I used to go to Uni in Newcastle and lived near the RVI, I overlooked the common and quite regularly had Sea Kings etc landing about 50 yards from my window. Explains why I'm not a millionaire now I guess :)
Also one day was walking back and I saw a civil heli land with a large number of police cars around, I didnt think anything of it and continued walking down the path they then set off and had to drive onto the grass to get past and then I spotted Prince Charles and Princess Di in the back having a good laugh to themselves.
I wish I had that room again, aircraft spotting in the warm!