What Is Spotting

What Is Spotting? by Sid Porter

What Is Plane Spotting?

At a popular viewing location of a busy airport, you might see many people watching planes in a wide variety of ways. But which ones are really plane spotting and which ones are just watching? Ask 100 aviation enthusiasts and you will probably get 100 different responses. For me, plane spotting is a serious hobby which is distinguished from just plain watching.

Who Is Plane Spotting?

No doubt, especially in Europe, you could run into people sporting a pair of binoculars in one hand and a journal in the other. They are usually quite knowledgeable and often travel the world just to spot new and exotic liveries or military markings. For them, spotting is a very serious hobby and it is essential to maintain meticulous records of aircraft seen. I call these true plane spotters. But there are also the photographers, both amateur and professional, with their advanced cameras, giant lenses, tripods or even the occasional video camcorder. I would call these plane spotters too. They just use a different manner of recording what they've seen. And what about my favorites, the scanner bearing, air traffic control eavesdroppers? If you want to know what's coming, a friendly conversation with one of these guys is always fun. If they aren't spotters, they sure can be a spotter's best friend. It's a shame that scanners are illegal in many places. I'm sure that having your equipment confiscated and being in trouble with the local authorities can't be fun. But that's the risk they take. The things we do for our hobbies!

Naturally, there are many plane spotters who use a combination of the above activities and there are also many others who don't take pictures and don't keep records in any way. Plane spotting is a very individual hobby, but those who do it are distinguished by their enthusiasm, knowledge and the time they devote to it.

Who Is Just Plain Watching?

Well, there can be any number of casual plane watchers. Some people find plane watching a calming lunch time activity. For others, it's a way to spend a nice day with the kids. The ooh's and ah's can be heard as the big jets roar across the sky. And every now and then you see someone watching the flight of a loved one take off, a combination of sadness and relief in their eyes as the flight ascends to the heavens. For the most part, these individuals are just plain watching. They may be less knowledgeable, less enthusiastic and do it only on an occasional basis.

All in Fun

The important thing to remember is whether you are plane spotting or just plain watching, it's all fun! Enjoy it your own way!