A program that tracks aircraft. Airplane flights in real time - a unique service

FlightRadar | History and description

In 2007, the Swedish company Travel Network developed a system for tracking aircraft in the air in real time Flightradar24. The radar operates 24 hours a day. The data received by the system is displayed on a map and allows you to see aircraft online all over the world - a map of aircraft flights.

When you select an aircraft on the map, the system displays a list of its data, including:

• type of aircraft and its photograph,
• tail number and airline affiliation,
• place of departure and landing,
• altitude and speed at the moment,
• geographical position in degrees,
• distance traveled from the departure airport and other data.

The system also supports aircraft search by flight number.

The database is updated every few seconds, and the positions of all aircraft on the map are updated. The collected data is stored in the system’s memory for 28 days, allowing you to track not only current flights, but also those that have already completed. This Flytradar24 has become very popular in our time. People use it for certain tasks - to track a flight, or they are simply interested in watching planes online on the radar.

How Flytradar works

Almost all recent generation aircraft use a method of receiving flight information from the aircraft using an ADS-B transponder. This allows you to track the movement of cargo and passenger aircraft in different parts of the globe. However, the system does not track aircraft that are not equipped with this transmitter.

Currently, no more than 60% of aircraft in the world (less than 30% in the USA, but more than 70% in Europe) are equipped with this device, but their number is constantly increasing.

What is the coverage area of ​​the Fly Radar system?
Aircraft Map - The Flytradar system uses more than 500 transceiver stations that communicate with the ADS-B transponder. They collect information from all aircraft in the air equipped with ADS-B transponders and transmit it to the system's central server, which, after processing the data, displays the position of these aircraft on a map in real time.

Of course, aircraft without ADS-B transponders, or those outside the coverage area of ​​the station network, are not displayed on the service map. More than 90% of Europe is covered by a network of stations; coverage is also present in North and South America, Australia, Japan and some other regions of the Earth.

Displayed aircraft types on Flyradar
All aircraft types displayed by the system (having an ADS-B transponder) are listed below:

• All Airbus (Airbus A300 – A380)
• BAe ATP
• BAe Avro RJ70-85-100
• The most popular modifications of Boeings (Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, 787)
• Newest Embraer E190
• Fokker 70 – 100
• Gulfstream V, Gulfstream G500/550
• McDonnell Douglas MD10–MD11
• Sukhoi SuperJet 100
• The latest models Ilov and Tu (IL-96 and Tu-204)

Aircraft types not displayed on Flightradar24 (not having an ADS-B sensor)

• An-225 "Mriya"
• ATR-42 – 72
• Boeing 707, 717, 727, 737-200, 747-100, 747-200, 747SP
• CASA all models
• Bombardier all models
• Dornier 328
• Embraer legacy models
• Jetstream 32
• Fokker 50
• McDonnell Douglas DC-9, MD-8x, MD-9x
• Saab 340 – 2000
• Airplanes of Presidents (“Air Force One”)
• Outdated aircraft models
• The vast majority of military aircraft of all countries

There are also a huge number of exceptions. Some aircraft from various companies or popular private Cessna aircraft are visible on Flyradar, while some Boeing and Airbus aircraft that are not equipped with ADS-B transmitters are not visible on the service's map. The online aircraft map is one of the most interesting inventions that is being improved every day - stay tuned for changes.

We have already talked about the interesting and useful service Flightradar24 in. Now comes the turn of the mobile application, which is available for iOS, Android and even Windows Phone. There is both a free version with basic functions (in particular, displaying aircraft on the map), and a full Pro version, which is priced at a very modest amount that is adequate for its usefulness.

So what can the application do? Firstly, this is, in fact, a display on the map of currently flying aircraft equipped with an ADS-B transmitter. Based on data from it, current coordinates (including altitude) are available, and, as a result, vertical speed and speed relative to the ground, flight number (and, accordingly, route), as well as board number and transponder code (Squawk). The latter is needed so that it is possible to track, first of all, the emergency codes of the transponders, which the crew sets when an emergency situation occurs on board (for example, during the hijacking of an aircraft). Accordingly, there is a notification function about such situations.

You can also view the “cockpit view” of the aircraft - in fact, this is just a projection of satellite images, the angle of which is selected taking into account the altitude and direction of flight. Since determination of coordinates and transmission of data from transponders can occur (and does occur!) with a delay and error, the picture sometimes begins to “jump”.

However, much more interesting (and this function is only available in the application, and not on the web version of the service) is the “augmented reality” mode, when turned on you can point the camera of your smartphone or tablet at the sky, where, as you see, the plane is flying... and All data about the flight and the aircraft itself will appear on the screen next to this aircraft. It seems like a miracle, but in fact everything is simple: your location is known using GPS data. Based on information from the compass and tilt sensors built into the mobile device, it is clear where the camera lens is currently pointing. Next is a simple calculation - and an elementary comparison of the available data.

Secondly, the application has a convenient search for flights, airlines and airports. Of course, it is most focused on spotters (like, in fact, the entire service and application), but thanks to it, an ordinary passenger can keep track of when his plane will actually arrive (relevant when flying from somewhere to the home airport); and those who don’t fly anywhere at all can keep track of when to meet their long-awaited relatives, and at the same time be aware that they have successfully flown to some distant Dominican Republic (after all, a disguised aerophobe is alive in almost all of us!).

For an additional fee, you can enable the “Airport Display” function in the application, which displays the actual (as well as predicted based on real flight data) departure and arrival times of all flights at the airport (you understand that the information on airport websites is far from up-to-date). To indulge yourself, you can also buy, for example, a set of airplane icons, then their silhouettes will vary depending on the type.

Flytradar's wide coverage ensures that the service operates successfully throughout Europe and the United States of America. The tracker's functionality was highly appreciated by clients from Ukraine, Russia, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, South Africa, and in Asian countries it generally occupies a leading position among similar services.

Flytradar24 covers almost every country in the world, tracking 960 airlines and 32,505 aircraft. The service also provides detailed information on the operation of 8,675 airports located in 190 countries. Flytradar monitors their condition, weather conditions in the region, and keeps records of the number of departing and arriving aircraft. Those airports that are under radar control are marked in blue.

The quality of coverage is determined not only by the number of installed ADS-B receivers, but by their technical characteristics and antenna placement. One ground station is capable of receiving aircraft signals within a radius of 200 to 400 km.

The visibility of air transport depends not only on the capabilities of the receiving station, but also on other factors, such as the type of aircraft and transponder. Indicators such as flight altitude and terrain are also important - it is obvious that on the plain the equipment will show the best results.

If you have someone who loves to travel, flying both across the country and around the world, then you'll likely want to find a way to track their flight and make sure they arrive safely at their destination. And if we take into account all the planes that have disappeared recently, then such a desire is quite justified. The choice of applications designed for these purposes is simply huge. The best of them are offered to your attention.

Airline Flight Status Tracking

With FlightHero, you can track your flight by watching the aircraft in real time, and receive information about the specific arrival or departure times of airliners at the airports you need. It can be synchronized with the social travel organizer TripIt (which is also a “not weak” application). In addition, you will have access to both the current coordinates of the aircraft and its cruising speed.

Flightradar24 Free

The Flightradar24 app has a wide range of features. You can find out real-time aircraft movements, airline information, and even individual aircraft call signs. If you decide to purchase Flightradar24 Pro (the paid version of the application), you will have detailed information about each individual aircraft, including its route, speed, altitude, etc. Using augmented reality technology, you will be able to identify an airplane flying above you. To do this, you just need to point your phone camera at the sky. It won't be too difficult to find a specific flight; filter information by parameters such as the name of the carrier company, flight altitude, speed and much more. Moreover, you can receive alerts about emergency signals, see the flight route, call signs of any aircraft and airline logos in relation to a particular flying aircraft directly on the map.

Flight Tracker

Compared to other apps featured in this review, Flight Tracker isn't as feature-rich. But with its help, you will have the opportunity to use such a service as receiving real-time information about the status of a particular flight. Regardless of the location of the airport, data will be available on the exact times of departure and arrival of aircraft and information about terminals at the gate. Of course, this is not the best application, but it, by providing reliable information, clearly and fully fulfills its tasks. Which, you see, is also not so bad.

Airport (All) + Flight Tracker

This is a truly amazing feature-rich app that runs on the Android Wear version of the operating system designed for smartwatches and wearables. It contains data for more than 2,500 airports around the world. With Airport (All) + Flight Tracker you have access to many features such as Live Arrival and Departure boards; the ability to use the Google Flights information resource; receive information about terminals and their diagrams (Terminal maps), food outlets and restaurants (Food and restaurants), about car rental points and parking (Parking), about ground transportation (Ground transportation), etc.

SeatGuru: Maps+Flights+Tracker

This application is a little more than just an application that allows you to track flight or flight information. With its help, you can not only monitor the flight and receive information about the flight, but also the ability to see (since the plane is presented in a cross-section) where this or that place is located and choose the option that is most preferable to you. In addition, the SeatGuru application allows you to view maps to see which route the flight will take, as well as receive accurate information regarding the time of arrival at your destination. The application has a pretty decent interface. You can install it completely free of charge, without in-app purchases.

PNR Status Rail Flight Tracker

This is, in some ways, even a unique application, since it allows you to track not only the movement of aircraft, but also the movement of trains. It will help you save time by receiving all the necessary travel notifications. The application offers such functions as Automatic trip PNR identification; Review your trip status; PNR Status alerts; Train Delay alerts; Flight Delay alerts; Alerts about when web check-in for a flight begins (Flight web check-in alerts); Boarding a train without presenting a paper version of the document (Paperless Boarding for Trains); Paperless airport entry; The ability to see all your PNR codes on one screen (See all your PNRs in one screen), and much more.

RadarBox24 Free Flight Tracker

Install the free RadarBox24 application (developed by highly qualified pilots) and you will be able to track any flights, both to/from the United States and other countries around the world. Through transponders installed on board the aircraft, flight data is transmitted directly to your phone and, therefore, you can monitor the flight in real time. There is a SkyView function: ("find the plane" function). Simply point your phone's camera at the sky to identify aircraft flying overhead. One of the distinguishing features of this application is its full search functionality: you can find, for example, any flight, city or airport. It is possible to save the places you like most. Take photographs of the airliner. Also, a ticker is available (in real time) indicating the time of departure/arrival.

FlightAware Flight Tracker

The app makes it easy to get the information you need and filter it by flight number, airport/airline name or destination. All this makes it easier to find out the exact time of departure, arrival or change in schedule. This application (more than others presented) meets the latest modern requirements and is very popular these days.

FlightView Free Flight Tracker

The FlightView application is feature-rich and is also one of the leaders in providing real-time flight information. For example, using the Track flights function, you can easily track the movement of the flight you need on a map, which displays the aircraft’s trajectory and current weather radar data. Thanks to My Home page, you can easily access data regarding both the current status of your home airport and your next trip. Flight Status Push Alerts for flights are stored in the My Trips subsection. It is possible to view information regarding terminals, boarding gates and baggage claim. In addition, you can find out information about the plane on which you will travel, and (for previous flights) check its status through Aircraft’s Previous Flight. Using Driving Directions to Airport, integrated with Google Maps, you can get driving directions to the airport. By looking at the flight schedule between cities, it is easy to find alternative flights. You can also search for flights 350 days before departure and save information on them.

We have all repeatedly waited for the arrival of a plane carrying our family, friends or colleagues. Anyone who has lived through such anticipation is familiar with the feeling of anxiety: “when will the plane land.”

The airspace of the globe is replete with flights from all over the world. How can one find the movement of the desired aircraft in such a flow? Airplane tracking mobile applications allow you to get information about the desired flight. Top 5 iOS Apps:

Airplanes “Live”

The advantage of this application is:

• works in real time;
• constantly updated information about flights from airports around the world;
• automatic time transfer to different time zones;
• weather forecasts;
• aircraft technical characteristics;
• search for an aircraft by filters: flight altitude, speed, region.

“App in the Air”

An application that allows you not only to track your flight, but also to track 4 stages of the flight:

• Registration;
• Landing;
• Takeoff;
• Landing.

Using “App in the Air” you can get useful information regarding the airport and flight delays.

The app contains some hints and tips:

• Which part of the airport has the best Wi-Fi access points;
• Where is the best cafe at the airport?

But to get additional features, you need to subscribe to it and purchase it. The purchase is usually built into the application itself.

App in the Air works on Apple Watch, iPad and iPhone.

"Flight Tracker"

An application for those who do not want to deal with flight advertising. The data obtained using the program is constantly updated, and in real time. Connecting the program with Triplt (travel organizer) accounts allows, in a specific situation, the application to automatically display information about:

• flight delay;
• ticket price;
• changing gate and terminal times;

The program is compatible with iPad and iPhone, synchronization is carried out via iCloud. With Flight Tracker you can save and share the necessary information via social networks and emails.

Flight Stats"

Provides information in real time. Useful for those who travel with modest finances.

To obtain flight information, you need information about the flight route, its number and the name of the airport. Having an Apple Watch means you can quickly view the information you need. The advantage is that flight information is displayed on a map that also shows city names, flight path and radar data. Another advantage is that if you have the Today Widget, you can view flight information without opening the application itself. But advertising that constantly appears on the display can spoil the display.