ADSB tracking

[sheridan9sc]

I had not recognized that the ADSB traffic and weather option also allowed flight tracking! The service that I have found to be most reliable for VFR flights is FlightRadar. In each of the following, just search for your tail number:

For flights in the air: http://www.flightradar24.com

For completed flights: http://www.flightradar24.com/data/ (7 days of history free, 30 days with the premium service)

May be useful for family members in times when you get delayed.

[No longer active on TMGA]

Do you get tracked without a flight plan? I searched for a flight I made 4 days ago, but didn't find it.

[sheridan9sc]

I did not file a flight plan. Probably a better description is the ADS-B out addition to the transponder.

[mikeschumann]

I suspect that flightradar24 only sees VFR aircraft if they are ADS-B Out equipped and within range of a flightradar24 ADS-B receiver.  If you live in an area where flightradar24 has no ADS-B coverage, you may be able to get them to supply you with a free ADS-B receiver that you can plug into your internet connection.  I believe that they will give you a premium subscription at no charge if you have an ADS-B receiver.  See http://www.flightradar24.com/apply-for-receiver for details.

[discus239]

Thanks Mike! Still thrilled with my new Phoenix!

[sheridan9sc]

UPDATE:  FlightAware now tracks "Position only" flights without a flight plan for ADS-B out enabled aircraft. Once registered, go to Account options #6 to see Position-only flights and #7 to put in your tail number.  It does warn you that the Position only flight log may be inaccurate (I can attest to that for altitude), but the general path and start/stop times seem to be accurate. Haven't checked whether it shows flights en route.

[Dave]

For those of you who want family or others to get real-time tracking, I suggest getting a personal locator beacon (PLB). I began using a Spot device when I began xc soaring several years ago. Cheap, accurate to a few meters, and enables pinpoint directions to you if you press the rescue button. I won't fly without a PLB. There are several manufacturers, check them out.