FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

We get some common questions on the channel, so we thought we'd answer some of them!

1. What Gear Do You Use?

Good question! 

TRIPOD: Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head with 190X Video Aluminum Tripod & Leveling Column Kit

TRAVEL TRIPOD: Manfrotto Befree Live Twist with MVH400AH Tripod

CAPTURE CARD: Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card (1), Elgato Cam Link 4K (2)

CAMERAS:

   1) Panasonic HC-WXF1 4k Ultra HD Camcorder (Day Camera)

   2) FUJIFILM X-H2S Mirorrless Camera with FUJINON 50-140mm f/2.8 lens (Night Camera)

   3) Sony FDR-AX53 4K Ultra HD Handycam Camcorder (Secondary Day Camera)

4) Panasonic HX-VX1 4k Ultra HD Camcorder (Backup Camera)

SOFTWARE: OBS Studio (64 bit)

Backup: YoloLiv YoloBox Pro (for remote streams)

RADIO: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT (when LiveATC is unavailable or when using streaming box)

2. How do you hear Air Traffic Control

We usually use streams from LiveATC.net to listen to YYZ Tower. This monitors 118.70 and 118.35 which are the frequencies for the north and south runways. When this doesn't work, we rely on our radio. 

3. Where do you like to spot from, exactly? I want to spot too!

I’ve spent a bit of time finding the best streaming locations around YYZ, and while runway configurations and weather can change things up, here are my go-to spots:

  1. Dixie Rd at Director Gate – Great views of 05 departures, 23 departures overhead, and 05 arrivals overhead. You can park at the nearby Tim Hortons or a side street across Dixie, but never on Dixie Rd itself as it’s a no stopping zone and dangerous to cross.

  2. Airport Rd at Orlando Dr – Ideal for 23 departures/arrivals and 05 departures overhead. Be careful with parking—Tim Hortons up the road is a safer option. Avoid parking on Silver Dart, as it’s a no stopping zone and enforcement is strict.

  3. Renforth Dr and Silver Dart Dr – This spot gives you views of 24L and 24R arrivals overhead. Parking across Carlingview is your best option, with a short walk under the 427.

  4. Convair Dr (southwest corner) – Perfect for 06L/R arrivals overhead and departures away from you, though rotation views on 06L can be blocked. Parking legally can be tough here, so I recommend using the Etobicoke Creek Trail lot on Britannia Rd E, about a 15 to 20-minute walk from this location.

  5. 33L/15R Hill on Convair Dr – Just south of where Britannia Rd E turns into the infield, this hill offers excellent views of 33L/15R operations. However, parking is only available at the Etobicoke Creek Trail parking lot (about a 12 to 15-minute walk). Parking on Convair Dr itself is risky, as it’s a no stopping zone and you could get a hefty ticket. Be aware that during summer, this hill is full of ticks, so take precautions. If I’m not on the hill, I am across the street closer to Britannia watching from just north of the 06L threshold.

I always follow airport regulations and park legally, which helps maintain a positive relationship with airport authorities and ensures spotters can continue enjoying these areas. As a member of YYZ Airport Watch, I strictly adhere to spotting rules, which means no ladders, staying away from fences, and avoiding illegal parking.

If you like a specific angle from one of my YouTube streams, feel free to message me and I’ll let you know exactly where I was standing when I got that shot!

4. How do you choose which of your spots to go to for the stream that day? (Why THAT location?)

(TL;DR: I follow airport rules, prioritize stream stability over constantly switching locations, and balance practicality with providing the best overall experience for viewers.)

When choosing a spot, I take into account several factors: the METAR/TAF and ATIS for active runways, weather forecasts, and the specific aircraft I hope to capture. I also weigh practical considerations like weather conditions (e.g., choosing a location closer to my car if rain is expected). On days when construction or other restrictions are in place, such as the recent fencing around the 33L hill, my options are further limited.

As a member of YYZ Airport Watch, I adhere strictly to airport rules and guidelines. While many spotters may pull over in “No Stopping” zones to quickly snap pictures, I set up for longer periods of time and always park where it is legal to do so, either through parking spaces provided by the cities of Toronto/Mississauga, paid parking in lots, or parking through arrangements with the GTAA/Peel Police and YYZ Airport Watch. Sometimes this involves a longer walk to the streaming location, which makes it impractical to constantly move between locations, especially if the winds might change (e.g., 33L arrivals all of a sudden). Streaming is about providing stability and consistency for the broadcast, and while catching that one special plane is exciting, I can’t simply switch locations mid-stream without disrupting the entire show.

It’s important to understand that these decisions aren’t made lightly. Moving gear around is time-consuming and often means less time streaming and more time walking. In cases of runway changes due to shifting winds, it might not be worth moving to another spot just to catch one plane, especially when the wind could shift again shortly after.

Also, because this is a free broadcast done in my free time, and sometimes it’s simply not worth hauling equipment across the airport on the whim of unpredictable weather. I value the time I get to spend streaming, but I also value time with my family, so I try to strike a balance.

In short, I always aim to create the best possible viewing experience for the entire show. While it may not always be the perfect angle to catch a specific aircraft, the goal is to provide a consistent, high-quality stream for all viewers for as long as I am able to stand out there.

5. If I see you, can I come say "Hi"?

Yes! Happy to chat. Just keep in mind, the camera is always on, and the microphone is very sensitive, so everything you say will probably be heard by hundreds of people on the Internet and archived in the "Live" section of the channel forever! :) I also do my best to keep up with the plane tracking, so if I cut myself off mid sentence to talk to the stream, apologies in advance! :) 

6. Why do you have ads on the live streams? They are annoying!

I understand that ads can sometimes feel like an interruption, and I appreciate your feedback. However, running Wake Turbulence Aviation involves significant costs that go beyond just filming planes.

By having ads on the stream, I’m able to keep the content free for everyone to enjoy, while covering some of these ongoing expenses. Ads allow me to continue producing the aviation content you love without charging a subscription fee.

You can always further support the channel by subscribing or becoming a member, or through tips and superchats, which will help offset costs and reduce reliance on ad revenue. Your support—whether by watching ads or through memberships—helps keep this channel in the air!

SOME OF THE CHANNEL COSTS:

  • Cameras and lenses (purchase, maintenance, upgrades)

  • Tripods, mounts, stabilizers

  • Microphones and audio equipment (external mics, windshields)

  • And endless collection of wires

  • Portable power banks, batteries, and chargers (laptop requires lots of power)

  • Gasoline and vehicle maintenance travel to airports

  • Highway tolls and occasional parking fees

  • Car maintenance for long drives

  • Membership fees for professional groups (e.g., YYZ Airport Watch)

  • Streaming platform subscriptions

  • Website hosting and domain registration

  • Editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere)

  • Design tools for graphics and overlays (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)

  • High-bandwidth internet and mobile data for streaming

  • Mobile hotspots and routers for internet stability

  • YouTube platform fees for memberships and super chats

  • Gaming laptop for video stability in streaming

  • Memory cards for recording video

  • Air show tickets and event passes (when not invited officially)

Running Wake Turbulence Aviation is a labor of love, but it comes with significant costs that go well beyond simply turning on a camera. Ads are a small way to help offset these costs and keep the stream free for everyone to enjoy! If you really hate them, get an adblocker or a YouTube Premium membership, but I always set the ad frequency to "Conservative," and the streams are scrollable so you can go back and see the 15-30 seconds that may have been interrupted. Remember TV before PVR? We used to have to watch several minutes of commercials at a time before we could find out who shot Mr. Burns (or JR)…

7. Why are you always at the same locations and not in some of the special areas of the airport (FBOs, De-Icing, etc.)?

While some members of the general public might go near fences in areas like the North Lounge, being part of YYZ Airport Watch comes with responsibilities that go beyond just finding the best view. As a member, I follow strict rules outlined in the YYZ Airport Watch handbook, which have been agreed upon with airport authorities to ensure safety and legal compliance.

One of these rules is the 10-foot rule, which means I—and any spotting equipment—must stay at least 10 feet away from airport perimeter fences. Quick fence approaches for a few photos is part of the arrangement, but setups must follow the 10-foot-rule. Additionally, the use of ladders near fences is strictly prohibited. These restrictions are designed to protect the airport’s operations and ensure everyone's safety, which is why I always set up in authorized, publicly accessible areas and avoid restricted spots like De-Icing or FBO ramps.

Being part of Airport Watch offers privileges, but it also comes with the responsibility to follow the rules that protect the integrity of the program. So, while my locations may seem familiar, they are chosen with care to respect the long-term sustainability of what I do, ensuring you can keep enjoying the streams for a long time to come. Violating these guidelines not only risks my membership but could also affect the longevity of the stream. My decisions are made to ensure I can continue providing high-quality, legal streams, balancing the desire to capture great footage with the need to follow the regulations that allow me to be out there safely.

My goal is to foster a positive atmosphere at the airport and work towards making spotting accessible for everyone. By following the rules and guidelines, we can build and maintain strong relationships between spotters and the airport authorities. Frequent violations could lead to locations being fenced off and restricted, which benefits no one, so it's in all our best interests to respect the guidelines and preserve these great viewing spots for the long term.

8. Hold on… you mention YYZ Airport Watch a bunch. What exactly is that?

YYZ Airport Watch is an official program that was established in 2004 in partnership with Toronto Pearson Airport, Peel Regional Police, and other aviation authorities. Modeled after neighborhood watch programs, it allows serious aviation enthusiasts to spot and photograph planes while acting as additional eyes and ears for airport security. Members like myself follow strict guidelines to ensure our activities are safe, legal, and respectful of airport operations.

Being a part of YYZ Airport Watch also comes with certain privileges, like working closely with airport authorities and maintaining access to key spotting locations—so long as we follow the rules. It's about creating a positive, sustainable relationship between aviation enthusiasts and the airport, and helping to preserve the ability to spot and stream for everyone’s enjoyment.

For more information, visit https://airportwatchcanada.com/

9. Can I e-mail "advice" that involves criticism with solutions involving big purchases?

No. We are not a professional production company. We do not claim to be one, nor do we have money to purchase professional production equipment. And if we did, it would be a pain to set up, move, and tear down. This is a hobby that we are enjoying sharing. We have no budget, as this is an entirely self-funded hobby. We appreciate donations that will help us eventually grow, but in the meantime, if you find the quality unacceptable, and just can't watch, or feel like e-mailing about potential solutions that involve us buying some new gear to make fences or traffic noise disappear, I highly recommend you simply unsubscribe and watch other things. Or go to an airport yourself and enjoy the audio and video quality of your own ears and eyes. 

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Feel free to send us your questions!