Resources for Plane Spotting from Home

With the world on lock down this is a difficult time to be an aviation enthusiast.

Heading out to visit airports or go on flying trips is, for the time being, all on hold and we’re forced to stay in the house.

So where does that leave our hobby? Can we get any #avgeek action while in this situation?

Thankfully there are options and, even though many airlines are temporarily grounding their aircraft, there are still plenty flying around – particularly cargo, charter and positioning flights.

So here are some resources for spotting while at home:

Flight Tracking Apps and Websites

Flightradar24

The most famous flight tracker out there. Flightradar24 is available both on the web and as an Android and iPhone app.

It gives you a worldwide display of all aircraft that are currently tracking, with details of their route, altitude, speed, flight number, registration and flight history.

Check it out at http://www.flightradar24.com or search for it in your app store.

ADS-B Exchange

Like Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange is a tool for tracking aircraft flying anywhere in the world. It has a visual map display, and aircraft icons which you can click on to find out details of their registration, route, altitude, flight history etc.

The beauty of ADS-B Exchange over Flightradar24 is that it tends to show more aircraft – namely biz jets, GA, military and government traffic (as well as airliners). This means you can tie up those annoying aircraft that you see but aren’t tracking when you go to Flightradar24.

Check it out here: https://www.adsbexchange.com/

Aviation News and Updates

While here at AirportSpotting.com we try to bring you lots of snippets of news and information that you’ll find interesting, there are some websites that post EVERY bit of news. So if it’s detail you’re after, check these out:

Routes Online

Every airline route announcement and change.
https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/

Airports International

News and developments at airports around the world.
https://airportsinternational.keypublishing.com/

The Points Guy

Tips and news for air travellers and frequent fliers.

UK site: https://thepointsguy.co.uk/
US site: https://thepointsguy.com/

Spotting on the Screen – YouTube

With little to see in the skies, why not sit back and enjoy some spotting from the comfort of your living room and TV? There are many great YouTube channels for spotters, with all interest areas covered.

Here are our favourites:

Runway Action

Spotting videos from airports around the world, both recent and vintage.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkljDFwuJZf1jMPAuijsNAg

Sam Chui

YouTube’s most famous aviation blogger. Join him on #avgeek trips with unsual airlines and behind the scenes on aircraft and at airports.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYCRj25JJQ41JGPqiqXmJw

Plane Savers

Join Mikey McBryan and the Buffalo Airways crew for behind the scenes videos of their life, and their bids to save and restore classic aircraft.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvFNTUDikuXwaoFE45bq4Xg

Noel Philips

Noel flies the world trying out different airlines, aircraft and routes. Tag along with him on his channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2O6HDtMOZf9FkUAepz9Atg