What Satisfies Your Aviation Cravings?

[PhilDernerJr]

What is it that drives your passion for aviation? What is your "aviation climax" that you get when your practice your enthusiasm?

Is it getting a photo accepted into a database? Laying your eyes on a rare bird? Being a passenger during takeoff just as you take flight? What is that one thing that makes it all worth it for you?

[727C47]

flying the DC-3, whether round the patch or over the sea.

[gonzalu]

Standing on the tarmac at an Air Force Base and an F-15 roars off with full afterburners... A 747 departure of any kind... Airbus A380... Classics like L-1011 or DC-10, MD-11... A visit to the Smithsonian Air and Space or Wright Patterson AF Museums... looking at the XB-70 Valkyrie or the X-15 drives me nuts!

At one point I have to get a pilot's license and fly a plane before I die, I am sure that will top all of the above.

[RomNYC]

Clearly a landing at SXM, whether it is right under it or from the Sunset Beach bar. My first was in 1996 and this is what got me into the whole thing. Never had such a thrill anywhere else (aviation or else combined). Oh wait, a RWY 27 take-off might have been my biggest thrill. AF A340 right in my face, with a pilot obviously showing off... I remember diving onto the sand, and my camera too.

On several occasions I stood on the ramp separating the beach from the road (see my avatar pic). With my 6 foot 5, I could have easily jumped and touched a 747's landing gear... Talk about a thrill!!! (although I'm not that stupid).

And yes, getting a photo accepted does appeal to me too. I remember how ecstatic I was the first, and only, time that happened!

[sporky]

There is not just one thing for me, but really a combination of everything involved with spotting/photographing planes. Whether just around the local area or travelling around to other airports I love everything. Just wish I would win the lottery so I could travel a whole lot more.

-Tad

[hiss srq]

For me... It is coming to work every day and getting paid to do what I do for a living... I have the job most enthusists would pay money to get... I am truely aviation blessed.....

[Zee71]

I am very passionate about aviation and space, which has been with me since I was a kid. From taking a family trip to Europe and flying on an IL-62 to watching mans first steps on the moon. My aviation climax was being on board the USS George Washington (CVN-73) aircraft carrier and spending a few days on board with these young men and women. I was on the deck about 20 feet away from where they where catapulting and launching the F-14s..........what an awesome sight and feeling when those birds are shot off the deck. We watched cats and traps, night ops, and everything else you can think of related to aircraft carrier ops. The best part was when it was time to go home and leave the carrier. We got on a Grumman C-2 (Greyhound) and got catapulted off the aircarft carrier for our return home. My job also allows me to see things and visit places most you may only dream of...........such as the Mission Command Center in Houston or at North Island watching various jets, just to name a few. The combo of photography (my other passion) and aviation lets me capture and share the things I am most passionate about.

[lijk604]

My passion for aviation goes way back to when I was 3, and I took my first trip (well, my parents took me) it was on a 747-100 from LAX to HNL. We got to ride in the upper deck, and it was then, when I looked out that window down 37,000 feet to the ground through the occasional cloud, that I realized I was part of something special. Whenever I fly now whether as a passenger or as a pilot, knowing that we are breaking the physical bonds of earth's gravitational pull is awesome to me. When I am earthbound, and have my camera with me, the thrill comes from watching these marvels of technology fly. Every one is special in it's own way to me, from the small single engine GA prop, to the huge A380. The silence of a hot air balloon to the roar of a military F-18. To be able to watch or be a part of it is what makes me tick, and if I can be around others who share that passion, all the better.

[Derf]

nothing really, having a F-86 Sabre fly 200knots 50 feet away from me and 10 feet below me is fun or watching Chris in his P-51 at 8 feet ripping down the runway is nice... But the only thing that holds me over from each Airshow season would have to be NYCA!

[cancidas]

flinging my wings around at 50ft off the deck... singing to myself "i am the greatest" over and over sure helps too!

[Derf]

Now that was a BAD movie!

[PhilDernerJr]

The answers in threads like these make me all warm inside. :)

For me, I get great satisfaction when I would plans a photo, then go out and make my vision materialize. I'd get home open up the photo, and a quick adjustment of levels and unsharp mask to give it some life and BOOM. I literally give a cheer and would have to stand up from my desk. To CREATE a vision based on things that we largely can't control (plane position, light, weather, etc.) has been amazing.

Feeling the roar of fighter jets overhead. Seeing a nice smokey airline touchdown and smelling the rubber afterward. Seeing or hearing an older bird (L-1011, 707, etc.) pass me, feeling the history and playing it over in my mind.

One of ym favorites is just being in the air. In flight, at cruise, looking out the window. I-Pod playing music, a beer on my tray, and a pad and pen letting me writing in what is my most possible relaxed state on this planet.

[gonzalu]

Phil,

Funny you say that... the one time I actually planned a photo and actually materialized was with the Evergreen Tanker... I actually pictured it banking over the bridge and shooting it from HoBe... rarely does it actually happen (look at my fiasco with the Cargoitalia and Finnair lol) but that Tanker just worked out great and getting it back home and seeing it properly exposed and sharp was a great feeling of success.. then closing it by getting it accepted into A.net!!

But, in a lot of instances, the thrill of catching an elusive bird is also very thrilling. Once I captured the Finn MD-11 and the Cargoitalia MD-11 the feeling that it is actually finally going to happen is great!

Now, can we all go out for a beer and a burger?

[AirtrafficController]

Reading the 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control Bible)
Watching 4 arrivals into KLGA
Sitting at Howard Beach taking photos of 31L departures.
Reading VFR sectional, TAC, High and Low altitude IFR charts
Listening to Live ATC (KEWR, KJFK, KLGA)

[Big Tim #70]

I love all forms of aviation but the thing that really gets the blood flowing are high powered airshows.
I love every aspect of a great show. The crowds, sometimes hundreds of thousands of people sharing a common passion. It's fun to complain about the dummies that we encounter but just like a sporting event, I love to hear the gasps, claps, & shear joy when something really cool happens. I love the rocking tunes that accompany the routines. The CF-18 demo in 2010 was probably the best score I've ever seen for a demo. The same can be said with good narration. I'm not talking about the hack that really doesn’t have a clue what they're talking about but when you get another true aviation enthusiast doing the talking, it's truly a treat. Brian Norris from Team Oracle is a personal favorite.
Lastly, it's knowing the routine, setting up the shot, & finally seeing the results. The extra special shots are the ones that you take where you say, "I think I got something cool", only to find when you get home, an even better shot than you imagined. There have been many a post airshow nights where I sat there smiling while going through the shots. Unfortunately for me, I probably have just as many curses flying as performers! But hey, that's part of the fun too right? :)

[NIKV69]

Aviation climax hahahaha. Good one Phil. I think seeing the 787 doing low approaches at VCV and getting a ride on a B-17 made me climax last year. With watching an L1011 on the downwind and turn for final at LAX getting an honorable mention.

[Gerard]

For me its going out to an airport or heliport and something really cool comes in or is sitting there when I arrive especially if its Military, Govt or Public Safety!! Back in the 90s and I lived in Queens I usually hit Floyd Bennett Field at least once a weekend. That was when USCG Air Station Brooklyn was in operation and they always had some type of military helicopter on the deck visiting!! Oh man that was fun!!:smile: Nowadays FRG has turned into the location for me where I find that military aircraft like to layover for awhile.

[cancidas]

Now that was a BAD movie!

oh come one... only as bad as top gun.


interestingly enough it almost got me a job out in CA once.

[megatop412]

Nailing a landing in FS9 in the 747 and hearing the reversers kick in. Going through my Dad's flight satchel with all his old flight plans from the B-24, B-25, and PT-17 as well as mission info from his flights over Nazi Germany. The smell of Jet-A in the morning. Lying in my old bed on summer nights listening to the heavies depart over the house. Being on the CVG ramp at 4am during a UPS tour watching all the browns take off.

-or-

When I was 12 my family took a trip to LA via STL. Before departing STL in a 747-131 I was able to visit the flight deck. Going up that spiral staircase was amazing. When I got there the crew let me read the call items on one of the checklists with the first officer responding. Unquestionably the single greatest moment of my childhood, and a big reason I know all of you today.

[MarkLawrence]

Firstly - the sound of a 4 engine Avro Lancaster bomber (not many left flying now - only 2 if I remember right), or the Avro Shackleton Recon aircraft - 4 of those engines just do something to me.

Secondly, the sound of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine in the Supermarine Spitfire - again - it's just the sound....

After that - spending the time at any airport - not knowing if there is going to be something special coming in - just watching the movements - shooting those movements - and the pleasure of catching that special scheme or aircraft when it comes in - Nick V will be able to tell you what I sounded like when I first saw Habitat in NY a few years ago :)

[NIKV69]

the pleasure of catching that special scheme or aircraft when it comes in - Nick V will be able to tell you what I sounded like when I first saw Habitat in NY a few years ago :)

Mark hit on a great point! Great times that day with you Mark. I have also been just sitting at the airport without checking ACARS when Wunala, Pink Delta and other goodies have just appeared. It's a great part of climaxing!

[steve1840]

I myself cannot limit my answer to just one thing either as I'm sure many of you feel the same way. I love the feeling of the engines spooling up as the flight I'm on starts raoring down the runway and that moment as soon as the wheels leave the surface of the runway. I love being able to stand as close as possible to the flight path on final approach as widebody after widebody float down out of the sky getting ready to touch down and snap off as many pictures as I can. One of my biggest "climaxes" was when I had the chanceto finally come down to JFK this weekend (2/12) and realized how bad the light turned out to be and was rather bummed about it and just then I see another "heavy" coming in the distance approaching the mounds and I think I see three engines. And then it turns out I'm right and here comes a beautiful MD-11 and for a moment I feel as though I can reach out and touch her! Thats what satisfies my cravings. Moments like that.

[gonzalu]

Yeah, unannounced Wunala visit... that's just what i need to climax... ahahaha. But closely related was the unexpected visit of the Etihad F1 A340... total surprise... anyone who saw me at Panera that day must have thought I was a total dweeb!

[NIKV69]

Yeah, unannounced Wunala visit... that's just what i need to climax... ahahaha. But closely related was the unexpected visit of the Etihad F1 A340... total surprise... anyone who saw me at Panera that day must have thought I was a total dweeb!

LOL, one of my fondest memories. Sitting at the mounds in August. Weather was like September, cool and dry and perfect sun. Nobody else out shooting and I can see a red 747 in the distance right about the time of the QF arrival. Total win. Great day! Also can't forget the RAF Tristar just appeareing at LAS and seeing Dave Budd do the hundred yard dash in 9 seconds.

[Steven Holzinger]

Just being around airplanes, hearing a fighter try to blow out my hearing, one of my favorite aerobatic performers doing the (controlled!) unthinkable, all that good stuff!

[NoGreenBox]

Thank you-- great topic. brought back some wonderful memories. My first flight in a piper cub, I think I was about 10; the time my mom and dad took me to a surprise airshow stop at the Newark-Heath Airport; Visiting The AF musuem at Dayton; and some great unexpected sights at airports over the years along with memorable flights. But the pinnacle of it all was my birthday in 1985, September 11th, when the Concorde made its first trip to CMH.

I was excused from school to write about it for my 5th grade newspaper and made the trek with my Dad. We were escorted into a special viewing area on the apron between the terminal and Runway 10L/28R. After a while, it made a low pass, first of 2 or three to announce its arrival. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen or heard. Watching it circle to land, then taxi by us to the international arrivals gate.. completely and totally amazing.

I may have left for a few years, distracted by fire engines, bad relationships, and that god awful thing called growing up, but a love of aviation, a desire to be a pilot, and and a sense of the bigger world (Birtish Airways.... IN OHIO!!) was cemented on that September Morning. Later that night, Pete Rose would break Ty Cobbs hits record (4192) so it was just an ideal birthday. They wouldnt all be that way... but at least that one was.

[Spunker]

I think it's just about everything from hanging around airports, flying on a particular airliner, finding that elusive scale model, the roar of the engines as they pass overhead, seeing the first flight of a new airliner there are so many things that drive my aviation enthusiasm.

[hiss srq]

I'll add an additional one.... Drinking a beer on my roof during the summer and watching JFK 31 arrivals

[mirrodie]

Now that was a BAD movie!

which? I missed it.


I love plannin a photo when I am out there taking pics.


My climax is, as someone else stated, you feel the miracle of physics come to a resounding crescendo at the microsecond of takeoff.

You know: You are sitting in your seat, be it a WN737, AA 777 or Concorde. Th e engines spool up and you feel yourself being pushed further and deeper into your seatback. You feel that nose up, slowly, slowly,
then that second the mains leave the ground, your body is by now in a temporary static mode of moving forward
...
and then it gets a new force, lift, applied to it as you the wings are lifted by teh wair and there is a new sudden swoop or air now hitting the underbody of the place an you rocket up. Its awesome. You feel every bump and crevice ont he runway but the second you leave earth, it is smooth, fluid joy.

The only time it was different was on Concorde.



Having children is exposing me to new ways of enjoying the hobby. I see it through clearer eyes and enjoy it further.

[NIKV69]

I'll add an additional one.... Drinking a beer on my roof during the summer and watching JFK 31 arrivals

Where is that famous pic?

[USAF Pilot 07]

Once we hit V1 on a flight, especially if it's out of a dump...

[Qantas_787]

Lining up on a runway (wherever it is!) selecting full power and staring down the numbers before we launch into the skies..

one of the guys i know flying for a major airline here tells his pax in his pa to "prepare for lift off" and I think it's just that.. it's something special taking off into the blue skies that alot of people don't recognize these days..

But if you really wanna know Phil :wink: watching One Six Right the film sent shivers through me.. (i know its a few years old now..) but i recommend everyone here who hasn't seen it yet, watch it- what a fantastic film and embodies what we are all about

[Roush6NY]

Well, I MUST say that I owe 100% of my passion for aviation photography to Phil :) If I never ran into him and a few others last spring by the Marina I never would have even known what this was !
For me I always liked taking photos, started with my little point and shoot till I got my 1st SLR not even a year ago. After going by LGA a few times and trying it out, I was hooked !

[megatop412]

Well, I MUST say that I owe 100% of my passion for aviation photography to Phil :) If I never ran into him and a few others last spring by the Marina I never would have even known what this was !
For me I always liked taking photos, started with my little point and shoot till I got my 1st SLR not even a year ago. After going by LGA a few times and trying it out, I was hooked !

wow, you saw spotters taking pictures, not having had any previous experience with it, and decided you wanted to do it? Now THAT'S amazing- I never new this was so contagious!

[Roush6NY]

wow, you saw spotters taking pictures, not having had any previous experience with it, and decided you wanted to do it? Now THAT'S amazing- I never new this was so contagious!

I'm tellin ya ... I had NO clue what this was about, I was just there snapping some pics of my car and my eye caught 4 guys with cameras and of course I had to walk over to see what was so interesting and Phil was explaining to me right away what the whole deal was .. NOW, I wish I can be out there every time I have a chance and in such short period of time I have grown such passion for it !

[Mateo]

I love looking down a runway as we line up, especially if it's at night, but my favourite aviation moment comes about 30 seconds later, just after liftoff when the airplane transitions from thrust and ground effect to having the wings generate lift and it feels like a big hand is pulling you up into the sky. Once you're in the air, the sky doesn't stop giving. Being a geographer, there's really nothing that compares for me to looking out the window and seeing the Earth; its physical features and land use patterns, and knowing that everything you're seeing is telling you a story.

[steve1840]

I'm tellin ya ... I had NO clue what this was about, I was just there snapping some pics of my car and my eye caught 4 guys with cameras and of course I had to walk over to see what was so interesting and Phil was explaining to me right away what the whole deal was .. NOW, I wish I can be out there every time I have a chance and in such short period of time I have grown such passion for it !

I'm with you Kaz. I have always loved planes, especially airliners since I was a kid, and when I got my new camera gear back in the fall I started looking around for tips on shooting better and somehow I came across this forum and instantly I was hooked on photographing airplanes. And like you I wish I could be out all the time doing it. I have to say that I am jealous of all you guys down there near the city that can head over to JFK or LGA just about any time you want to go.

[727C47]

i want to add flying the Champ off of a grass strip at sunrise, flying the 727 anywhere, and spotting from the deck of the starbucks on crossbay in HoBe, on a summer early am.

[Nick]

I used to have my grandma bring me to the heliport in Nassau. It was somewhere near Carle Place, where they lived. On the wknd, Concorde would fly right over their house on approach. In boot camp, I'd hear F-16's flying overhead and it'd take everything to not look up. But most of all, sending out my bird on a Rescue has proven to be very rewarding.

[steve1840]

I have to say that when I read numerous posts that mention spotting and the concorde in the same sentence I gotta ask this question..... What was it like being at the mounds or even at Firestone when the concorde was coming in? I got enough of a rush being up at the wounds having 747s and and A340s etc pass by on approach to 22L, and I cannot imagine what it was like to have the Concorde pass by up there. I guess what I am getting at is that I would love for one of you guys that have been there to see that to put it into words what it was like.

[lives2fly]

being at work, seeing a rare visitor, and being able to snap that elusive picture of it is awesome. from the ramp, right along the runway, you can get some really sweet shots. :-) watching the factory fresh F15's and F-18's execute the Viking departure at KSTL.... full afterburners and nearly straight up to 10,000' over the runway... cleared for take off and contact Kansas City Center... LOL

[wunaladreamin]

Watching Senga update his flickr page with all the rare **** you want so bad and shake your head in wonder at how he got it.

[nycpilot]

Flying a cub off of grass on a nice summer morning with the door open.
Rolling a B747-400 onto 31R after flying over the town I grew up in.
Flying over the town I live in now on descent to JFK and knowing I'll be home soon.
Flying anything up the Hudson.
Sitting alongside a grass runway and 'grading' a landing contest.
Looking up whenever any airliner flies over.
Seeing my daughter point at an airplane and say "Daddy Plane"(she's 2).

[mirrodie]

Yeah where is that famous pic?

is spottting from the roof of the Starbucks at Hobe any good in the summer?


Here's anohter one that satifies my aviation craving?

Highheels dresses up at a flight attendant and we role play the old, "flight attendant bares all for first class passenger" routine.

[727C47]

i like spotting off the starbucks deck but i'm not a photographer,but for hanging out with a good cup of joe,while the 31s and 13s are humming,cant beat it.