Looking for a spotting book for Christmas (either for yourself, or for someone else)? I decided it’s time to put out details of some of the most popular new titles out recently. Each is linked to the Amazon page so that you can read a review from other people who bought the book.

1. Propliners of the World pt1
Gerry Manning
A fantastic review of the world’s propliners, with a large section on the DC-3. Includes loads of photos and current operators. [Amazon Reviews]

2. Propliners of the World pt2
Gerry Manning
I had to include both parts of this fantastic new collection.  This one looks at many other types, including the Neptune, Orion, AN-2, and water bombers. [Amazon Reviews]

3. Airport Spotting Guides Far East & Australasia
Matt Falcus
OK, so a slight plug here, but this book is great for anyone wishing to travel to the airports in China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries, with full spotting information. [Amazon Reviews]

4. The World’s Top 500 Airports
David Wragg
A comprehensive look at the top 500 airports in the world, with maps, colour pictures and plenty of facts and figures for each. [Amazon Reviews]

5. Time Flies: The Heathrow Story
Alan Gallop
A new book charting the history of the UK’s busiest, most exciting, most controversial and arguably the best spotting airport – Heathrow. [Amazon Reviews]

Which books would you add to the list? Are there any coming out soon that you’re looking forward to? Leave a comment below.

Jaunted‘s latest Plane Spotting blog post comes from St. Lucia – one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean.

One of the best places to watch the action at St. Lucia is from the St. Jude’s highway running into Vieux Fort and passing the western end of the runway.

Alternatively, at the eastern end of the runway the beach offers a breathtakingly close view of aircraft departing over your head. Of course, this is a great place the enjoy the sun, sea and sand whilst on the island!

Read the full blog post here.

I saw this posted on a number of mailing lists recently, regarding the stance Homeland Security in the USA take towards plane spotters. Perhaps it will be useful if you’re planning a spotting trip to the USA soon.

The Homeland Security officer who had spoken to a spotter had stated: “There is no problem with spotting at US airports. We (homeland security) understand tail spotting, but before you start spotting please contact the airport police and let then know where you are and what you are doing. You will probably get a visit at some time from the local police, but it is all good natured”.

So, a couple of minutes’ effort will save us and local authorities from any misunderstandings.

(Thanks to Kev Sanders for his post.)

This video report was made yesterday for the UEFA Cup Final at Manchester and the influx of spotters to the airport.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7401713.stm

I’m not particularly impressed with the seeming lack of respect from the reporter and her joking attitude. What are your thoughts on it?