Spotters Remind Us How Far Aviation Has Come in 120 Years
Livestreams of landing planes have captured millions of views, proving that even non-enthusiasts have room to appreciate the marvel of technology.
Photo: Getty Images; Illustration: Jessica Karl
If you stand on a small lane at the west end of Taipei’s Songshan airport at just the right moment, you can feel the hot air of a jet engine as it begins its takeoff run. On any given weekend, before the pandemic, dozens of people could be found milling about waiting for the next brief thrill as landing aircraft roared just above their heads and departures rustled the wind in their hair.
For most people, the only time we think about the wonders of aviation is when we’re strapped into our seats. But spotters, the uber-enthusiasts who camp out at airfields to watch and document aircraft at work, have continued to maintain humankind’s sense of awe at a magical ability we discovered only 120 years ago.