Not a spotter my self but have a huge interest in the field that pays my mortgage...aerospace.
It is sad (in my experience) to see how workers in this industry are getting less and less interested in the business. In the engine companies that I have worked for, the new college grads have no idea or desire about the product, only their piece of FEM or CFD software. It is like they are missing a large part of the "ground work" needed for a fulfilling career i.e. an interest!!
Keep on spotting and keep on being interested. The feeling is even better when the hardware you see taking off or landing came from your own imagination and experience...more power to you!!
PS Does Ian Allen still do those books listing tail numbers?? I was a spotty (kid) spotter for a few years
