View Full Version : End of T T Williams annual "Flight Routings" book
Was disappointed to learn that the annual flight directory "Flight Routings" produced for about 20 years now by T T Williams will not appear again, 2006 having been its last year.
Did others find this book valuable for its detail of what was flying where ? It had a format that made reference much quicker than other sources of information, and although I know it was meant to be aimed at airband hobbyists it had a wider value for showing the picture of commercial operations.
A shame no other publisher has taken it on.
jetstream7
2nd Jul 2007, 12:19
Different format, but the Airport Timetables UK books are a good (albeit more expensive) alternative.
Airtime Publishing are the company you need to track down.
These are indeed what I was referring to as one of the "other sources".
They are more accurate in what they actually show, but leave out quite a lot of the basic data, and are collated in a different and less usable format. It was quite possible with these two publications to use one as an index to the other.
zakbak
3rd Jun 2009, 16:55
Hi, I have flight routings from 2004 & 2005. I've just decided I want the 2009 version - but then read your post! I love aircraft - I'm not a 'spotter' but I just got curious as to where all the aircraft flying over my house were going. I bought a scanner and love just listening to the 'air waves'. I love travel, so when I hear call signs I check (well checked) My Flight Routings and almost feel up there with passengers and crew!
It is a really valuable book and I'm quite dissapointed that it is no more.:rolleyes:
Charley B
3rd Jun 2009, 17:49
I also have the 2006--(now well worn) edition-such a shame, as I use it to track the flights that overfly the uk and are not mentioned in the Airtime Publishing book.These are good though as well for uk flights.
Surely someone can take this on--absolutely vital book to go with the scanner!!
One cannot be in front of the computer all the time yo track them on open atc!!
As I understand it both these useful books suffered from diminishing sales combined with high printing and distribution costs, which is where most of the money goes. It would be more effective to just distribute electronically (I would actually find the information more usable just as a spreadsheet, which I would pay for). Trouble with that is that people will just copy it and give it to one another.
ATNotts
4th Jun 2009, 17:55
It sad, but true, "spotting" has been a dying past time for years now, and that along with the availability of information via the web has made the printed word ever less viable, year on year.
When I started spotting back in the late sixties, and then right through to the mid 1980s, the norn was to get on ones bike, head down to the 'drome and see what was there.
Today you see requests on spotter forums asking "what runway is in use"? For pity's sake, in my day if I hadn't got the nouse to find out which way the wind was blowing and make a valued judgement, I went down the airport and took a chance!!
it seems to me that in todays electronic information age a lot of the fun and anticipation has been taken out of the hobby.
It's not only that - the UK's obsession with often pointless, over the top security has ensured that it is ever more difficult to spot aircraft at an airport!
Rant over, and back to the topic - I just wonder how much longer the other timetable publications will remain in hard copy form.
BYALPHAINDIA
5th Jun 2009, 01:03
Yes they were a good read to have.
But considering there's hardly any 'BLOODY AIRLINES LEFT' I don't think the 2009/10 issue would have more than 15 pages!!
When I read the MAN Flightcheck that is only x amount of pages now.
The show goes on.....
BYALPHAINDIA
5th Jun 2009, 01:10
Quote
It sad, but true, "spotting" has been a dying past time for years now, and that along with the availability of information via the web has made the printed word ever less viable, year on year.
When I started spotting back in the late sixties, and then right through to the mid 1980s, the norn was to get on ones bike, head down to the 'drome and see what was there.
Today you see requests on spotter forums asking "what runway is in use"? For pity's sake, in my day if I hadn't got the nouse to find out which way the wind was blowing and make a valued judgement, I went down the airport and took a chance!!
it seems to me that in todays electronic information age a lot of the fun and anticipation has been taken out of the hobby.
Reply
I agree completely - They used to be about 9 of us who would share cars regularly to go to EMA, MAN etc.
But slowly the interest dropped off, As you have said times have certainly changed for the worse as we 2 well know!!
You can't beat a good day out with the 'Lads' and then ending the day over a few beers!!
I don't understand the Hobby anymore??
If the Hobby still exists??
Skipness One Echo
5th Jun 2009, 12:25
Yes it does, rumours of our demise are much over egged. These days if I need one of the last few of a fleet, I don't need to "nip down to the drome on my bike" in all weathers, I check ACARS and see if it's the one I need. THEN I head out. This saves a lot of the frustration and needless getting soaked in winter.
Lots of us migrated to Nikons and big lenses, so we haven't gone away, just evolved into a slightly different type of obsessive.
As to some moron asking what runway is in use? Look out of the window or buy a scanner is beyond them , but that's not the majority.
As for :
But considering there's hardly any 'BLOODY AIRLINES LEFT' I don't think the 2009/10 issue would have more than 15 pages!!
By any metric there is MASSIVE amount more than there were in the 1990s, 1980s, 1970s and 1960s. Take the rose tinted glasses off?
"I remember when this was all fields you know....." mmmm fields........