Airplane Spotting: More Than Meets the Eye

In Part 1 of this series, I explored the spectrum of airplane spotting as it is practiced, as well as the motivation behind the activities. I pointed out that the essence of airplane spotting is the observation, identification and recording of aircraft. Airplane spotting takes place at different levels of interest, uses various methods of observation and recording, and is enjoyed mainly by enthusiasts who desire to participate in aviation indirectly. In Part 2, we will discuss a sample methodology of spotting, recording and researching aircraft. My approach is fairly comprehensive, and you can bail out at any time and still achieve your objectives.

Firstly, I make the decision of where to go and what to observe. This decision can be made based on either the location or the target, depending on your priority. For example, there may be an event in my area (within a 2-hour drive), such as a fly-in, air show, or museum exhibition that I wish to attend. While at the event, I will observe and record data on all aircraft at the event. Conversely, I may have discovered an aircraft based at a specific airfield, or permanently displayed in a park. I would then base the visit to the site on the specific predetermined target (and then enjoy finding anything else that may be there also). Either way, I include all aircraft in my spotting exercise; anything with a legal identification number qualifies - airplane, balloon, blimp, etc.

Secondly, I record my observations and gather first-hand information on site. My primary recording device is a camcorder, which I use to film aircraft on the ramp, runway, display area, etc. as I walk around the premises (public property only, unless cleared by the property owner). I film the "N" identification number of civilian aircraft, serial number/tail numbers and codes of military aircraft, pilot names, etc. for later review. I also take still photos of aircraft in which I take particular interest. I film discussions with pilots and crews of the aircraft I observe, especially visiting crews (if permitted - usually they are very helpful). The main point here is to record the identification numbers of each aircraft and identify the crew in the most efficient and un-intrusive manner possible, and gather as much first-hand information as possible during an encounter with crews. Secondarily, there is value to the raw footage itself, which can be used as archival footage, posted to websites or sold. Remember, the aircraft and/or crews may not return to the area, so don't miss the opportunity to meet them!

After recording the raw observations, I then review the video and photos. All identification information is noted in a small spiral notebook (spotter log), along with the date and location. Each civilian identification number is checked against the FAA registration record, and data such as type, serial number, manufacture date, owner/location, etc. is recorded in the notebook. The serial number of each military aircraft is also researched, using several respected website sources, to establish its current basing and manufacture history. Then, all data is entered in a spotter log spreadsheet, and sorted according to aircraft type. The spreadsheet is the best way to record a life history of spotting, and identify instances of multiple spotting of the same aircraft. Also, I note when the aircraft is involved in an accident or incident. Always keep a paper backup to electronic records! This activity may take some time after the observation to complete.

Some sources for identification of aircraft that you observe are:

FAA "N" Number Search: http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_inquiry.asp

Helpful ID search site: http://users.rcn.com/jeremy.k/serialSearch.html

Preserved Military Aircraft: http://www.coastcomp.com/av/pres/index.htm

USAF Serial Number Search: http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html

US Navy Serial Number Search: http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/navyserials.html

Warbirds Registry: http://www.warbirdregistry.org/

I have described my aircraft spotting methodology. It has produced a fairly large database of spotting records, along with video and photo records of my encounters. More than anything else, it has given me the satisfaction of participating in aviation history as a non-technical enthusiast, and has added to the totality of knowledge available to the aviation community through the publication of articles such as this one. If you have different ways of accomplishing the same ends, please make your wisdom available to the rest of us!