spotter

Spotters are a recognised presence at most airports, and several run official viewing areas with them in mind. The unwritten rules are consistent everywhere: stay off operational land, do not interfere, and be visible and polite rather than furtive.

Nearby in Slang

• rarity — How unusual an aircraft is at a given place, and the main thing that makes a spot noteworthy.
• scanner — A radio receiver used to listen to air traffic control and airport frequencies.
• spotting — The hobby of observing, identifying, logging and photographing aircraft.
• tail — Spotter shorthand for an individual airframe, taken from its tail number.