Live Flight Tracker

Real-time aircraft positions worldwide

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Real-time flight data provided by ADS-B Exchange. Click and drag to pan, scroll to zoom.

Understanding Flight Tracking

How Flight Tracking Works

  • ADS-B Technology: Most modern aircraft broadcast position via Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast at 1090 MHz.
  • Ground Receivers: Network of over 30,000 receivers worldwide collect ADS-B signals.
  • Satellite Coverage: Space-based ADS-B provides coverage over oceans and remote areas.
  • MLAT: Multilateration calculates position for aircraft without ADS-B using signal timing differences.
  • Radar Data: FAA and other aviation authorities provide supplemental radar feed in some regions.
  • Update Frequency: Positions update every 1-2 seconds for ADS-B equipped aircraft.

    • Map Symbols & Colors

    Yellow Aircraft
    Live position data received within last 60 seconds via ADS-B or MLAT.
    Orange Aircraft
    Position estimated based on flight plan when live data temporarily unavailable.
    Blue Aircraft
    Selected aircraft showing detailed information in sidebar panel.
    Red Aircraft
    Aircraft declaring emergency (squawk 7700) or radio failure (7600).
    Trail Lines
    Flight path history showing route taken. Dotted lines indicate estimated positions.
    Airport Markers
    Major airports shown with IATA/ICAO codes. Click for arrival/departure information.

    Flight Data Available

    Aircraft Information: Registration, type, age, airline operator, and photograph when available.
    Flight Details: Flight number, origin/destination airports, scheduled/actual times, route.
    Live Parameters: Altitude, ground speed, heading, vertical speed, squawk code.
    Historical Data: Previous flights, on-time performance, typical routes for aircraft.
    Weather Layers: Cloud cover, precipitation, wind conditions at various altitudes.
    Airport Status: Delays, weather conditions, runway configuration at major airports.

    Aircraft Altitude Bands

    0-10,000 ft Departure/Arrival Aircraft climbing after takeoff or descending for landing.
    10-25,000 ft Regional Flights Short-haul and regional aircraft typical cruise altitude.
    25-35,000 ft Domestic Cruise Common cruise altitude for domestic and medium-haul flights.
    35-42,000 ft Long-Haul Cruise International and transcontinental flights optimal altitude.
    42-45,000 ft Maximum Cruise Business jets and specialized aircraft maximum altitude.
    45,000+ ft Special Ops Military, research, and supersonic aircraft operating ceiling.

    Squawk Codes

    Emergency Codes

    • 7700: General emergency - mechanical, medical, or other urgent situation
    • 7600: Radio failure - lost communication with air traffic control
    • 7500: Hijacking - unlawful interference (rarely used)
    • 7777: Military interceptor operations (specific countries)

    Standard Codes

    • 1200: VFR flight in USA (visual flight rules)
    • 7000: VFR flight in Europe
    • 2000: Entry into secondary radar area
    • 0000: Military operations (not always visible)

    ATC Assigned

    • Most flights receive unique 4-digit code from ATC
    • Codes help controllers identify specific aircraft on radar
    • Changed when entering different airspace sectors
    • Discrete codes range from 0001-7777 excluding special codes

    Coverage Limitations

    Flight tracking coverage varies by region and technology. ADS-B coverage is excellent over land in developed countries but limited over oceans without satellite receivers. Military aircraft often disable transponders or use encrypted ADS-B. Some private aircraft owners request blocking for privacy.

    Coverage gaps exist over parts of Africa, central Asia, and polar regions. Aircraft below 1,000 feet may not be visible due to terrain and receiver placement. Helicopter and general aviation coverage depends on voluntary ADS-B equipage which varies by country.

    Aviation Facts

    100,000+
    Daily commercial flights tracked globally
    5,000
    Aircraft airborne at peak times simultaneously
    1,200 mph
    Maximum ground speed with jet stream assistance
    14 hours
    Longest non-stop commercial flight duration

    Using the Flight Tracker

    Interactive Features

    • Click Aircraft: View detailed flight information including route and aircraft data.
    • Zoom Controls: Use mouse wheel or pinch to zoom in/out for detail level.
    • Airport Info: Click airport icons to see arrivals, departures, and delays.
    • Playback: Some versions offer historical playback of previous days.
    • Filters: Filter by airline, aircraft type, altitude, or speed.
    • Search: Search for specific flight numbers or aircraft registrations.

    Best Tracking Times

    Morning (6-9 AM): First wave of departures, good for tracking domestic flights.
    Afternoon (2-5 PM): Peak international arrivals in North America and Europe.
    Evening (7-10 PM): Transatlantic departures, red-eye flights beginning.
    Overnight: Cargo flights, positioning flights, transpacific operations.

    Common Flight Patterns

    Holding Patterns: Oval or racetrack patterns indicate aircraft waiting to land due to congestion or weather.

    Step Climbs: Long-haul flights climb to higher altitudes as fuel burns off, improving efficiency.

    Great Circle Routes: International flights follow curved paths on flat maps, the shortest distance on a sphere.

    Parallel Approaches: Major airports use multiple parallel runways with aircraft on side-by-side approach paths.

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