Plane Spotters in Boston and NY for Radio Report about Sept 11th

[727C47]

+1,LOVE THE AVATAR !!! used to spot from the rollercoaster !!!

[jerslice]

But my question is, why would it grow in popularity if it is so severely restricted?

As others have pointed out, photography is just far more accessible than it used to be. You can spend $1000 and pick up a package that is decent enough to produce reasonable quality photos – without having to learn how the camera actually works. Heck, even cell phone cameras can get reasonable, online quality images that compete with some of the point and shoots (think Nikon Coolpix or similar type cameras). The lower end of cameras available on the market is catching up to the higher end faster than the higher end is advancing upward. And the quality possible for money spent continues to, on average, go down…which makes sense as manufactures try to best one another offering better and better products for less & less.

On the other end, it has become harder to spot than it used to be. I remember being able to go to Worcester Airport pre-9/11 and get on the other side of security to take pictures of the commuter planes that (used to) serve the field. I think it’s obvious that I couldn’t do that in my wildest dreams now. I remember when I could sit on top of terminal B parking lot in Boston and watch planes for hours. If Massport or the tower catch sight of you now?; good luck making it past ten minutes. And if you don’t leave, the Staties will be happy to help you along…
(to be fair to Massport, you can call Phil Orlandella (communications guy at the field) in advance and usually get permission to be up there now – so I give them credit there at least, but that only extends to airport itself).


As others have said, and this is true no matter where you are, but especially on the east coast, you’re prepared for not if you’ll be questioned but when. People see a photographer on the side of the road pointing it at an aircraft and their first thought 15 years ago would’ve been “odd, but whatever”. Now they see that same person and think anything from “He’s a terrorist plotting his next attack” to “that looks like rifle or a grenade launcher!” and call the police. I know a guy in Seattle who was using a larger zoom lens on the side of the road in Seattle in a place known for spotters, and someone called him in the cops saying he was hiding in the bushes with a rifle shooting at planes.

I do think the severity of it differs widely by region though and also by individual fields. Security issues aren’t half the problem they are on the east coast out here on the west. I have only been questioned once or twice since moving to Seattle three years ago…as opposed to what, dozens of times in Boston and elsewhere? Most of the time law enforcement waves to us as they drive by here (except for that one guy with the “rifle” in the bushes). I think the west coast is more accepting overall, but also, 9/11 didn’t happen out here. Most people were asleep when it unfolded and didn’t see it live on TV or unfold in front of their eyes. Unlike most of us in NYC or in the northeast in general, most don’t know anyone who was in the towers or on a plane: I don’t think it hit home out here in the same way. And I do think it makes a difference how spotting is received around here.

Fears of being questioned and hassled by law enforcement are a product of post-9/11 security. Fears of being called in to the police by fellow citizens who don’t know any better are by and large a post-9/11 thing. Fears of having your memory card wiped out or film confiscated, your person detained or arrested – almost entirely 9/11.

So where does that leave the new throngs of spotters?...to crowd the handful of places that do understand, that do bend, that do make exceptions.

[megatop412]

+1,LOVE THE AVATAR !!! used to spot from the rollercoaster !!!

Ah, you remember the mighty Atom Smasher

I loved Rockaway Playland so much I named my recording studio after it

[PhilDernerJr]

Planespotting has grown so much since 9/11 because the hobby has been growing on the internet. More sites, resources, technology, and most importantly, the explosion (pardon the pun) of high quality digital photography equipment accessible to the public as a somewhat reasonable cost.

[steve1840]

Planespotting has grown so much since 9/11 because the hobby has been growing on the internet. More sites, resources, technology, and most importantly, the explosion (pardon the pun) of high quality digital photography equipment accessible to the public as a somewhat reasonable cost.

I can attest to what Phil said, since afterall, I hadn't been very familiar with this hobby until I stumbled across the great website last fall looking for photography tips. After seeing this, I combined my love for photography, with my long lost love for aviation.

[727C47]

Ah, you remember the mighty Atom Smasher

I loved Rockaway Playland so much I named my recording studio after it

that was a great coaster ,liked it better than the Cyclone !!!

[AA757]

I have been spotting at Logan since 2008 and have never had any run ins with the police...Everywhere I go eveyone is friendly and interested in my hobby and ask friendly questions....

Phillip Martin I sent you a private message in your in box on this site..


Rich Barnett