North Austin News

Renowned planespotter Brett Spangler, also known as atx.spotter on Instagram, shared his journey into the world of aviation photography in an exclusive interview. Reflecting on his initial inspiration, Spangler revealed, "Airplanes have fascinated me since I was very young and that fascination has only grown as I’ve gotten older." The planespotter community at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport holds a special place in Spangler's heart, with the Family Viewing Area being a significant location where his passion for planespotting was solidified.

Spangler's evolution in planespotting was marked by a shift in equipment and photography techniques. From starting with a Panasonic G9 to currently using a Sony A7RV, his approach has become more intentional, focusing on unique aircraft, lighting conditions, and specific photography techniques like panning. The planespotter's love for aviation is evident as he captures the grace and beauty of aircraft in flight, emphasizing, "You can’t see the graceful, curving flex of a 787’s carbon fiber wing when it’s sitting on the ground."

For Spangler, certain aircraft and airlines hold a special significance, with the Boeing 747, known as the "Queen of the Skies," being his favorite. Reflecting on the impact of planespotting on his perspective, he shared, "The complexities of airport operations and air travel and the sheer logistics involved... is fascinating to me." Spangler's passion extends to the planespotting community, where he has built real friendships and shared experiences with fellow enthusiasts through platforms like "Austin Plane Spotting" on Facebook.

Among his sentimental moments, Spangler highlighted capturing British Airways' return to AUS in 2021 and Copa Airlines' inaugural flight in 2023 as significant milestones. Looking ahead, Spangler plans to continue his planespotting adventures, with upcoming trips to LAX and Vancouver on the horizon. He eagerly anticipates the excitement surrounding the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at COTA, a prime time for spotting diverse aircraft at AUS.

Sharing insights for aspiring planespotters, Spangler emphasized the importance of tracking tools like JetTip and FlightRadar24, as well as engaging with the global planespotting community on social media. As he looks towards the future of planespotting, Spangler remains committed to capturing the magic of aviation and inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts.