LAX Observation Deck Re-Opens

If you're an airplane spotter like myself - here's some good news! (For once.)

I say that because spotting has been a tough hobby to have during the past nine years or so. Ever since September 11th, spotters have been looked at with additional scrutiny. People at airports with long lenses can certainly look suspicious to those who aren't really aware of the hobby.

Of course, I find it a bit ironic that spotters are sometimes seen as a security risk, since legend has it the spotting hobby really got going during World War II. With limited radar coverage, sometimes spotters were the best way to track the positions of spotters. But I digress.

Security concerns have made spotting harder. But at most airports it's still possible - though some areas might be off limits. Encounters with law enforcement are not all that uncommon. (These are generally pretty mundane - just be cooperative and you'll be fine.)

But to get to my point - for the first time since September 11, the roof of the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport is now open to the public for spotting. Unfortunately, the viewing area is only open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekends. But still, this is progress for those of us who love to just relax and watch airplanes. It's how many people I know developed an interest in aviation during childhood.

Anyway, I'm just happy we're seeing some progress at LAX. How is the spotting at your airport?

(Hat tip to my friend Chris for finding this story.)