What is plane spotting and what are the best locations in the world and in Italy
Have you ever heard of plane spotting? Well, you should know that it is a phenomenon that is catching on in much of [...]
Have you ever heard of plane spotting? Well, you should know that it is a phenomenon that Is catching on in much of the world, including Italy. You may also happen to hear it referred to as "aircraft spotting." The meaning is the same: to observe, and usually photograph, aircraft.
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In a kind of aviation version of birdwatching, plane spotters (that's what people in this hobby call themselves) reach airports and runways. The purpose is to look closely at and photograph aircraft.
How to become a plane spotter
It is important to understand that "plane spotter" is a term with a very broad definition. It can generally mean someone who goes to Observing and photographing aircraft. By extension, even the great enthusiasts in the field who are able to distinguish one model from another even at great distances. And more recently this hobby has also involved people who are interested in tracking the flights of specific vehicles around the world.
Internet sites such as FlightRadar24 and FlightAware make it possible to obtain detailed information on different aircraft models and track their movements. This makes it fairly easy for enthusiasts to know which is the closest place to them to photograph a particular aircraft.
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New technologies have made plane spotting much easier than in the past. In general the "tools of the trade" remain the same: pen and paper for taking notes, a pair of binoculars for more detailed observation, and a camera to capture one's findings.
At this point, all that remains is to choose a suitable place for your activity. Clearly, the best places to practice plane spotting are. Within or at least near airports and airstrips. Some of these places are dedicating safe areas specifically for plane spotters. You generally have to make your own arrangements, perhaps leaning on a small group of enthusiasts.
Why become a plane spotter
The reasons for giving oneself to the practice of plane spotting can be many. The first of all is by far the most important: for fun. It is still not a very popular hobby, particularly in Italy. Enthusiasts, however, point out that it is very interesting and enjoyable to devote oneself to studying and "hunting" various aircraft models.
However, this phenomenon has other uses as well. Long gone are the days of November 2001, when the Greek police Arrested an international group of 14 plane spotters at Kalamata Air Force Base, accusing them of espionage. Today, by contrast, plain spotting is often supported by authorities and airports.
In fact, these enthusiasts are usually able to Report possible unusual activity or security problems near runways, such as the presence of bird nests or unexpected gaps in fences. Since 9/11, U.S. plane spotters have also been instrumental in government investigations into cases of kidnappings and illegal CIA-operated travel.
What are the best places in the world for plane spotting
Feeling ready to begin your journey into the world of plane spotting? Well then, here are some tips with the best places in the world to go to observe and photograph planes.
- Minneapolis: is considered one of the best places for plane spotters in the United States; it has a dedicated outdoor observation area. There are picnic tables along the runways, and there is the possibility of reaching the "secret" enclosed observation deck outside Concourse D.
- Frankfurt: arguably the best airport in Europe for plane spotting, offering enthusiasts numerous vantage points throughout its facility.
- Los Angeles: one of the world's largest and busiest hubs, where you can watch planes departing and arriving from both the distinctive Jim Clutter Park and the In 'n' Out Burger fast food restaurant on Sepulveda Boulevard.
- Munich: another German airport figures among the must-see places for plane spotters, thanks to its Besucherpark, a public park reachable by train, with a mound perfect for flight observation.
- Sint Marteen: The Caribbean island definitely lends itself to observing airplanes up close in peace and quiet from Maho Beach, a resort that has become famous precisely as the "airplane beach," given its proximity to the airport, which allows aircraft to be seen passing just overhead.
- San Francisco: one of the most fascinating airports in the world, overlooking the very bay of the California city, is also popular with plane spotters because of the excellent view from nearby Bayfront Park.
- Toulouse: you might not say so, since the French airport is certainly not among the best known in the world, but it is one of only two places in Europe where Airbus builds its aircraft.
What are the best places in Italy for plane spotting
According to various enthusiasts around the world Italy does not yet seem to offer particularly suitable and striking locations for the practice of plane spotting. In fact, Malpensa Airport is the only civilian airport where open days are regularly organized by the Clipper Association. These are the airports with mapped plane spotting presence:
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: There are five places for plane spotting. The best known, certainly due to the valuable location, is located 450mt (as the crow flies) from holding point B1/B2 of runway 04R which is used, almost all the time, for takeoffs and landings. The point in question is located along Via Bazzera.
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Treviso Airport: there are 3 spotting points where takeoffs and landings can be photographed. The first spotting point can be reached via the main road leading to the airport. The second can be reached via state road 515, in the direction of San Giuseppe (Airport): just before the restaurant take the road via Nogare, and follow it until you reach the entrance to a dirt road, continue until you reach in front of the municipal water gate, just ahead on the left is a field that can only be reached on foot.
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Verona Villafranca Airport: there are 6 sighting points near the airport. From the Canaletta it is possible to photograph all aircraft from early morning until noon in summer and winter. Another spot is in the village of Calzone at the end of a country road, while many people recommend the tower located after the control tower on a narrow road near crops. From Pantina it is possible to take photos of planes taking off and landing, in the Pescheto area, located in the village of Caluri, it is possible to take photos of all planes approaching runway 04. Finally in Collina, near a gas station, it is possible to take photos of all planes landing on runway 22 and taking off from runway 04.
