Plane spotting research project at LHR, BHX, MAN and AMS

[flyingdutchman3]

Hi,

My name’s Phil – I’m a Master’s student from London. For my dissertation I’m conducting a study on the history/evolution of plane spotting, focusing particularly on Heathrow and how the hobby has changed since the 9/11 attacks, the closure of official observation decks, the commercialisation of airports and the introduction of social media channels and new technologies such as FR24. I‘m referring to plane spotting in the broad sense of taking photos, videos and/or writing down registration numbers of aircraft.

As part of the study I plan to spend time with spotters/enthusiasts at plane spotting locations (both official spaces and unofficial spaces around the perimeter of airports). In order to make comparisons between airports in terms of opportunities for spotting I'll be visiting Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Amsterdam airports. I'm spending next Wednesday (20th) and Friday (22nd), maybe Thurs too, at the spotting locations at Amsterdam Schiphol and I wondered whether anyone might like to meet me to show me the ropes and share their knowledge, stories and experiences of plane spotting at Amsterdam. Any amount of time that you could give would be much appreciated.

All participants will be made anonymous in the study.

If anyone is interested and would like to help out, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Many thanks

Phil

[bvdboomen]

In order to make comparisons between airports in terms of opportunities for spotting I'll be visiting Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Amsterdam airports.

I see you don't mention military bases. So I assume that you aim on the civil side of the hobby.

[Wesselsbb]

Looks fine to me, if you want I can show you around.

[flyingdutchman3]

In order to make comparisons between airports in terms of opportunities for spotting I'll be visiting Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Amsterdam airports.

I see you don't mention military bases. So I assume that you aim on the civil side of the hobby.

Ah yes - civil/commercial aviation as opposed to military.