I very often fly my landing with "observation plane" view (basically to plane-watch), from time to time superseding the main panel by using shift+1. Now, is it possible to make screenshots or videos which record only the observation plane view even when I have the panel visible? I want to send a little video of some of my dramatic landings to friends, but without the panel visible in the screen all the time. Possible?

Sure, do your flying per normal with or without the panel etc. Then simply replay the last x minutes (From the menus). You can then customize the views during this replay - If you are using Fraps then you can record the video very easily.