Planespotting at the Control Tower

Last Saturday, I had the rare opportunity to spot at one of the least common places accessible to spotters — the control tower. I was able to reach the top thanks to Renz, whose uncle works as an air traffic controller.

The Control Tower at Davao

The view from the tower is spectacular. It was such a good thing that the weather turned out to be sunny. One can get a good view of Samal Island, the sea, the buildings that define the city’s emerging skyline and the mountains. And of course, one gets a good view of the apron where the real action is happening.

Blue skies! Great day for spotting 🙂

Lunch Time Activity (PAL A340, CEB A319 and A320)

Firetruck

PAL 812 A340-300

Inside the tower

Mid-afternoon activity (Zest A320, CEB A319 and A320)

Silk Air A320, one of the few international flights from the city

Air Asia A320, the newest carrier in the country

Welcome to Davao 🙂

Pre-flight announcement

 

Hi. I’m Jon, and I like planes. I’ve always wanted to be an aviator since I was a kid. It started when I was five when we moved from our old apartment to our new house, where planes would always pass overhead moments before landing. The sight and sound of a jet airliner made me thrilled and excited. Since then, my eyes were always looking upward.

My sketch books were filled with scenes of airport activity or planes up in the air. I’ve read several books about planes, and collecting model planes became a hobby. I spent four years of college away from home primarily because I wanted to fly several times a year. I’ve graduated and now I’m looking forward to get on that seat and earn my wings someday.

It’s been several years since the dream started. I hope that this blog may also inspire kids and kids at heart to believe and hang on to their dreams. I’m still at the beginning of the great adventure that lies ahead, and I’m looking forward to share my experiences along the way.

So what are ya waiting for? Welcome aboard! 🙂