Sky's the limit for these plane spotters

Mumbai: Sitting on a rock and gazing at aircraft take off and land may not come across as a serious hobby. But observing aircraft intently can actually generate many interesting aviation trends and document flying history. A bunch of aviation enthusiasts in the city does just that as a hobby. And, though the world may mock or security agencies may label it a taboo, this bunch of enthusiasts pursue their passion for aircraft spotting with the diligence of an aviation historian.
"I rush to Mumbai every weekend only to take aircraft pictures. This is the only way I like to spend my weekends,'' said 19-year-old Aalok Gaitonde who is an engineering student in Pune. During his school days, he would find a high rock near the airport and spend practically every evening only photographing planes operating in and out of Mumbai.
"Spotters have always been present everywhere. But in our country, it isn't a much heard-about and acknowledged hobby. It is now starting to get noticed,'' said 60-year-old Jimi Wadia who has been taking pictures as well as noting registration numbers of aircraft since the 1960s.
Wadia has kept a record of all registration numbers and manufacturing serial numbers of aircraft to track how many hands an aircraft has passed though before being finally grounded.
Another spotter, Devesh Agarwal, who is based in Bangalore and is closely associated with the spotters' group in Mumbai, said that aircraft spotting helps paint a story of transition for the industry.
Many airports abroad have a designated place for spotters to pursue their hobby and also log in their observations with airport officials who keep a track. For instance, many airports in Japan have open galleries for spotters to photograph and document aircraft movement. Frankfurt airport has given its terrace to the enthusiasts. Manchester airport has given the spotters bright overalls to wear.
20/12/09 Chinmayi Shalya/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Dec 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2009