Ämari Air Base - Spotting Guide

Ämari Air Base – Spotting Guide

October 4, 2022 - last modified on November 17, 2023

+++ Ämari Air Base is going to be closed at the beginning of 2024 because of maintenance. It will be finished in autumn 2024. +++

Ämari Air Base (AMI/EEEI) is located about 12 km west of city of Keila and a 50 minutes drive from Estonias capital city, Tallinn. The base was founded by the Soviet Union in 1940-1941. Since 1994, Ämari Air Base belongs to the Estonian Defence Forces. Since 2014, Ämari Air Base is also used by NATO air forces. It is the only military airbase in Estonia and has the largest number of military movements. The biggest aircraft flying to AMI is the C-5 super Galaxy. If you’re lucky, you might see a Boeing 747, An-124 Ruslan, C-17 Globemaster III and many other exciting things in Ämari.

Written by Robert Reisalu and photos form Kenneth Robin Kask. Last Update: September 2022

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways	2,750 m / 9,022 ft, Asphalt/Concrete
Aprons
Area 1	Few isolated military planes parked in between.
Area 2	Few reserve fighter jets.
Terminal & Area 3	From the Terminal departs Estonia military soldiers that are going on missions, like every commercial airport has a terminal so does the Ämari terminal. There is some larger aircraft parking when visiting the Ämari some fighter jets in the smaller area.
Area 4	There’s a hangar where are the fighter jets
Area 5	Purpose unknown
Spotting Information
Ladder	Is not needed anywhere and is not recommended to use.
Car/Public Transport	It is advisable to have your own car because the distances are far apart and only spot #4 takes the bus and and only once a day
Drinks/Food	There is a supermarket close to the base entrance, but you are advised to bring your own food and water and what you need.
Hotels	Not much options around but there is a guest house where you can see 24 arrivals, but also 06 departures on a clear day.
Season	It is recommended to go towards the end of spring, summer and early autumn.
Security	It is an active NATO and Estonian military airfield. Always carry your ID/passport with you as it may be checked by the military, military police and Estonian police. If the military or police ask you to leave, leave the place and do not go back to the place you were asked to leave on that day, you can go back the next day if you dare. Locals may ask what you are doing, so if this happens, stay calm and tell them what you are doing.
Runway Usage
General Info	There is no specific landing and take-off direction at the airbase and it depends on the wind. Mostly landings and taking off from runway 24 as the wind is mostly from runway 06 or crosswind. Fighters can be captured from all locations.

	Spot #1 – Military road – 24 Arrivals
WHERE	If you are coming from the direction of Keila, do not drive to Ämari airbase but turn to Maeru road (GPS recommended). Drive about 1.4 kilometres, stop at the crossroads and park by the road (as marked on the map). Don’t park on the road, park on the side of the road! As further on there is a muddy road and you may get stuck there so you have to walk for a few minutes northwards. If you are coming from the Ämari airbase, drive past it and turn onto Maeru road and follow the same directions.

WHAT	You can see 24 arrivals. 06 departure flights if it is not cloudy. Basically you will see 24 arrivals.

TIME	You can only take pictures after 18:00 in the summer. Rest of the day it will be backlit.

MISC.	There are no shops and no public toilet facilities nearby. Park your car on the side of the road and do not block the road.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-500 mm for arriving aircraft but usually you don’t need more than 300 mm.

	Spot #2 – Private road – 24 Arrivals
WHERE	Follow the same instructions as above but from the crossroads and walk westwards onto the small road for a few meters. The landlord asks you to leave if you go further down as marked on the map. Position yourself along this area for the prefered angle.

WHAT	Good for front/side shots of 24 approach.

TIME	In summer the light is good from 09:00 to 17:00. In winter all day long.

MISC.	There are no shops and no public toilet facilities nearby. You can stay hear unless you don´t block the road what is going to house. Keep a low profile if you spotting there. Do not get too close to the house.

FOCAL LENGTH	For 100 mm to 400 mm landings

	Spot #3 – Maeru road – 24 Arrivals + 06 Departures
WHERE	If you are coming from Keila, turn to Maeru road and drive for about 240 meters (small road on the left, GPS or google maps recommended). Park on the side of the road and start spotting. If you are coming from Ämari, drive to Maeru road and turn to Maeru road and the same directions apply.

WHAT	From there you can see all 24 arrivals and 06 heavy departures.

TIME	In summer the light is good from 09:00 to 17:00. In winter all day long.

MISC.	There are no shops and no public toilets nearby. If there is someone in front of you it is not recommended to go there. If a local resident asks you to leave. Don’t park your car on the road, park on the side of the road.

FOCAL LENGTH	For 100 mm to 400 mm landings

Unfortunately we cannot provide photos from this location.

	Spot #4 – Suurküla – 06 Arrivals + 24 Departures
WHERE	If you are coming from Keila, pass the air base base and turn right after a gas station into Paldiski road. Drive northwards for about 2 kilometres and then turn to the road called Suurküla Ringtee where you have to drive about 400 metres. Park your car where the parking is marked on the map. Do not park your car over the mound as parking is not allowed.

WHAT	From there you will see 06 arrivals and 24 departures.

TIME	In summer the light is good from 09:00 to 17:00. In winter all day long.

MISC.	There are no shops/restaurants or toilets nearby. There are security cars driving along the edge of the forest. If military or police officers ask you to leave, do so, otherwise they will inform the Estonian police and you may be fined. Do not climb on the mound and stay at the back! It will be more difficult to spot you. Don’t park your car on the road, park on the side of the road.

FOCAL LENGTH	150 mm for landing. 100 mm to 500 mm for take off