Friends of aviation share a bunch of slightly unusual hobbies and interests. We compiled a list of characteristics that help in identifying a true aviation fanatic.
1. You are thrilled to bits to visit an airport
Whenever you visit an airport your heart flickers with joy, even if it’s part of your job to travel and even if it’s your fortieth time at the airport that year.
2. You are a member of aviation fan clubs and Facebook groups
You follow related blogs and Instagram accounts, debate and share memes with thousands of other aviation enthusiasts in Facebook groups devoted to the theme. You may even subscribe to an aviation magazine.
3. There is a photo of you posing with an airplane or part of one
On your time off you find your way to places where you can touch and feel aircrafts or their components.
4. In addition to Helsinki Airport, your favourite destinations in Finland include the Finnish Air Force Museum in Tikkakoski and the Finnish Aviation Museum in Vantaa
You know the Finnish Aviation Museum’s collections like the back of your hand. At the Finnish Air Force Museum, you’ve flown both the Messerschmitt and the Fouga Magister simulator.
5. You are an aircraft spotter
You’re familiar with the best places in Vantaa to spot planes that are landing or taking off. Weather permitting, you will enjoy a picnic by Malmi Airport in Helsinki.
6. At the airport, you hang out by the window, not at duty free
You would never miss a chance to enjoy a view overlooking the runway.
7. Your social media accounts are filled with photos of aircraft wings
At check-in you secure a window seat in order to get the best shots of the view throughout the flight.
8. You own a collection of model aircraft
You have put them together yourself or bought them ready-made. All the same, you have already had to acquire a new display case to fit all of them.
9. You travel abroad for aviation events
You showcase the models you’ve made at international competitions, go to air shows, scour the local aviation museums and network with other aficionados.
10. You have visited the cockpit
You’re either part of the generation that was still able to make an in-flight visit to the cockpit of an airplane, or you’ve stuck around in the cabin after landing to convince the co-pilot to show you around.
11. You know the pre-flight safety demonstration by heart
You’re also familiar with aviation jargon. If asked, you can spout all in-flight announcements from memory. Moreover, you know what it means when the cabin crew is asked to “arm doors and cross check.”
12. Your choice of holiday destination, route and schedule are based on the type of aircraft at use
You know what your favourite plane type is, and on the other hand, your aim is to tick all possible aircraft types off your list. Your friends can neither tell the difference between a Boeing and an Airbus nor understand why the plane type would make a difference as long as you reach your destination safely.
13. Whenever you see a plane flying in the sky, you immediately recognise the carrier and the plane type
You can’t help but check where the plane is headed.
14. You have downloaded apps in your smart phone for monitoring the air space above your home
And you’ve memorised the schedules of regular flights.
15. You have at least considered getting a pilot’s licence
When your birthday or any other special day is drawing near, you’re filled with eager anticipation: will this be the year you unwrap a gift certificate to pilot school?
