A Plane Spotting Primer

What is plane spotting, you ask?  A hobby and past time of many who love aircraft, aviation and marvel at the wander of flight!

The key habits of the hobby:

• Observing, spotting or watching aircraft
• Logging the tail (registration) numbers of the aircraft spotted
• Identifying the spotted aircraft by any number of factors: 
• Position of Engines
• Type of Engines
• Distinctive Engine Sound
• Wing Position
• Fuselage
• Tail Shape
• Fixed vs. Retractable Wheels
• And, more!
• Photographing the aircraft, while spotting them

We, not unlike every other avid "avgeek," love to take photos when plane spotting and enjoy those of fellow plane spotters.  Here are a few of our favorites that we've snapped while spotting at MDT:

E-6B Mercury Navy AWACs

C-32a "Air Force Two"

VC-25 "Air Force One"

Did you happen to see these aircraft captures that appeared on NYC Aviation?  And, did you see this one from Airlines.net?

Where can you plane spot?  Your own backyard (if you're on an airport flight path) is a great place to start!  Some local airports (like us!) offer free observation decks to the public to enjoy - stop by and visit.  The MDT Observation Deck is open 24-hours a day to the public (there is a fee to park at MDT).
NYC Aviation has detailed plane spotting guides from some of their contributing photographers for locations in the US and UK.  

So, what's the benefit of plane spotting?  It's a fun-filled hobby a family, friends, or group can enjoy together and it's relatively inexpensive - great photos can be captured with a beginner digital camera, however avid spotters can tell you that if you're as "in" to cameras and lenses as you are the aircraft, you can amass expense with the equipment you buy to take the aircraft photos.   Beyond the time together and cool photos, the memories and the experiences are classic.  Who doesn't still find themselves marveling over the wander of flight?

Are you a plane spotter (either seasoned or amateur)?  What sparked your interest in the hobby?  Where do you enjoy the best plane spotting?  Do you have a favorite plane spotting photo?  Feel free to visit our fan page and share your favorite captures on our wall - we'd love to see them!