KC-135 Ground Tracking Network > Spotters' Guide
A program to educate and recruit KC-135 airplane spotters, the KC-135 Ground Tracking Network puts eyes to the sky, monitoring and recording when others won't. Nicknamed the B.L.U.E Sky Squadron, this network generates a constantly updating knowledge base which can be studied online at the forum. If you'd like to be part of this Intermod Series skywatch network please go here to join the forum. Members have unlimited access and are eligible to receive a free embroidered patch.
KC-135 Spotting Introduction
This pocket-sized guide provides quick access to 3-position silhouettes, detailed descriptions, and specifications to help you reach your objective when you enroll as a spotter and participate in the KC-135 Ground Tracking Network.
The KC-135 Ground Tracking Network’s main purpose is to generate an accessible database that studies and exposes the patterns of KC-135 aircraft activity and its effects. This network of like-minded researchers points eyes to the sky, recording and monitoring when others won’t. When you join the network as a dedicated KC-135 Spotter, your time and input will add to this critical online research forum.
Practice
An efficient spotter makes a complete study of the airplane. Your task as a spotter is simplified by the pursuit of only one type of airplane with specific recognition characteristics. As you begin spotting the KC-135, it is a good idea to start by practicing with models and pictures. Familiarize yourself with the aircraft, get active, join the forum and ask the more experienced spotters questions. Within a short period of time you will develop an almost instantaneous recognition ability for accurately identifying the KC-135 in flight.
Preparation
KC-135 spotting is an outdoor activity where the aerosol exposure is greatest. Dress appropriately. Initial conditions may change and spread slowly so the best spotters watch and record throughout the entire day. Bring along this guide and a journal for taking notes. Pack your binoculars, tripod, and camera. Advanced spotters collect samples for analysis, explore the infrared at night, scan and record radio transmissions, or use remote control surveillance. These techniques require additional equipment, know-how, and materials. Go online to join the forum and ask about what type of gear and which spotting method is best for you.
Stay Positive
Non-spotters pay little attention to the sky. It's not unusual for the novice spotter to recognize this problem and feel discouraged. Try to remember that your attitude was similar before you became an active Ground Tracking Network member. If approached, be generous with your time and share what you see with the curious. You may find this leads to a new awareness and education for a future sky-monitor.
Clear Skies Often Change Quickly
Occasionally you may be overwhelmed by the amount of activity in your area. Clear skies can rapidly become full as if by magic. It's likely your viewing region is now 'hot'. Do the best you can and record what you see. Chances are other local spotters are out there observing and recording and will later help to fill in the gaps online in the forum.
Official Documentation
First-time KC-135 spotters often look for official records or call their local airport or military base. The reality is what seasoned spotters know from experience: spotting is important because public access to official documentation is not available. Instead, try to retrieve what information, if any, is publicly available for comparison with your observations. What's omitted can often provide clues or trails to follow as you collect data and perfect your spotting skills.
The Authorities
If your spotting activity draws the attention of the authorities, be polite but hold your ground. The sky is yours to observe. Know your rights and safeguard your data. The notes and photos you take may be the only citizen accessible spotter record available for that day, time, and place.
Bring Your Guide With You
Sometimes the best spotting opportunity occurs when you least expect it. Spotters often tell stories of ill-prepared errands or lunch breaks without binoculars or a notebook. Lost opportunities like these are often never recovered. Don't rely on other spotters to be there when you're not.
Become a Member
Enroll online to become an official KC-135 Ground Observer. As a member of this skywatch network your photographs, theories, and thoughts will be shared with other members in the forum. Corresponding and working together in this way focuses awareness, gathering information which can be studied online, in one location. Members enjoy critical feedback with special access to the forum and are eligible to receive a free embroidered patch through the mail.
Stay Up to Date
Check the website and forum often. This field of study is constantly changing. If possible, introduce yourself to other local spotters in your area and compare notes. Reports of other aircraft exhibiting similar operational activity, even non-military, have been observed. If this happens to you note any insignia and fuselage color, direction and time of flight, and method of injection and dispersal. Don't forget to share your findings with your fellow spotters on the forum.
This pocket-sized guide provides quick access to 3-position silhouettes, detailed descriptions, and specifications to help you reach your objective when you enroll as a spotter and participate in the KC-135 Ground Tracking Network.
The KC-135 Ground Tracking Network’s main purpose is to generate an accessible database that studies and exposes the patterns of KC-135 aircraft activity and its effects. This network of like-minded researchers points eyes to the sky, recording and monitoring when others won’t. When you join the network as a dedicated KC-135 Spotter, your time and input will add to this critical online research forum.
Practice
An efficient spotter makes a complete study of the airplane. Your task as a spotter is simplified by the pursuit of only one type of airplane with specific recognition characteristics. As you begin spotting the KC-135, it is a good idea to start by practicing with models and pictures. Familiarize yourself with the aircraft, get active, join the forum and ask the more experienced spotters questions. Within a short period of time you will develop an almost instantaneous recognition ability for accurately identifying the KC-135 in flight.
Preparation
KC-135 spotting is an outdoor activity where the aerosol exposure is greatest. Dress appropriately. Initial conditions may change and spread slowly so the best spotters watch and record throughout the entire day. Bring along this guide and a journal for taking notes. Pack your binoculars, tripod, and camera. Advanced spotters collect samples for analysis, explore the infrared at night, scan and record radio transmissions, or use remote control surveillance. These techniques require additional equipment, know-how, and materials. Go online to join the forum and ask about what type of gear and which spotting method is best for you.
Stay Positive
Non-spotters pay little attention to the sky. It's not unusual for the novice spotter to recognize this problem and feel discouraged. Try to remember that your attitude was similar before you became an active Ground Tracking Network member. If approached, be generous with your time and share what you see with the curious. You may find this leads to a new awareness and education for a future sky-monitor.
Clear Skies Often Change Quickly
Occasionally you may be overwhelmed by the amount of activity in your area. Clear skies can rapidly become full as if by magic. It's likely your viewing region is now 'hot'. Do the best you can and record what you see. Chances are other local spotters are out there observing and recording and will later help to fill in the gaps online in the forum.
Official Documentation
First-time KC-135 spotters often look for official records or call their local airport or military base. The reality is what seasoned spotters know from experience: spotting is important because public access to official documentation is not available. Instead, try to retrieve what information, if any, is publicly available for comparison with your observations. What's omitted can often provide clues or trails to follow as you collect data and perfect your spotting skills.
The Authorities
If your spotting activity draws the attention of the authorities, be polite but hold your ground. The sky is yours to observe. Know your rights and safeguard your data. The notes and photos you take may be the only citizen accessible spotter record available for that day, time, and place.
Bring Your Guide With You
Sometimes the best spotting opportunity occurs when you least expect it. Spotters often tell stories of ill-prepared errands or lunch breaks without binoculars or a notebook. Lost opportunities like these are often never recovered. Don't rely on other spotters to be there when you're not.
Become a Member
Enroll online to become an official KC-135 Ground Observer. As a member of this skywatch network your photographs, theories, and thoughts will be shared with other members in the forum. Corresponding and working together in this way focuses awareness, gathering information which can be studied online, in one location. Members enjoy critical feedback with special access to the forum and are eligible to receive a free embroidered patch through the mail.
Stay Up to Date
Check the website and forum often. This field of study is constantly changing. If possible, introduce yourself to other local spotters in your area and compare notes. Reports of other aircraft exhibiting similar operational activity, even non-military, have been observed. If this happens to you note any insignia and fuselage color, direction and time of flight, and method of injection and dispersal. Don't forget to share your findings with your fellow spotters on the forum.
