Spotters Location Critique Extras: The Critique Scale

After looking over some of my reviews of spotting locations, I realized I should probably create a "critique scale" as a guideline for my personal reviews of "spotter friendliness" of the airports I've spotted at. The scores I give as well as these general guidelines are subject to change and I'll make exceptions where noted, but here are my spotters scoring guidelines and possible reasons why I would give that score on a scale of 0 to 5:


0/5 - Don't even bother.

• You'll most likely get kicked out (possibly arrested) for "security reasons" or for something else. 
• Unless you're inside the terminal waiting for your flight (if at an airport with commercial service), you're better off being safe than sorry. 
• There are no spotter friendly locations to photograph from at all.

1/5 - The worst. 

• Not really spotter friendly at all. 
• Photos probably could be taken but most likely not a lot to make it worth while. 
• Take extra care in not attracting unwanted attention to self.
• Traffic is just next to nothing and there's nothing significant to even photograph.

2/5 - Alright. 

• Spotting can be done, but most likely not a place with active movements at all.
• Probably not recommendable since the location would most likely be difficult to stay at.
• Again if spotting, take extra care in not attracting unwanted attention to self.

3/5 - Moderate. 

• Decently spotter friendly. 
• Aircraft movements might still be limited though.
• Timing is key if you're to photograph anything decent at these kinds of airports.

4/5 - Pretty good. 

• Spotting for sure can be done. Probably has an observation deck or other great vantage points where photography is possible
• Other nearby attractions such as a museum might make the place worth going to as well.
• Spotting most likely gets bland in terms of what airliners fly at that particular location after a few visits though.

5/5 - For sure the best. You can pretty much come back here many times as your heat's content and get good results every time.

• Spotting is doable on a public observation deck/area and offers a really great, unobstructed view.
• The airport also offers a variety to see as well.
• Other attractions are nearby making the place worth a visit.