YVR seeks input from spotters for new Observation deck

[Henry Tenby]

Hi Everyone,

The YVR airport authority are now seeking input via the online form from the public on the future development of YVR's new observation deck. Here is the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?s...29S1L2lQ_3d_3d

The key points that we need to stress in the bottom paragraph of their form is:

1) facing north with unobstructed views of the North runway operations
2) No glass or mesh fence to obstruct the view
3) suggest they examine the superb open air viewing decks at ZRH FRA DUS GVA SZG and INN to see how fantastic an open air observation deck can be.. and it can be major source of revenue and a tourist draw
4) Needs to be open 365 days a year during daylight hours
5) Security screening is paid for by obs deck admission fees and concession sales
6) Obs deck should have concession and an aviation book/DVD shop

Here is what I told them..
I live in Vancouver and I have been a hard core airline photographer/filmer as my hobby since the late 1970s. As a child I remember when the old observation deck was in use on the main terminal (under the old control tower) and it was fantastic. I also remember the roof top observation deck that spanned the entire roof of the old terminal on the south side up until 1968 and it was fantastic! People love watching planes and there is an opportunity for you to create a major tourist draw by having: 1) an expansive open air viewing deck that allows unobstructed views to the North runway operations 2) no fence or glass blocking the views 3) generate extra revenue by charging an entrance fee of $5 - $7 per person to cover the costs of security screening 4) have the deck open 7 days a week between sunup and sundown (which is what they do at major observation decks in Europe) and please consult with the local aviation fans when designing the viewing deck 5) have condiments/snack bar concession and aviation hobby shop selling aviation books/models/DVD etc. If you visit the huge open air viewing decks at the following airports you can see how expansive and excellent the views are of the active runways .. FRA, HAM, ZRH, DUS, GVA, INN, SVG and most airports in Japan have superb viewing decks but many there are obscured by glass and wire fence which makes them almost useless. Cheers, HenryTenby.com - Vancouver Canada

Please pass this to others who can also help us get this message across to them.