What counts as "Spotting" an aircraft?

[Stug298]

Long wondered this, but what counts as spotting an aircraft?

For me, it's:

• You can see this full aircraft

• Can easily see the serial

• It's under 2-3K ft high.

I really don't understand how people claim frames when they are Fl350 going OTT between clouds.

Opinions?id say its whatever way you want to play there are no hard and fast rules as long as the individual is happy with what they are doing thats it...

[steamy]

it's only a confirmed spot when I have laid hands on it...

2m away is just not good enough.... damn covid

[Philly1971]

I do noise and speed and poor quality photos and videos. Have no interest in serial numbers, just want to see F15,s or Typhoons in reheat and low. Anything else shows up is a bargain. It’s the same with trains, absolutely no interest in being at a terminal station and collecting numbers, but sit down next to a track with trains coming past at 125mph, happy days.

[raptor9]

The main point about all this discussion is that we have a hobby. It doesn't matter what the hobby is, how it is done, whether or not it is not regarded as the correct way to do it etc., It is a hobby/passion. Don't care if it's Golf, Tiddly Winks, Stamp Collecting, or aircraft numbers. [which is not my scene]. The most boring people I have met in a long life are people without a passion. To share a hobby with like minded people is a joy that hoobyless people miss out on......big time!.

[Finty]

Long wondered this, but what counts as spotting an aircraft?

For me, it's:

• You can see this full aircraft

• Can easily see the serial

• It's under 2-3K ft high.

I really don't understand how people claim frames when they are Fl350 going OTT between clouds.

Opinions?

Surely its what ever you want it to be, its just a harmless hobby... there are no rules..

This. For me, a visual is a visual. Serials don't have to be seen to be counted although when not confirmed, I mark it down as a question mark (e.g. typhoons on adsb)

[timb]

Good to hear so many variations on what to count, always up to the individual. I know of some who are into nav lights, each to their own. Straying off the subject I guess, but what intrigues me is how many hours a day on average to some people look at tracking sites ?

[Johnng737]

Think that is the beauty of plane spotting, there are so many different things to spot if you want to and at the end of the day there are no rules, you can spot/collect what you want to. I do both civil and military, but only selected civil ie Airliners and Corp Jets. I do like to read the numbers off, but that isn't always possible sadly. But with technology ie trackers and a brillant site like FC there isn't too much that escapes thankfully. I don't take pictures but well done to all on the group who post, i really enjoy looking through them

John

[Malcolm]

I remember getting involved in some deeply philosophical debates (verging on religious expression of faith for some) on the exact meaning of spotting. Usually in a foreign hotel bar the night before an open-day, having imbibed several jars of the local hooch, and for some reason often involving a spotter known to us as Marham Mick. Happy days.

Attending a Fleetlands openday was always a test of ones "values". Gazelle booms scattered everywhere and insufficient pods to account for them all. Or if you were lucky to get a trip round Warton whilst they were building Tornados. Front section in one hangar, middle in another and rear somewhere else.

[twinstar]

Going back to having to fully see the serial, how do we cope with the French Falcon 2000 and Falcon7X?

[twinstar]

I remember getting involved in some deeply philosophical debates (verging on religious expression of faith for some) on the exact meaning of spotting. Usually in a foreign hotel bar the night before an open-day, having imbibed several jars of the local hooch, and for some reason often involving a spotter known to us as Marham Mick. Happy days.

Attending a Fleetlands openday was always a test of ones "values". Gazelle booms scattered everywhere and insufficient pods to account for them all. Or if you were lucky to get a trip round Warton whilst they were building Tornados. Front section in one hangar, middle in another and rear somewhere else.

The Donauworth EC.135 and NH.90 production line was always a dillema where the cut off point between a roll of fibreglass and a fully painted Iraqi EC.135 was!
Same for the pilatus production line at Stans.

[roughcutter]

My question may be a little difficult to answer but on various Websites like Y@@ T@@E, There is mention that the hobby is split into various types of Spotter like for example, the spotter who likes taking Photos, theres the spotter who likes logging serial numbers/ registrations etc, What if like me you do all in one like taking photos and logging registrations/ serial numbers etc.

You're an "All rounder" (or a JOAT)

[Unknown74]

I always knew I was an all rounder spotter. Thank you for confirming it.

[Nighthawke]

Otherwise known as a true aviation enthusiast.

[ChrisCwmbran]

I take photos mainly but I'm a tiny bit interested in numbers - but not to dot them in a book.

For example when it comes to the UK Typhoons, I like to have a photo of each one. I guess just for completeness sake.

When it comes to other countries jets, I just take photos because I like photographing them.

[roughcutter]

I always knew I was an all rounder spotter. Thank you for confirming it.

You like your cricket then?

[Unknown74]

Never been a Cricket fan unfortunately! Played it once at School but never got into it.

[22A]

It's similar with railway locomotives. There are some who insist you cannot count it if you didn't see the actual number. Hmm; it's big, green, smoke coming out of one end and has a nameplate "Flying Scotsman". Damn because of a parked wagon, I couldn't actually see the number on the cab side.
On the other hand there are websites listing which non main line locos are where. So if you go past some sidings and see a grey shunting loco there, you know it must be 08XXX. Some enthusiasts will help others so if you see a Freightliner loco disappearing as you arrive, they'll let you know it's number.
Then again there are bus enthusiasts who write down the bus serial number. For that hobby you have to actually see the whole number, such as RM349 etc. You won't get far asking Which Routemaster worked the number 12 service Southwards at Peckham High St this morning?
As others have posted; if you can prove what you saw, it's yours.

[slogen51]

Long wondered this, but what counts as spotting an aircraft?

For me, it's:

• You can see this full aircraft

• Can easily see the serial

• It's under 2-3K ft high.

I really don't understand how people claim frames when they are Fl350 going OTT between clouds.

Opinions?

Surely its what ever you want it to be, its just a harmless hobby... there are no rules..

This. For me, a visual is a visual. Serials don't have to be seen to be counted although when not confirmed, I mark it down as a question mark (e.g. typhoons on adsb)

I personally do not take serials based solely on adsbexchange ( honest ) but it is not a new dilemma for I am sure many of us enjoyed seeing C-141s flying over and hearing "MAC 50265" going WOD-DVR or LAM-WOD etc. Can anyone remember the Air Scotland mag which was a must for the 'Over the Oggin' section.

Oh what fun.

[Andy Marden]

Long wondered this, but what counts as spotting an aircraft?

For me, it's:

• You can see this full aircraft

But of course most times you can't, you only see half of it - the left side or the right side

[Arthur Tee]

I knew one chap who saw an An-225 - but wouldn't count it - as he hadn't read-off the registration!

However - what about 'bagged' aircraft in storage or just the wheels noted beneath a hangar door?

I think what is really needed is some favourable weather, a nice pub garden and some nice craft ales to discuss the matter further...

Arthur