Taking their name from ORD -- O'Hare's international airport code -- ORD Airport Watch members are obsessed with photographing, tracking and documenting the movement of aircraft. That's what makes them plane spotters.
Citizen sentinels —
Taking their name from ORD -- O'Hare's international airport code -- ORD Airport Watch members are obsessed with photographing, tracking and documenting the movement of aircraft. That's what makes them plane spotters.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
If you're one of the millions of travelers who fly into Chicago every year, you might want to thank them -- because they're helping the FBI, Transportation Security Administration and other authorities protect<strong> </strong>you<strong> </strong>from terrorists. Spotters undergo police background checks and are trained to recognize and report suspicious activity to police. Their motto: Observe, document and report.<br />
'Observe, document and report' —
If you're one of the millions of travelers who fly into Chicago every year, you might want to thank them -- because they're helping the FBI, Transportation Security Administration and other authorities protect you from terrorists. Spotters undergo police background checks and are trained to recognize and report suspicious activity to police. Their motto: Observe, document and report.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
One hundred sixty-two citizen sentinels -- including 13 female members -- volunteered about 5,000 total hours last year helping to guard O'Hare, one of the busiest airports on the planet. Instead of Glocks or Smith & Wessons, spotters prefer to strap on Canons or Nikons.
Hobbyists serve their community —
One hundred sixty-two citizen sentinels -- including 13 female members -- volunteered about 5,000 total hours last year helping to guard O'Hare, one of the busiest airports on the planet. Instead of Glocks or Smith & Wessons, spotters prefer to strap on Canons or Nikons.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Scanners, like the one held by Gabriel Widyna, help spotters monitor emergency responders' radio traffic. Other equipment allows them to track incoming aircraft via each plane's unique electronic signature.
Gear —
Scanners, like the one held by Gabriel Widyna, help spotters monitor emergency responders' radio traffic. Other equipment allows them to track incoming aircraft via each plane's unique electronic signature.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Programs like ORD Airport Watch aim to transform what has been suspicion at times between police and plane spotters into a mutually beneficial partnership. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport boasts the first such group in the United States. It was inspired by a similar outfit in Canada. Another spotter organization in Phoenix followed. ORD launched about two years ago.
Watching the skies —
Programs like ORD Airport Watch aim to transform what has been suspicion at times between police and plane spotters into a mutually beneficial partnership. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport boasts the first such group in the United States. It was inspired by a similar outfit in Canada. Another spotter organization in Phoenix followed. ORD launched about two years ago.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Pilots Richard Wells and Lora Yowell own a Bensenville, Illinois, gift shop called Aviation Universe, which has become the unofficial headquarters of ORD Airport Watch. The shop hosts the group's Picture Nights, where they share favorite photos. Wells and Yowell named their dogs Orville and Wilbur.
Headquarters —
Pilots Richard Wells and Lora Yowell own a Bensenville, Illinois, gift shop called Aviation Universe, which has become the unofficial headquarters of ORD Airport Watch. The shop hosts the group's Picture Nights, where they share favorite photos. Wells and Yowell named their dogs Orville and Wilbur.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Bensenville Police Officer Joel Vargas, from left, Bensenville Village President Frank Soto and Police Deputy Chief John Lustro meet with ORD Airport Watch board member Steve Bailey. Along with local police, the spotters also meet regularly with airport authorities and officials with the TSA and FBI.
Joining forces —
Bensenville Police Officer Joel Vargas, from left, Bensenville Village President Frank Soto and Police Deputy Chief John Lustro meet with ORD Airport Watch board member Steve Bailey. Along with local police, the spotters also meet regularly with airport authorities and officials with the TSA and FBI.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
ORD Airport Watch members President Ian Hardie, from left, Vice President Richard Carlson, Gabriel Widyna, board member Steve Bailey, Jeff Gebhardt, Jose Guillen, Matthew Settler, Bob LaCursia, Richard W. Fleer and Ana Peso pose for a picture.
ORD Airport Watch —
ORD Airport Watch members President Ian Hardie, from left, Vice President Richard Carlson, Gabriel Widyna, board member Steve Bailey, Jeff Gebhardt, Jose Guillen, Matthew Settler, Bob LaCursia, Richard W. Fleer and Ana Peso pose for a picture.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN