How to time Specials?

[InfocusNYC]

So I went out on my 2nd spotting trip - caught sunset from the Howard Beach spot. It's awesome how the aircraft vary their left turns so much. I found the beach as close as you can get to the runway to be the best spot. Anyway, how do you guys time and plan seeing unique and interesting aircraft? Today it was a never ending rotation of American, Jetblue, United, Delta. Only shot 1 heavy - Iberia 747.

[megatop412]

Many people use flightaware or similar trackers by plugging in the aircraft registration. Some planes however can't be tracked this way(like the Air Tran specials). Some go even further to keep track of movements via ACARS. I usually just show up and hope a surprise comes my way. It's probably why I miss so many of them

[yankees368]

There are many ways you can track specials. Like mentioned above, ACARS is one: http://www.qatipi.com/air/air.php?airport=JFK
Also try Planefinder. Use the app to filter what is coming into JFK, and click to see if its special.
Check the forums, as members will often post a heads up if a special is coming in.
Oh, and that Iberia bird was an Airbus A340
Enjoy!

[InfocusNYC]

Thanks for the replies. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ACARS looks like a great resource. Yeah you're right I guess at first glance I thought it was an older 747 but it really doesn't look like one in any way accept for the 4 engines. I'm a noob.

[InfocusNYC]

OK I see incoming flights. Any way to look up departing?

[megatop412]

Thanks for the replies. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ACARS looks like a great resource. Yeah you're right I guess at first glance I thought it was an older 747 but it really doesn't look like one in any way accept for the 4 engines. I'm a noob.

Hey we were all noobs once. And, Iberia DID used to fly the 747, so you have that working in your favor!

[wunaladreamin]

For departures try flightaware.com. It'll give you a ballpark idea provided you know the flight number.

[Delta777LR]

radar24 is another option!