Aircraft spotting
From Freepedia
Aircraft spotting or Plane spotting is a hobby involving the enjoyment, observation and photography of aircraft: gliders, powered aircraft, large balloons, airships, helicopters, and microlights.
When spotting planes, observers notice the key attributes of an aircraft. They may notice a distinctive noise from its engine(s) or the number of vapour trails it is leaving against a blue sky. They will assess the size of the plane and the number, type and position of its engines. Another clue is the position of wings relative to the fuselage and the degree to which they are swept rearwards. Are the wings above the fuselage, below it, or fixed at midpoint? Perhaps it is a biplane or triplane. The position of the tailplane relative to the fin(s) and the shape of the fin are also clues to its type. If it is an antique or light aircraft it might have a tail wheel. Some aircraft types have a fixed undercarriage whilst others have retractable wheels. Other features may come into view, the speed, cockpit placement, colour scheme or special equipment that changes the silhouette of the plane. Taken together these clues will rapidly hasten the correct identification of a plane. Obviously some types are easily confused whilst others have a more distinctive appearance. If the observer is familiar with the airfield being used by the aircraft and its normal traffic patterns, he or she is more likely to leap quickly to a decision about the aircraft's identity - they may have seen the same one many times from the same angle.
Some spotters will note the markings, a national insignia or airline livery or logo perhaps, a squadron badge or code letters in the case of a military craft. Published manuals allow more information to be deduced, such as the delivery date or the manufacturer's construction number. Camouflage markings differ, depending on the surroundings in which that aircraft is expected to operate.
Ancillary activities might include listening-in to air traffic transmissions (where that is legal), liaising with other "spotters" to clear up uncertainties as to what aircraft have been seen at specific times or in particular places, and the drawing, painting, filming, tape-recording or photographing of aircraft.
The more enthusiastic hobbyists might travel great distances in order to visit a different airport fom their usual one, to see an unusual aircraft or to view the remains of aircraft withdrawn from use. Some such "wrecks and relics" may eventually be placed in the care of museums - or perhaps be cannibalised in order to repair a similar aircraft already preserved. Some spotters may go on to work in the aviation industry or air traffic control service.
During WWII and the subsequent Cold War some countries encouraged their citizens to become "plane spotters" in an "observation corps" or similar public body for reasons of public security. Britain had the Royal Observer Corps which operated between 1925 and 1995.
Some spotters are quite competitive and may get a thrill from seeing, in due course, all the planes of a particular type ever built (or existing at that date). Spotters are generally well-aware of the hazards facing aviators and will stay alert when near active aerodromes, taking care not to interfere with aircraft or cause anxiety to their owners or users.
Many airfields in Australasia, Europe and North America recognise the public's interest in aviation as something to be encouraged and provide viewing areas in safe locations. Many organised airshows draw large crowds and some raise funds for charitable causes such as museums, organisations restoring historic planes, or bodies that assist injured aircrew or the dependents of Armed Forces' personnel. Some shows have a more commercial motive, and some aircraft photographers can make a profit from their hobby. The World Wide Web has provided a new outlet for some of their photographs and assists all spotters in letting each other know what is flying where.
See bus spotting, train spotting, birding, and butterfly watching for examples of similar hobbies.
External links
- Airliners.net – Plane spotter website founded by Johan Lundgren, Luleå, Sweden
- Planespotters.net Aviation Photos, Production Lists and more
- JetPhotos.Net – Plane spotter website founded by Chris Kilroy, Nevada, USA
- Jetspotter.com – Plane spotter website founded by Scotty Curtis, Queensland, AUS
