Aircraft Tracking

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There are several ways of tracking (from the ground or air) airplanes, and we'll try to summarize the options here as well as summarize the pros and cons of each.

Option Overview Pros Cons Cost Websites
APRS HAM Radio enthusiasts have erected a network of APRS () repeaters throughout the country that relay your signal. This is aided by some stations acting as "iGates" and forwarding this signal to the internet, making for a wide range of useful applications. Free sites like OpenAprs provide tracking, or you can setup your own website to allow folks to track you from anywhere in the world. Cheap. Buy a transmitter, like the MicroTrack for about $150, install it, and it operates for free. You need to get a Technician Class or higher HAM radio license. It's not hard (especially if you use sites like HamTestOnline), but you need one. Also, coverage can be an issue, particularly out west, where there are fewer people (and HAM radio operators) or significant terrain that might impede your line-of-site to a ground repeater. $150 APRS Transmitter, "Free" - network provided by Hams, free online tracking, just test prep and "low-cost" transmitter Example Track-N44VF
HamTestOnline
SPOT Spot logo.png
A satellite based signal will track you anywhere in the world with a subscription.
It's satellite based, so coverage is excellent, and can provide improved search and rescue over a standard ELT (similar to 406 ELT with a GPS input). It's a separate unit that you must carry, and typically must have battery power and subscription to work. $100 personal tracker, $100/year basic service, $50/year for "Track Progress" Service Spot adventures
SPOT
FlightAware FlightAware.png
Website that provides online tracking of United States IFR flight traffic, including SMS or email alerts for file, departure, divert, and arrival.
Most tracking services are free, all you have to do is file an IFR flight plan and then tell people to go to the website. You must be on an IFR flight plan to be tracked. "Free" - Just be IFR qualified, with an IFR aircraft, file, and fly. FlightAware Live Tracking  


APRS / HAM Radio

SPOT Satellite Service

Transparent spot3.png
Spot is a subscription-based satellite service providing several different levels of functionality. It can be as simple as a personal location device in case you have trouble enroute, or provide complete flight tracking, and allows you to post pictures to the tracking website from your trips. The downsides are the subscription cost as well as purchase price of the unit, as well as having to remember to take the tracker and have batteries for it. It's simple, though, with no installation required, and someone else is managing the website, so it's easy to use.

FlightAware Web Service

FlightAware.png
FlightAware is a cool, mostly free, service that you might already be familiar with for tracking your friends and family on commercial airline trips. It's very easy to use and provides a nice, clean interface. It also allows you to setup text message or email alerts for flights or aircraft to keep you informed of your target's progress during departure and arrival, but also for diverts and flight plan filing as well. If you fly a lot of IFR, this one is a no brainer, just do it!