The step ladder(or scissor lift ) is a great way to get an different angle with low flying a/c the only problem arises is if there are multi aircraft airborne a safety issue is present. Communication between the pilot/spotter and photographer is a MUST . Clouds in the backround are a big plus . IMO any lens over a 300mm is hard to handle, as they really start getting heavy ,and a slight movement at the lens is Giant movement at the subject.

Semper Fi
Joe

Abufletcher Great thread..