Almost everyone has looked up at the sky and watched an aircraft pass overhead. Perhaps you enjoy spending time near airports, observing planes as they take off and land. Maybe you take photos, record videos, or jot down the details of the aircraft you see. If so, you are already engaging in what is known as planespotting — the observation and documentation of aircraft.
The term plane spotter dates back to World War II, when several governments encouraged citizens to identify and report enemy aircraft. Fortunately, those days are long behind us, and planespotting has since evolved into a peaceful and fascinating hobby for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Ways to Spot Aircraft
There are several ways to record aircraft sightings. The simplest method is visual observation — noting down, either digitally or on paper, details such as the aircraft’s registration number (similar to a car’s license plate), airline, and model. Binoculars can be helpful but are not essential. This activity is often referred to as aircraft logging or plane logging.
To manage your records, you can use specialized books or digital platforms such as spottinglog.com or planelogger.com.
Another popular method is photography. Many spotters capture their sightings using cameras — digital or even traditional film. Today, most planespotters prefer taking photos or recording videos, combining their passion for aviation with photography.
Getting Started with Planespotting
If you want to approach planespotting more seriously, a few essential items will help you get started. The most important is a camera — ideally a DSLR or mirrorless model rather than a mobile phone camera. Brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus all offer excellent options.
When choosing a camera, look for one with a wide zoom range, as aircraft are often photographed from a distance. If you prefer not to take photos, a good pair of binoculars can be sufficient for aircraft logging.
Before heading to an airport, it’s a good idea to practice using your equipment at home, especially if you are new to photography. Familiarity with your camera’s settings will make your spotting sessions much more rewarding.
Be at an Airport
When starting out, look for an airport near your home — in most populated areas, a major airport is within a 2–3 hour drive. Once there, you have several options for where to spot. Some airports offer official viewing decks at their terminals, which are convenient but often have limited views or glass barriers that make photography difficult.
A better option is to find a location outside the terminal area, near the runways, where you can get closer to arrivals and departures. Larger airports, particularly in Europe — such as Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Frankfurt — feature excellent public viewing areas outside the airport boundaries. Even when official spots are unavailable, there’s almost always a good vantage point nearby where you can enjoy the traffic.
Spotterguide.net is an invaluable resource for finding the best locations around airports worldwide. It provides detailed maps, photos, and tips for each spotting point.
Things to Consider While Spotting:
- Which runway is currently active?
- Which airlines operate at this airport?
- Where is the sun positioned — to avoid backlit photos?
- Is there a fence? You may need a small ladder.
- Where can you park your car or access public transport?
Local social media communities, such as airport Facebook groups or Instagram pages, can also be great sources of current information and local guidance. You can even reach out to fellow planespotters for tips or join organized aviation tours.
Recommended Aviation Tour Operators:
Preparation and Equipment
Planespotting can involve spending several hours outdoors, often in remote locations near airport perimeters. Planning ahead is key. Here are a few essentials to consider bringing:
- Food and drinks for longer sessions
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A small camping chair for comfort
- A folding ladder (4–5 steps) for better visibility over fences
Always research the location beforehand, as some spotting areas may require a bit of walking or driving to reach.
Spotters’ Favorites
Every planespotter eventually develops personal favorites. Some focus on military aircraft or helicopters, while others seek out special liveries, cargo jets, or rare classic aircraft. Business jets and small propeller aircraft are also popular subjects.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in planespotting. Many enthusiasts prefer sunny days for optimal lighting, while overcast or rainy conditions can reduce image quality. Heat haze on hot days can also distort distant aircraft images, especially when shooting over concrete surfaces.
To achieve the best results, always try to keep the sun behind you when photographing aircraft. Shooting against the light often produces dark, underexposed images. Additionally, angle matters — side-on shots reveal the most detail of an aircraft’s livery, while photos taken directly underneath (“belly shots”) often obscure the plane’s markings.
General Rules
Always carry an official ID or passport, especially when spotting in countries where photography near airports might be considered suspicious. If approached by airport security or police, remain calm, polite, and cooperative — never argue. Many officers simply aren’t familiar with planespotting as a hobby.
Avoid visiting high-risk locations in large groups unless accompanied by locals. Bringing an aviation magazine or photo book can help explain your hobby if questioned. Never damage airport property or cut fences — it harms the reputation of local spotters and can lead to bans.
Keep your environment clean, respect nature, and take your trash with you. Note that airband scanners are illegal in many countries. If you choose to use one, understand the risks of fines or confiscation. Alternatively, you can listen to live air traffic via LiveATC.net, which streams real-time ATC communications from airports worldwide.
Tracking Flights
Before the age of smartphones, spotters often relied on airband scanners to listen to air traffic control frequencies and anticipate arrivals and departures. Today, scanners are largely obsolete — and in many countries, even illegal to use.
Modern planespotters instead use flight tracking apps, which provide real-time information such as altitude, speed, registration, flight route, and even photos of the aircraft. Some of the most popular tools include: