The Antonov AN-124-100, a colossal cargo plane and one of the world’s heaviest, remains a favorite among Adelaide’s plane spotters, including enthusiasts like Cameron Roberts. In 2023, Cameron and his younger brother Gregory witnessed the Soviet-era giant land at Adelaide Airport, an experience that left a lasting impression.
“Seriously, it’s like such a cool plane to see,” Cameron remarked, highlighting the shared passion he and Gregory have for plane spotting—a hobby that involves observing and documenting aircraft, often through photography. Despite its global popularity, Adelaide’s plane spotting community faces increasing challenges due to airport developments and surrounding infrastructure.
Challenges in Capturing the Perfect Shot
While plane spotting is a beloved pastime, enthusiasts in Adelaide are finding it increasingly difficult to capture unobstructed photos. Recent projects at Adelaide Airport and ongoing developments around the area have added to these challenges. The Roberts brothers often resort to using stepladders or climbing nearby structures like skate park half-pipes to get a clear view.
“It’s a bit difficult trying to get photos where there’s all these obstructions,” Cameron explained. This sentiment is echoed by many in the community who navigate these hurdles daily.
Young Enthusiasts and Their Creative Solutions
Among the dedicated plane spotters is 14-year-old Harrison Lawson, who frequently visits the airport to photograph aircraft. Despite preferring the comfort of the terminal, Harrison acknowledges the difficulties posed by glare when shooting from inside.
“The glare can get in the way quite a lot; it’s a bit annoying sometimes,” Harrison noted, underscoring why many spotters prefer outdoor locations despite the challenges.
The Community’s Call for a Dedicated Viewing Zone
In 2008, the arrival of a Qantas A380 caused traffic congestion around a popular spotting area, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for significant aviation events. Spotters are keenly aware of first-time aircraft visits and those with unique liveries, capturing these moments with fervor.
Mark Spence, who helps run a live stream of tarmac activity, emphasized the growing difficulty of plane spotting due to airport developments. “We definitely need some sort of official spotting area here at Adelaide,” he stated, a sentiment echoed by many enthusiasts.
“If you get a diversion of an A380 or something, you can have 5,000 people watching,” Spence shared, illustrating the community’s passion.
While other Australian airports like Sydney and Perth have dedicated infrastructure for plane spotting, Adelaide Airport has yet to follow suit. Last year, Brisbane Airport announced upgrades to its viewing area, citing increased demand, a move Adelaide spotters hope will inspire local action.
Adelaide Airport’s Response and Future Prospects
Despite the community’s hopes, Adelaide Airport currently has no plans for a dedicated viewing area. Executive General Manager Alicia Bickmore acknowledged the feedback from plane spotters, expressing openness to future opportunities.
“We don’t have plans for one at the moment,” Bickmore stated. However, she noted that Adelaide offers unique, unrestricted runway views, and welcomed suggestions for potential sites.
Existing popular spots, like the Tapleys Hill Road car park, present their own challenges, such as obstructive billboards. “As soon as they’re lifting off, the billboard cuts half of it off,” Gregory lamented.
Debate Over Infrastructure Needs
While many spotters advocate for a designated viewing area, not all agree. Jasmin Christensen, a local who enjoys watching planes with her children, expressed contentment with the current setup.
“I kind of like that you don’t have other amenities here because it keeps people away that maybe shouldn’t come here,” she said, suggesting that additional infrastructure might attract unwanted attention.
As the debate continues, the future of plane spotting in Adelaide remains uncertain. For enthusiasts like the Roberts family, the hobby’s survival hinges on the infrastructure available to support it.
“It would be nice if we had a viewing platform,” Darin Roberts concluded, expressing a cautious optimism for future developments that could enhance this beloved pastime.
