival:** Keep an eye out for the **E-7 Wedgetail** (the Sentry replacement) which is currently in its intensive flight-testing phase. * **The Red Arrows:** Since moving their home base to Waddington in late 2022, you’ll frequently see the Reds taking off and landing for training sorties.