Aircraft sighting, also known as aircraft sighting, is a very popular pastime around the world. As a hobby, it has a number of fun features for those who practice it, such as being outdoors, making meticulous observations, "collecting" without creating clutter, having a good excuse to use very nice digital cameras and having a way to get together with. like-minded enthusiasts. The activity itself is usually free, although there may be costs associated with joining an association and purchasing all related equipment.
Airplane watchers have an eye for detail and are prone to finding everything they can about planes. For example, it was the sighters who calculated that, in its 18 years of operation, the fleet of 757s flew the equivalent of nearly 25,000 round trips between the Earth and the moon! If you are enthusiastic about planes, flying, facts and are amazed every time by man's ability to fly a large tin bird in the sky, aircraft spotting might be the perfect hobby for you!
Steps
Step 1. Decide which type of airplane you would like to "observe"
Although the widely used term “aircraft sighting” refers to airplanes, the preferred term is “aircraft sighting” because you can observe and record any aircraft, not just airplanes. For example, helicopters, gliders, hot air balloons, airships and ultralights can be included. You may want to narrow down your choices if you live where there is incredible air traffic, such as London, Chicago, Frankfurt, etc., or you may want to include a wider range of aircraft if you live in a place with a lot of space where the arrival of aircraft does not it is very common, for example in the countryside, inland or in the Arctic region. It just depends on your free time and your interest.
- Start by doing some basic research on aircraft sighting sites. There are many sites dedicated to the sighting of aircraft, from the amateur blog to the professional site sponsored by the association, can give rise to new ideas for your hobby.
- When looking for information about aircraft spotting online, also try the term "aircraft spotting" as it is used very often.
- When looking for information online, also look at airports, aircraft manufacturers, airline information, flight routes, etc., because all of this will provide you with a lot of useful background information. You can limit the search to your country or check different sites around the world.
- Remember that aviation photography is a hobby in itself and fits perfectly with aircraft sighting. So, if someone questions your interest, you can always justify yourself by saying that you are also an aviation photography enthusiast!
Step 2. Try to understand what is done in aircraft spotting
While you are free to spot aircraft in any way you like, there are some standard practices that aircraft spotters tend to follow. To understand the type of aircraft, there are many indicators that help the sighter. Furthermore, even when the type of aircraft is evident, there are many other elements worth noting, including the country of origin, age and special modifications. Things to note as an aircraft sighter are:
- The type of aircraft. Its composition, size, colors and country of origin can be interesting to understand.
- Airplane registration details. This may allow you to understand the delivery or launch dates of that particular aircraft, depending on how many details you want.
- Any illustration or sign on the plane (for example, some airlines like Qantas paint the wings, or the whole plane, using special designs made by renowned artists only on certain planes). For military aircraft, camouflage markings are important and differ from country to country. There may also be squadron emblems or coded letters.
- The sound of the engine, the shape of the vapor.
- The positioning of the wings - is it a monoplane, a biplane or a triplane? How are the wings positioned relative to the fuselage and how far do they lean back?
- Is it a recent aircraft or a vintage model?
- Does it have retractable wheels or a fixed trolley? Or is it a seaplane?
- The speed.
- The positioning of the cockpit.
- Aircraft landing or take-off schemes.
Step 3. Get good equipment
This is your excuse to indulge in good quality equipment that enhances your aircraft sighting. Some items to consider are:
- Quality binoculars - for checking aircraft arrival angles, for noting registration numbers, signs and details, for outperforming others in spotting things first, good binoculars are a must. You could also buy a "terrestrial telescope" instead of binoculars if you prefer.
- A digital camera, plus lenses, tripod, etc. - to have photographs of the aircraft you spot. This is especially important if you have a digital album where you record your sightings or if you submit your sightings to a website.
- Folding chair, thermos, snack container, blanket and warm clothes if it's cold, sunscreen and a hat if it's hot, snacks and drinks - it's important to stay comfortable, well hydrated and fed!
- Manuals or guides if you want to understand the types of aircraft. You will need to consider both commercial and military aircraft manuals, unless you are unlikely to spot military aircraft, in which case you will only need the commercial aircraft manuals. Ask at the nearest bookstore or search online - some online auction sites can be a good source for such manuals or sites dedicated to aircraft spotting.
- A weatherproof notebook and pens to write down the information you get from the sighting. A good idea is a weatherproof notebook available at outdoor activity stores.
- A safety vest. While not essential, if you do sightings in a potentially dangerous location if you are not seen, consider a safety vest. It could be useful even if the only danger is crossing a very busy road to get to the lookout point.
Step 4. Bring a friend
It's a lot more fun if you do it with someone you know and who appreciates your enthusiasm for spotting aircraft. If you have a friend, you can chat and do sighting competitions. Bring your walkie-talkies and sit in different places to see who spots first. Give yourself points and make the loser pay for a meal or a drink, depending on how you want to play it!
Step 5. Prepare for a spotting trip
In the beginning, it's a good idea to group with someone who has already done sightings, so that they show you the best spots and give you tips throughout the session. If you can't, search online or ask around to find suitable places to do aircraft sightings. Some airport or aviation associations are very helpful and suggest sighting spots for enthusiasts.
- Always consider safety a priority. Do not go where you are not allowed. There are strict rules on airport boundaries, even if there are no barriers. After all, these rules are for your own safety, especially in more safety-conscious countries.
- Plan your observation area by considering the sighters already present. If you are used to sighting everywhere, it may not be wise to believe that sitting anywhere is okay. Ask other sighters for advice, they will surely be happy to help you.
Step 6. Start the sighting
If you have already decided, based on the previous steps, what you want to look for, then start looking at those elements you are looking for. Otherwise you could just relax into the sighting experience by looking at everything at first and then deciding which elements interest you the most. That is why it can be useful to have someone who is already familiar with sighting nearby, someone who gives you tips and who does not make you feel overwhelmed by your first sighting experience.
Step 7. Record your experiences once you get home
While you are out, take notes and take pictures which will then need to be tidied up once you get home. Plan some time to organize and sort out your findings. This could include:
- Select the best airplane photos to upload to a website.
- Write down interesting features or things you saw during your experience.
- Note the aircraft sighted.
- Write down the aircraft you have never seen before and the ones you would like to see in the future.
Step 8. Decide how far you want to go with your new hobby
There are many possibilities and some are more attractive than others. To get started, it's a good idea to consider what you think about the following ideas as part of your hobby:
- Compete with other aircraft spotters. This could mean joining an association and trying to spot all types of aircraft in a class determined by the association.
- Create your website and upload photos of your sightings, along with a commentary.
- Upload your sighting photos to one of the many sighting sites already online. This could be a combination of racing and hobby, or it could be used to show your photos. If you do, be sure to take note of the date, time and location of the sighting, as many sites record the “last sighting” of each aircraft to keep track of them.
- Subscribe to distribution lists. There are a number of these lists that you can subscribe to to be informed. There are also accounts you can follow to keep up to date on sighting information. Check out the sites of your local association and the Twitter accounts you can follow.
- Expand your hobby to include "side activities", such as listening to air traffic broadcasts (this can be done using radio scanners, but only where it is legal to do so).
- Pack your bags and take a plane to spot planes around the world. If you've spent time making friends with other sighting enthusiasts around the world, it can be a fun and exciting way to take a vacation and make new friends. There are many sites dedicated to finding the best places to spot aircraft around the world. But be understanding if you take your family with you, it will be difficult for them to want to spend their holidays chasing your passion, so plan something interesting for them too!
- Visit aviation museums around the world. This way you could also add some aircraft to your sightings, when you will see famous vintage planes in different parts of the world.
Step 9. Consider joining an association that supports and promotes aircraft sighting
A hobby is always more fun if you share it with other enthusiasts like you, and taking part in group activities is a great way to practice your hobby. For example, you can join LAAS International.
Step 10. Make yourself useful
If you notice something that you think should be pointed out to the air force officers, make yourself useful and do it. This doesn't mean annoying and trying to show that you know their work better than anyone, but some things are:
- Alert Air Force Officers if you notice bird nests or animal mating activities near or inside an airport. Birds and animals can be a danger to aircraft, it's a good idea to let the Air Force Officers know if they haven't discovered it.
- Alert Air Force Officers if you notice any strange activity or security breach such as broken fences, etc. Don't be on guard though, just look at things out of the ordinary. For example, in Britain there is a code of conduct for sighters introduced by club LAAS International, according to which sighters are encouraged to report suspicious behavior.
Suggestions
- Consider creating your website with a list of all sightings or with photos - this will impress your fellow sighters.
- There are a number of books available that list all British, American, Canadian and all country registered aircraft and where they are located. If you have a book with pictures, each picture can be erased as you see it, this will help you find out where each plane might be. These books are available in most countries.
- Did you know that there are also dedicated sites that reveal which airport hotels and places are best for spotting planes? Here is another angle from which you can spot during your well deserved vacation!
- Always carry an ID card when making sightings. This will help any security guard or police officer to understand that you are harmless.
- To advance your sighting career, upgrade the quality of your binoculars and camera when you feel it's time. Sell your old equipment to recover some of the costs.
- Good examples of sighting locations include YSSY (Sydney), KORD (Chicao O'Hare), and WSSS (Singapore).
- Find out the schedule of the airlines at the chosen airport. You can do this by simulating a booking.
- This pastime isn't just for men - there are plenty of female sighters too, so it's best not to assume what kind of person likes to spot aircraft.
- Taking pictures of planes while traveling is also great - you can get excellent shots in airports and from planes. But make sure it can be done, if they ask you to stop, do it immediately.
Warnings
- The sighting of the aircraft could cause you legal problems with the government security apparatus and / or with the military authorities who could misunderstand your new hobby of terrorism. For example, a lot has changed since the 9/11 attack, the resulting wars for the US and allied countries, there are always some suspicious countries in the world that do not tolerate people claiming to innocently sight aircraft. Know the rules of your country and the airport where you are spotting before you start - some places are much more understanding than others.
- Bring warm clothes if it's cold.
- Carrying children with you could cause fights in the family, try to understand their disinterest, since the sighting times in the sky are not for everyone. Make sure any family members you bring along are honestly interested in the experience.
- If you are in a war-torn country, do not spot aircraft as a hobby, as it is a spying activity.
- Stay away from sensitive areas of airports. Follow the instructions of the security officers or airport police. Always carry an identification document.
