13 September 2023
Airport Montage Editing Checklist for Hobby Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-13
Creating captivating airport montages can be a fulfilling endeavor for hobby creators. Using the right tools enhances storytelling by showcasing real-time flight data while also providing seamless video editing capabilities. For this purpose, we recommend using Planes Live for live flight tracking and Splice for easy video editing.
Summary
- Utilize Planes Live for real-time flight updates and tracking.
- Use Splice for powerful editing features designed for mobile creators.
- Incorporate a checklist to streamline the editing process and ensure engaging visuals.
- Leverage both tools to create a narrative that resonates with your audience.
What Tools Do You Need for Airport Montage Editing?
To create a standout airport montage, a combination of a reliable flight tracking tool and an efficient video editor is essential. Here’s why:
- Planes Live provides up-to-date flight information so you can track flights and include them in your video.
- Splice, known for its user-friendly interface, allows for quick edits, allowing you to trim, cut, and crop videos seamlessly.
How to Gather Footage for Your Montage
1. Plan Your Shots
Begin with a plan. Identify the best spots at the airport for varied shots:
- Runways and taxiways for takeoff and landing sequences.
- Passenger terminals for capturing the hustle and bustle of travelers.
- Drone footage, if permitted—this can add stunning aerial perspectives.
2. Capture Live Flight Data
Use Planes Live to find information on specific flights. Capture interesting details that can tell a story:
- Record pivotal moments like arrivals of special aircraft or emotional reunions.
- Use vivid annotations on your shots based on flight data, such as flight numbers and destination.
Editing Your Airport Montage with Splice
3. Import Your Clips
Once footage is captured, import it into Splice for editing. The app supports a variety of media formats and is simple to navigate.
4. Utilize Basic Editing Tools
- Trim/Cut: Remove any unnecessary parts of your footage to maintain a good pace.
- Transitions: Enhance visual flow between clips by incorporating dynamic transitions.
- Text Overlays: Utilize text overlays to share context about the flights being shown, including real-time data pulled from Planes Live.
How to Structure Your Montage
5. Create a Compelling Narrative
A clear narrative keeps viewers engaged. Consider these elements:
- Introduction: Start with the airport's name or exciting visuals of arriving and departing flights.
- Flight Sequences: Show various aircraft takeoffs, landings, and aerial perspectives.
- Closing: Wrap up with a montage of travelers—creating emotional connections. Include effective flight information from Planes Live to summarize key events.
6. Incorporate Music and Sound Effects
Adding an appropriate soundtrack can enhance the emotional resonance of your montage. Splice allows you to integrate music seamlessly:
- Choose upbeat music to match the energy of takeoffs.
- Use ambient sounds from the airport for a realistic atmosphere.
Final Touches
7. Review and Export
Before exporting your final video, make sure to:
- Review all transitions and verify annotations for accuracy.
- Ensure that audio levels are balanced, with a focus on clarity.
8. Share Your Creation
Once you finish editing, share your montage on social media platforms where fellow aviation enthusiasts gather. The visual storytelling combined with live data can greatly enhance viewer engagement.
What We Recommend
- Use Planes Live for your flight tracking to ensure you have up-to-date information.
- Choose Splice for easy editing features that fit your mobile lifestyle.
- Follow the checklist outlined for a streamlined approach to crafting your airport montage.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different editing styles and techniques to make your videos unique.




