A survey of 233 plane spotters –or AV Geeks as they prefer- has revealed that far from being a hobby of older generations, it’s actually a popular activity for the young as almost half (43%) are under the age of 25 with only 6% of retirement age.
London City Airport (LCY) has conducted research into plane spotters to find out more about their popular pastime, and uncovered some surprising information that will bust some myths.
Mention a plane spotter and you might imagine the cliched older gentleman in an anorak with a pair of binoculars around their neck, a thermos of tea in one hand, and a pocket guide to planes in the other – but you’d be wrong.
Young
A survey of 233 plane spotters – or AV Geeks as they prefer – has revealed that far from being a hobby of older generations, it’s actually a popular activity for the young as almost half (43%) are under the age of 25 with only 6% of retirement age.
As for how it all started over half (56%) said they took the hobby up as a child, and 30% got into it as a teenager.
Well-travelled
Whilst train spotters might find different stations to try and spot different trains, AV Geeks are no different with 56% revealing they have travelled abroad to spot planes, with 1 in 3 travelling long distances to locations including the US and Australia, and 1 in 7 venturing out to Asia.
An amazing 30% of those asked said they had visited 21 or more airports, so there’s no hanging around at the same one day after day seeing the same old planes time and time again.
Committed
The average AV Geek is dedicated to the cause as the survey revealed that 35% would go spotting at least once a week, and 70% said they did it for more than three hours at a time.
A London City Airport spokesperson said: “Our airport sees a number of AV Geeks visiting us every week and we thought it was about time that the public got to know what the hobby is really like, and to challenge some perceptions.
“It’s fascinating to learn that it’s a hobby of a younger generation at the moment, and that AV Geeks are so dedicated. Many people may not visit 21 or more airports in their lifetime by travelling on business or going on holiday, yet a large number of AV Geeks take the time and put in the effort to go to as many as possible.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
