A 13-year-old boy from Volzhsky, Russia, has found a unique passion in plane spotting, using his keen eye and a high-quality camera to capture stunning images of aircraft. Gleb Sarantsev’s hobby began unexpectedly during a bout of illness, and with the support of his parents, it has blossomed into a dedicated pursuit.

Gleb’s interest in aviation was sparked while recovering from rotavirus in Adler. Unable to sleep, he watched documentaries about air crashes and began observing the planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport. His parents noticed his fascination and encouraged his newfound hobby, eventually buying him a camera capable of capturing detailed shots of aircraft at high altitudes.

Gleb’s mother, Maria, notes that their life now revolves around Flightradar, a flight tracking website. They often make impromptu trips to the airport when a rare or interesting aircraft is scheduled to arrive, such as the An-124 “Ruslan.” While they sometimes encounter questions from law enforcement and aviation security, Maria accompanies her son to address any concerns. She also mentions that security personnel have occasionally been helpful in getting a good shot.

Gleb’s primary shooting location is his grandmother’s balcony, which provides a convenient vantage point and camera support. He has photographed a variety of aircraft, including the An-22 “Antei,” Tu-214, Il-78, and Il-76 MD. He uses Flightradar to track aircraft, but notes that not all planes are listed on the site. The challenge, he says, is catching the right moment, as weather conditions and time of day can impact his ability to photograph aircraft.

During the holidays, Gleb plans to travel to St. Petersburg to meet with other plane spotters he connected with through his Telegram channel. While there isn’t a formal spotter community in Volgograd, he receives advice and support from another enthusiast who has since moved on from aviation. Gleb’s parents approve of his hobby, even though it sometimes affects his studies. They appreciate that it gives him a focus and that they, too, have started to look at the sky more often.

While Gleb is unsure if he will pursue a career in aviation, he knows that he will continue to pursue his passion for plane spotting. His mother notes that he has always been a serious and reasonable young man, capable of processing vast amounts of information. She suggests that his interest in aviation may be in his genes, as his father is a ship captain.