In the fascinating world of aviation, the airband receiver (scanner) is an indispensable receiving device for both professionals and hobbyists. From plane spotters to aviation enthusiasts and aircraft photographers, the airband brings a wide range of possibilities. Let's take a closer look at the most important features and applications of the airband receivers.
Important features on an airband receiver
The receivers that are discussed in this article are scanners or signal receivers that only allow you to listen to communications on different frequency bands and frequencies and that you cannot communicate with. The airband is a band on which aviation communicates on a fixed frequency range.
- Frequency range : The frequencies from 108 MHz to 117.975 MHz are mainly used for navigation. For voice communication between air traffic control and aircraft, the range from 118 MHz to 136.975 MHz is used. Military aviation band can only be received on a scanner that has AM function.
- Memory channels: this gives you the ability to store favorite frequencies and quickly switch between your favorite channels.
- Squelch control: This allows you to reduce background noise, allowing you to listen to clear active communications.
- Scan: This allows you to scan through all frequencies when looking for active communications.
Applications of airband receivers
- Plane Spotting: Plane spotters use airband radios to monitor live communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, allowing them to track flight paths and flight information.
- Aircraft Enthusiasts and Photographers : Aviation enthusiasts use airband radios to follow live aviation communications such as traffic information, flight information, and aircraft identification.
The pros and cons
Advantages
- Real-time flight information and air traffic communication
- Fascinating hobby for aviation enthusiasts
- Essential for plane spotters and pilots
Disadvantages
- Limited range depending on your location and antenna type
- Can be complex for novice users
- May require a license, depending on the country and frequencies
Purchase considerations
When purchasing an airband receiver there are some important factors to consider
- Frequency range: make sure the receiver can receive the aviation frequency between 118 MHz and 137 MHz. Do you also want to listen to the military aviation band? Then choose an airband receiver with AM function.
- Scan function and memory : Look for models with scan functionality and sufficient memory channels.
- Antenna: A good antenna is essential for good reception range. Consider purchasing an external antenna for better performance.
Different models
There are different types of scanners available with airband range, ranging from handheld (portable), mobile to desktop, also called basic scanner. The differences between these types are mainly in portability, reception range and functions such as scanning and the number of memories.
Aviation jargon
Pilots and air traffic control all over the world pronounce terms, names and codes in English, this is also called aviation jargon. The advantage of this is that everyone can communicate with each other. The aviation alphabet, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), is also used to always be clearly understood and to prevent misunderstandings.
Airplane spotting locations
The airband hobby can be done in a variety of locations depending on your interests and available resources. Some popular locations include;
- Airplane spotting at airports and airfields: Many aviation enthusiasts enjoy watching aircraft at airports or sports airfields where mainly hobbyists are busy with their hobby. Where they can use the airband radio to follow live communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Air Shows and Aviation Events : Air shows and aviation events offer a great opportunity to see different aircraft in action and follow live communications with an airband receiver.
- At Home: You can also enjoy the airband hobby at home by using an airband receiver to follow live aviation communications via online streams or by listening to local air traffic controllers.
- Outdoors in the city or in nature: For those who enjoy the outdoors, rural areas and cities with airports nearby offer an ideal location to spot planes and follow live communications with a portable airband receiver.
Airports in the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM)
- Terlet Airport Arnhem (EHTL)
- Eindhoven Airport (EHEH)
- Groningen Airport Eelde (EHGG)
- Rotterdam The Hagua Airport (EHRD)
- Maastricht Aachen Airport (EHBK)
- Lelystad Airport (EHLE)
- Ameland Airport Ballum (EHAL)
- Kempen Airport Budel (EHBD)
- Den Helder Airport (EHKD)
- Teuge Airport Deventer (EHTE)
- Drachten Airfield (EHDR)
- Enschede Airport Twente (EHTW)
- Hilversum Airport (EHHV)
- Breda international Hoeven (EHSE)
- Hoogeveen Airport (EHHO)
- Central Zeeland Airport Middelburg (EHMZ)
- Middenmeer Aerodome (EHMM)
- Stadskanaal Airfield (EHST)
- Texel International Airport (EHTX)
- Eastwold Airport Winschoten (EHOW)
Air bases
- Air Operations Control Station Nieuw Milligen (AOCS NM) (EHMC/EHML)
- Eindhoven Air Base (EHEH)
- Gilze-Rijen Air Base (EHGR)
- Leeuwarden Air Base (EHLW)
- Volkel Airbase Uden (EHVK)
- Woensdrecht Air Base (EHWO)
- Deelen Air Base (EHDL)
- Maritime Air Station De Kooy, Den Helder (EHKD)
- The Peel Air Base Venray (EHDP)
In addition, there are many helicopter platforms in the Netherlands, such as in Amsterdam, Ede, Emmer-Compascuum, Harskamp, Heythuysen, IJmuiden, Rotterdam and Vlieland. For all the correct locations, we advise you to visit the well-known plane spotters websites and forums.
Aviation museums
Aviation museums are great places to visit and learn and learn about the history of aviation.
In short, the airband hobby can be practiced almost anywhere where there is aviation activity. Whether at an airport, at an air show, at home or in nature, there are countless possibilities to enjoy this fascinating hobby.
Tips for a day of plane spotting
For many people and especially children it is great fun to go out for a day and spot planes. Go well prepared with folding chairs, a picnic blanket, a well-stocked cool box and/or picnic basket.
Popular locations in the Netherlands
- The polderbaan : A beautiful spotting location with parking on the west side of the runway where even a snack car is located. (opening hours of the snack car can be found on the facebook page 'snackcar spottersplek polderbaan'). There are also dixies at this spotting location for the necessary pit stops of the spotters. You can reach this plane spotting location by entering the postcode 2141CN in your navigation, the location is at the end of the IJweg in Vijfhuizen.
- Panorama terrace Schiphol : From the panorama terrace you can see the gates up close, see planes being loaded by the baggage carts, see planes taxiing and see how planes are being refueled. On the terrace is a Fokker plane that you can enter to take a look at a cockpit and the rest of the plane, which is great fun for children. The terrace also has toilets, an indoor playground and various catering facilities. You can reach this spotting location by elevator or via the stairs between departure halls 1 and 2. Simply follow the signs 'Panorama terrace'.
- Brasserie Waalhaven , Rotterdam : This brasserie is fully geared towards spotting planes and listening to aviation communications between air traffic control and aircraft at The Hague Airport Rotterdam. From the terrace you can watch planes land and take off very close while enjoying a snack and/or a drink. There are also headphones in this brasserie with which you can listen to the communications between pilots and air traffic control. Before you go, inquire in advance about the arrival and departure times of planes so that you can plan the right time so that you have something to see and hear. Brasserie Waalhaven is located on the M alpensabaan 3, 3045AL, Rotterdam.
Locations in Belgium
Brussels Airport (BRU) Zaventem
- Vliegbos in Nossegem 01/19 From here you can see planes take off and land on runway 01/19 of Brussels Airport. This play forest is equipped with many play equipment partly based on the airport with a real runway and lookout tower which is great for children. You will also find other fun play equipment here such as a slide, swings etc. There are also several picnic benches. You will find this spotting location at the Namenstraat, 1930 in Nossegem.
- Spottersplaats 25L: This is a popular spot on the Haachtsesteenweg near runway 25L. Here you have an excellent view of planes taking off and landing.
- Parking P3: From the roof of parking P3 you have a panoramic view of the airport.
Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST)
- Spotting location Nieuwpoortsesteenweg : Here you have a good view of the runways, ideal for spotting cargo planes and tourist flights.
Charleroi Airport (CRL)
- Rue d'Heppignies: This is a popular spotting location on the east side of the airport with a good view of the runways.
Liège Airport (LGG)
- Rue de Ramioul : This location offers excellent views of the runways and is popular with spotters due to the busy truck traffic.
Other locations in France and Germany
In France and Germany there are several locations where plane spotters have a beautiful view of air traffic.
France - Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Concorde taxiway : This is a popular spot next to Concorde and over the CDGVAL tunnel. From here you can see the taxiing of planes.
- Parallele II taxiway: This location is situated on the other side of the Concorde next to a number of hotels. Here you have a good view of taxiing aircraft.
- Sud terminal viewing Terrace: A spotting terrace on the 4th floor offering views of the southern runways.
France - Toulouse-Blegnac (TLS):
- Avenue de la Marqueille: This is a street on the emergency side of the airport where you have an excellent view of planes taking off and landing.
Germany - Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Observation deck terminal 2: This spot offers great views of the air traffic and is equipped with binoculars and information boards.
- Zeppelinheim : A village on the south side of the airport where you have a good view of the runways.
Germany - Munich Airport (MUC)
- Visitors park: This location offers panoramic views of the runways and also has a visitors center and a playground for children.
- Observation hill: A hill near the airport where you have an excellent view of the runways.
Germany - Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
- Railway station viewing terrace: A terrace at the train station with a good view of the northern runways.
- Pier B observation deck : An observation deck with a good view of the air traffic, especially useful for spotters during busy periods.
All of these locations are perfect for both novice and experienced plane spotters and offer a range of amenities and viewpoints. More detailed information and tips can be found on specialist websites such as Aircraft Spotting and Spottersguide .
Rules for plane spotters
Yes, there are rules and laws associated with spotting planes and listening to aviation communications. While specific rules can vary depending on location and country, here are some general guidelines and laws that plane spotters and airband enthusiasts should be aware of;
- Privacy legislation: it is important to respect the privacy of others while practicing the hobby. For example, it is prohibited to record or publish conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers without the proper permission.
- Safety and Access Rules : Plane spotters should be aware of the safety and access rules at airports and other aviation facilities. It is important to only access approved and safe viewing locations.
- Airband Radio Use: In some countries, the use of airband receivers may be restricted to licensed users such as amateur radio operators. It is important to know and follow local laws and regulations regarding the use of radio frequencies.
- Respect for authorities : Plane spotters must always be respectful and cooperative towards aviation authorities, airport personnel and other parties involved. Ignoring instructions or disrupting aviation activities, airport personnel and other parties involved. Ignoring instructions or disrupting aviation activities may have serious consequences.
- Environmental awareness : when practicing the hobby it is important to respect the local environment and not to damage the environment or protected areas.
It is wise for plane spotters and listeners of the aviation band to inform themselves well about the specific rules and laws that apply to the different locations and to adhere to the applicable guidelines in order to be able to practice their hobby in a safe and responsible manner.
Fascinating look at aviation communications
Airband receivers offer a fascinating insight into the world of aviation and are an invaluable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. With their unique features, applications and capabilities, they are an indispensable tool for anyone interested in the fascinating world of aviation. When choosing an airband radio, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements so that you can fully enjoy this fascinating hobby.
