How to use FlightRadar: What it is and how it works

Travelling on a plane is always exciting, and not just for passengers: loved ones want to know the details of the flight, but the aircraft is not a ground transport. Communication on the phone or the Internet is not possible. In such situations, as well as to obtain information about flight delays, a simple and convenient service FlightRadar will come to the rescue. Anyone with Internet access can use it.

How FlightRadar works

Many people have seen a map with a large number of yellow planes on it, and it's not just a scheme. It turns out that almost any commercial flight anywhere in the world can be viewed on the map. It is possible to specify important details, such as the speed of the plane and the current altitude above the ground. All this is done in real time.

The operating principle of the unique FlightRadar system is based on ADS-B transponder transmitters installed on aircraft. These devices are capable of transmitting a signal at a specific frequency and thereby positioning the coordinates of the aircraft.

The RTL-SDR receiver decodes the data and transfers it to the map in graphical format by means of computer equipment. The decoding is done by Flightradar specialists as well as by volunteers around the world.

In addition to ADS-B the alternative technologies of MLAT and FAA are used as surveillance systems. If a ship is not equipped with ADS-B these tracking systems are used, but they are not widespread due to their functional limitations.

How to use Flightradar

All you need is a PC or a smartphone. In the first case, you can track the plane of interest simply on the website, and in the second - with the use of mobile software. By the way, AppStore Flightradar is considered one of the most popular applications today. For the search use:

• flight number;
• airport;
• map of travel.

Tracking by flight is easy: the number is entered in a special form, and the information opens instantly. As for the airport, after entering its name, the schedule for the day, the scheduled time of arrival, the aircraft landed today and ready for departure will appear. The scale of the map is zoomed in or out to make it easier to find the desired flight. Just click on the image of the aircraft to find out all the details.

Which Flightradar subscription plan to choose

It is possible to use Flightradar for free. There is a basic plan for this purpose. It is only suitable for those who occasionally track planes or just out of curiosity. Accordingly, the amount of data is limited to a minimum, but for a general understanding it will be enough.

For more detailed alerts, it makes sense to sign up for the Business rate. Its cost is only $1.49 per month, but there is unlimited advanced 3D viewing and other features. The Silver package is $3.99. Subscribers will get all flight information including access to flight maps, weather and more. The Gold plan costs $49.99 and gives users the most advanced service.

For whom else will Flightradar be relevant

Flightradar is installed or found in a search by all those who want to calm their nerves about a flight of family and friends, especially if the flight is delayed. However, this is not the only category of observers.

Travelers plan their time thanks to data on flight delays or cancellations. The media taps into the resource to get accurate information. For business owners who ship goods by air, Flightradar is a first responder.