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A different kind of collection

By General Aviation News Staff · June 3, 2005 ·

Americans like to collect T-shirts from shows such as Sun ‘n Fun or AirVenture. In the United Kingdom, aviation fans collect the tail numbers of aircraft.

“I think it’s decidedly a British thing,” remarked David Lamb, a self-described aviation enthusiast who lives near London. Lamb, a first time visitor to Sun ‘n Fun this year, spent one morning in the vintage aircraft parking area taking photos of the tails of aircraft.

In the United Kingdom many people who belong to an association dedicated to the hobby are issued special identification cards. In addition to adding to their collections, these enthusiasts help police keep an eye on operations at airports.

Lamb said collectors often share photographs and information through the Internet.

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