Flight tracking services like FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and OpenSky Network have become invaluable tools for aviation enthusiasts, professionals, and even casual travelers. These platforms allow users to track aircraft in real-time, offering insights into flight paths, altitudes, and speeds. However, understanding how these services work and their limitations is crucial, as the data they provide can sometimes be incomplete or misleading.
We often use these services to illustrate incidents in our posts, such as the one about AF1162, highlighting their utility in aviation storytelling and analysis. But it’s important to recognize that these tools have their own set of constraints.
The Basics of Flight Tracking Services
Flight tracking services rely primarily on a technology called ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). ADS-B-equipped aircraft broadcast their position, altitude, speed, and other data, which is picked up by a network of ground-based receivers or, increasingly, space-based receivers on satellites.
- Ground-Based ADS-B: Receivers on the ground collect ADS-B signals from aircraft and send this data to platforms like FlightRadar24. This system is effective in regions with dense receiver networks but can have gaps in coverage over oceans or remote areas.
- Space-Based ADS-B: This system uses satellites to receive ADS-B signals, providing global coverage, even in regions without ground-based receivers. Space-based ADS-B enhances situational awareness, especially in remote areas like the polar regions or mid-oceanic flights.
MLAT and Additional Data Sources
Not all aircraft are sending ADS-B message, though. Particularly older aircraft are not equipped or certain military and private aircraft are not making their position publicly visible for obvious reasons. In certain cases, if the aircraft transmits other signals, in particular with a radar transnponder, Multilateration (MLAT) can be used. MLAT calculates an aircraft’s position based on the time it takes for its transponder signal to reach multiple receivers. However, this method requires a sufficient number of receivers and is only effective up to certain altitudes, and if the aircraft is not transmitting signals, it will be invisible.
Flight tracking platforms also use additional data sources to enrich the information provided. For example, they may incorporate data from EUROCONTROL or other air traffic management organizations, which can include planned flight paths and scheduled departure and arrival times.
Limitations of Flight Tracking Services
Despite their impressive capabilities, these services have several limitations:
- Coverage Gaps: Ground-based ADS-B has limited coverage over oceans and sparsely populated regions. Space-based ADS-B fills these gaps but is not yet universally implemented.
- GPS Jamming and Spoofing: GPS jamming can disrupt the accurate reporting of an aircraft’s position, while spoofing can lead to false data being broadcast. This is particularly concerning for aircraft flying over regions where GPS signals are unreliable or intentionally disrupted. For a deeper dive into GPS issues, you can refer to our article on GPS jamming and spoofing.
- Political and Privacy Constraints: Some aircraft, such as military flights, do not transmit ADS-B data, making them invisible on these platforms. Additionally, certain VIP private flights can opt for “privacy” modes that prevent their data from being publicly visible. This is done to protect sensitive movements or personal privacy.
Case Study: Mumbai Incident
A notable example of the limitations of flight tracking data occurred on June 8, 2024, at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. An IndiGo flight was landing on Runway 27 while an Air India flight was in the process of taking off from the same runway. The close timing of these maneuvers created a hazardous situation, which could have led to a collision if not managed properly. Read more about this incident: GulfNews and The New Indian Express.
The incident was captured by ADS-B data, but the representation was incomplete, making it appear as though the two aircraft were closer than they actually were. This discrepancy highlighted how real-time data can sometimes provide a misleading picture, especially in complex scenarios like takeoffs and landings. It’s crucial to consider not only the spatial data but also the timing and speed of each aircraft to accurately assess the situation.
Role of Space-Based ADS-B
Space-based ADS-B has the potential to significantly enhance global coverage and reduce the gaps present in ground-based systems. By providing real-time tracking data from remote regions, it supports better situational awareness for air traffic controllers and improves safety in areas with limited conventional surveillance.
In addition to improving safety, space-based ADS-B can also facilitate more efficient route planning and fuel management, as airlines can take advantage of real-time traffic data across the globe.
ICAO vs. IATA Callsigns and Data Enrichment
Understanding the difference between ICAO and IATA callsigns is key for interpreting flight tracking data:
- ICAO Callsigns: These are typically used by air traffic controllers and consist of the airline’s ICAO code followed by the flight number (e.g., SWR18 for Swiss Air flight LX-18).
- IATA Callsigns: These are the callsigns most passengers are familiar with, usually seen on tickets and boarding passes (e.g., LX18 for the same flight).
Flight tracking platforms often use data from organizations like EUROCONTROL to display planned flight paths and schedules, enriching the real-time data with information about expected departures, arrivals, and even gate assignments.
Best Practices for Analyzing Flight Tracking Data
When analyzing flight tracking data, it’s important to consider the following:
- Time Sensitivity: The data update intervals can vary, and the apparent intersection of two flight paths on a map does not necessarily indicate a close encounter. Understanding the time element is crucial for accurate interpretation.
- Point of Closest Approach: The point where two paths cross is not automatically the point of closest approach. Analyzing the relative speed, altitude, and timing of both aircraft is necessary to determine the true proximity of the aircraft during a reported incident.
Conclusion
Flight tracking services are powerful tools that provide valuable insights into global air traffic, but they are not without limitations. Whether due to coverage gaps, data inaccuracies, or external factors like GPS interference and political restrictions, these platforms can sometimes present an incomplete picture.
Understanding these limitations is crucial for interpreting the data correctly, whether you’re a professional in the aviation industry or an enthusiastic observer. As technologies like space-based ADS-B continue to develop, the accuracy and reliability of these services will improve, making our skies even safer and more transparent.
For more detailed discussions on GPS jamming, ADS-B technology, and the recent Mumbai incident, check out our related articles. Stay informed and always approach flight tracking data with a critical eye!
Leave a Reply