Samos (LGSM/SMI) - 2012 CIV

[frank kramer]

Req: info on spotting at the island of Samos (Greece)

Is there anybody out there with information on spotting at Samos Airport? I know it's not the busiest of airports but it should have one or two Canadairs in summer, right? Any tips&tricks much appreciated!

[Freeman Lowell]

Hi Frank,
We've stayed on Samos twice. In September 2001 & 2010. Both times at the Samos Sun Hotel overlooking the airport. From there is a 30min walk into Pythagoria for an evening meal or to catch ferries to neighbouring islands. There is a supermarket next to the hotel and lots of non-aviation ruins and relics nearby.
You're correct. There have been two Canadairs based both times. It's easy to see on GE where they are parked because of the oil stains. There is little other traffic though. Perhaps a dozen or so airliners a day, 2 or 3 C-130 flights a week and the occassional helicopter. We've seen Greek CH-47,B.212,S.70 over the two visits and a Romanian AF EC.135 that was based last time. All these could be read off from the hotel, by standing on the hill alongside or by walking down to the airport.
It's quite a constrained approach to the airport from the west, so there are some nice opportunities for photographing banking aircraft on late finals though.
Not the place to pick for a spotting holiday, but a nice island for a relaxing or walking holiday and unspoilt by hords of partying youngsters.
Freeman
Valley Forge

[frank kramer]

Thanks!

[frank kramer]

Logged on arrival friday 27-07-2012: Canadair 215's 1110 and 1111 and Ka32 ER-ICA (?). This was fitted with a bambi-bucket. Anyone with more info on the last one please?

[frank kramer]

Kamov turned out to be ER-KGA; both Canadairs left on thursday or friday Aug 9/10, probably to assist with fighting forest fires on the mainland. Nothing spectacular seen in between arrival and departure, but that was probably due to the fact that -even though it's not the biggest of islands- we were on the wrong side of the mountain range to see any traffic going in or out .