Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe

Post originally Published May 24, 2024 || Last Updated May 25, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.


Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Leveraging Advanced Flight Tracking Apps and Websites


Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe

In the ever-evolving world of air travel, utilizing advanced flight tracking apps and websites has become a game-changer for travelers.

These platforms provide a wealth of real-time information, from flight status updates to weather conditions and security wait times.

Popular options like FlightAware, Flightradar24, and FlightStats offer comprehensive coverage, tailored features, and AI-powered algorithms to enhance the tracking experience.

By understanding the capabilities of these tools, travelers can make more informed decisions and navigate their journeys with greater ease.

Advanced flight tracking apps and websites utilize real-time data from multiple sources, including global ADS-B networks and proprietary sensors, to provide comprehensive and accurate flight information.

Many popular flight tracking platforms, such as FlightAware and Flightradar24, leverage machine learning and AI algorithms to predict flight delays, diversions, and other disruptions, enabling users to make more informed travel decisions.

The integration of WebGL technology in some flight tracking apps allows for smoother performance and more responsive visualization of flight data, especially on mobile devices.

Certain flight tracking services, like FlightStats, offer specialized tools for travel professionals, including airport-specific search functions and advanced reporting capabilities.

Push notification features in flight tracking apps enable users to receive instant updates on flight status changes, allowing them to stay informed and adapt their travel plans accordingly.

The increasing availability of global coverage and data sources in flight tracking platforms has improved the ability to monitor and analyze flight routes across different regions, benefiting both leisure and business travelers.

What else is in this post?

  1. Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Leveraging Advanced Flight Tracking Apps and Websites
  2. Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Understanding Random Routing for Transoceanic Flights
  3. Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Decoding Great Circle Routes on Global Maps
  4. Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Monitoring Real-Time Aircraft Data and Positions
  5. Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Preparing for Safe Oceanic Crossing Flights

Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Understanding Random Routing for Transoceanic Flights


Flights crossing the North Atlantic may utilize random routing when they cannot use the structured North Atlantic Organized Track System (NATOTS).

While the NATOTS is the busiest during peak hours, random routing can be advantageous in catching favorable jet streams during certain parts of the Atlantic and Pacific crossings.

Random routing can be advantageous for transoceanic flights by allowing them to catch favorable jet streams, which can save significant time and fuel compared to flying fixed routes.

Flights crossing a North Atlantic Organized Track System (NATOTS) track during its validity period can fly along the track, while flights outside of the track's validity must fly a random route.

Correct completion and addressing of the ATC Flight Plan is crucial for oceanic operations to avoid delays, as there is limited radar coverage in these areas.

Transoceanic flights in the Southern Hemisphere are relatively rare, with only a few airlines offering such services, in contrast to the highly trafficked North Atlantic airspace.

The North Pacific Ocean Route Charts are designed specifically for FAA air traffic controllers to monitor and manage transoceanic flights, highlighting the complexity of these operations.

Universal Weather and Flight, a leading provider of international flight planning services, offers detailed information and guidance on random routing procedures for transoceanic flights.

Random routing can be used by operators to remain clear of the North Atlantic Tracks (NATs) during Organized Track System (OTS) periods, allowing them to fly their own preferred route.

Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Decoding Great Circle Routes on Global Maps


Great circle routes, representing the shortest distance between two points on a globe, are an essential concept in air travel navigation.

By plotting these routes on global maps, pilots can optimize flight time and fuel consumption, with specialized tools like the Great Circle Mapper allowing users to visualize and plan flight paths along these efficient routes.

Understanding the difference between great circles, rhumb lines, and loxodromes is crucial for decoding and tracking continuing flight routes across the globe.

Great circle routes represent the shortest distance between two points on a globe, allowing aircraft to traverse the greatest distances in the most efficient manner.

Specialized tools like the Great Circle Mapper allow users to visualize and plan flight paths along great circle routes, which are often approximated by a series of rhumb lines or loxodromes on flat maps.

Airplanes flying great circle routes must adjust their course due to the curvature of the Earth, necessitating regular course corrections to maintain the optimal distance between points on the globe.

The concept of great circles has historical significance, dating back to ancient mathematicians, and played a role in maritime navigation before the advent of steamships in the 19th century.

Great circle routes are often used in aviation, as flights from North America to Asia often follow a great circle route that passes over the Arctic region, reducing flight time and fuel consumption.

Understanding the difference between rhumb lines (lines of constant bearing) and loxodromes (lines that cross all meridians at the same angle) is crucial in decoding great circle routes on global maps.

Online tools and mapping software can help identify and plot great circle routes for specific flight routes, allowing for better route planning and optimization.

The increasing availability of global coverage and data sources in flight tracking platforms has improved the ability to monitor and analyze flight routes across different regions, benefiting both leisure and business travelers.

Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Monitoring Real-Time Aircraft Data and Positions


Real-time aircraft data and positions can be tracked using various flight tracking services, which provide detailed information on the current status and movements of flights worldwide.

These services leverage advanced technologies like ADS-B, MLAT, and satellite-based tracking to deliver comprehensive and accurate data on aircraft trajectories, system status, and other parameters.

However, the accuracy of flight tracking can be influenced by factors such as aircraft type, coverage, and system requirements.

Real-time aircraft data and positions can be tracked using ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) technology, which transmits an aircraft's location, altitude, and other data directly to ground stations.

FlightAware, a leading flight tracking service, processes hundreds of gigabytes of data daily to deliver a comprehensive picture of global aircraft movements.

Multilateration (MLAT) is another technology used to track the positions of non-ADS-B equipped aircraft by calculating their location using time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements.

Satellite-based flight tracking, using satellites equipped with ADS-B receivers, can collect data from aircraft outside the terrestrial ADS-B network, providing global coverage.

The Open Glider Network (OGN) is a specialized system that tracks the movements of gliders and other light aircraft, complementing the broader flight tracking ecosystem.

Flight data monitoring (FDM) programs provide real-time data on aircraft trajectory parameters, system status, and human-machine interactions, enabling safer and more efficient operations.

ADS-B transponders can be turned off, but pilots are required to follow specific regulations and protocols, which can be monitored and enforced by aviation authorities.

The accuracy of flight tracking depends on various factors, including aircraft type, coverage, and system requirements, with some services leveraging advanced algorithms to enhance predictive capabilities.

Certain flight tracking services offer specialized tools and features for travel professionals, such as airport-specific search functions and advanced reporting capabilities, catering to their unique needs.

Lesser-Known Tips for Tracking Continuing Flight Routes Across the Globe - Preparing for Safe Oceanic Crossing Flights


Pilots must ensure accurate navigation and position reporting during oceanic flights, following established procedures and guidelines.

Proper preparation, including meeting with the crew, selecting a suitable track, and having contingency plans in place, is essential for the safety of oceanic crossing flights.

Sailors must also perform thorough safety inspections, prepare for potential hazards, and be equipped with the necessary navigation and communication systems for a successful and safe oceanic crossing.

Pilots must report their position over each point listed in the flight plan during oceanic flights, especially in limited radar areas, to ensure accurate position monitoring.

The North Atlantic Organized Track System (NATOTS) is a structured route system used by flights crossing the North Atlantic, while random routing is employed when flights cannot use the NATOTS.

Random routing can be advantageous for transoceanic flights by allowing them to catch favorable jet streams, which can save significant time and fuel compared to flying fixed routes.

Transoceanic flights in the Southern Hemisphere are relatively rare, with only a few airlines offering such services, in contrast to the highly trafficked North Atlantic airspace.

The North Pacific Ocean Route Charts are designed specifically for FAA air traffic controllers to monitor and manage transoceanic flights, highlighting the complexity of these operations.

Great circle routes, representing the shortest distance between two points on a globe, are an essential concept in air travel navigation, allowing aircraft to traverse the greatest distances in the most efficient manner.

Airplanes flying great circle routes must adjust their course due to the curvature of the Earth, necessitating regular course corrections to maintain the optimal distance between points on the globe.

The concept of great circles has historical significance, dating back to ancient mathematicians, and played a role in maritime navigation before the advent of steamships in the 19th century.

Real-time aircraft data and positions can be tracked using advanced technologies like ADS-B, MLAT, and satellite-based tracking, providing a comprehensive picture of global aircraft movements.

The accuracy of flight tracking can be influenced by factors such as aircraft type, coverage, and system requirements, with some services leveraging advanced algorithms to enhance predictive capabilities.

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.