FAQs about PlaneSpotter
- I'm new to aircraft identification, do you have anything that can help me?
- All you need is an interest in learning more about airplanes. We’ve put together a simple guide that you can review (or download and print) that covers the basics for identifying U.S. aircraft - commercial, general aviation and military. Please look at "A Beginner's Guide to Aircraft Identification".
- Do I have to fill in all the blanks in the form?
- Nope. In many cases, you will not have access to when a photo was taken, who took it or who contributed it. It may also not be possible to read registration numbers from the images. Just fill in as much as you can.
- What is the little check mark to the right of the photo number in the thumbnails?
- This is simply a tool to help you keep track of where you are in the process. As you complete the identification on an image, check the status box that you have completed work on this image. This will place a check mark on the thumbnail page to help you track your progress over the hours/days/weeks that may be required to complete a batch. [See note on making changes.]
- What if I'm stumped on a particular airplane?
- Not a problem, just leave the information as it is currently. (One exception to this. If you don't know what the aircraft is but know for certain that IT IS NOT what the basic information says it is, then enter "?????" into both the manufacturer and type field. [Even us "experts" make mistakes!]
- What if I'd rather work with pen and paper and enter the data later?
- Simply click on this link (Paper Form) and you'll get a printer friendly form to use in this way.
- Do you have any hints and tips on doing photo identification?
- If you click on this link (Hints and Tips), you'll get a PDF document that you can print off that contains as much of our knowledge and experience that we have been able to capture. If you come up with additional suggestions or resources, we would like to know.
- What if the basic Manufacturer or Aircraft Model data is wrong?
- Hey! We're good but not perfect. If you find an error like this, please simply fix it by entering the correct data.
- Can I make changes to an entry later?
- Yes, simply click on the thumnail image or image identification number. You will get Photo ID form back up, populated with all the data you have entered. Simply make changes and resubmit the form.
This works even if you have indicated you have finished working on an image.
- What do I do once I've identified everything I'm able to?
- Simply click the "FINISHED" button on the page with the image thumbnails.
- Do I have to request a new batch of images to identify after completing the set I'm working on?
- Unless you request otherwise, you will receive a new batch of images to work on within a couple of weeks of submitting a batch.
- What if I get tired and don't want to do this any more?
- Simply use the "CONTACT" us button and send us a note.
- Do I get anything for doing all this work?
