Planes include: 

B-17, B-24, B-25, B-26, P38, P-39, P-40, P-42, P-51, P-47 & PBY

Eyes on the Sky

America's Aircraft Spotters of World War II

During WWII, thousands of ordinary Americans volunteered to help defend their country — simply by watching the skies.  From rooftops, farms, hilltops, and coastal observation posts, civilian spotters scanned the skies for approaching aircraft.

Armed with binoculars, identification cards, telephones, and keen eyesight, they learned to recognize aircraft by their distinctive silhouettes.  Radar existed, but its coverage was limited. These volunteers helped fill the gaps in America's early-warning defense system, reporting aircraft sightings to military filter centers.

They weren't flying the airplanes. They were watching over those who did.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

Study the silhouettes and see whether YOU have 

what it takes to be a WWII aircraft spotter!