How to Track a Private Plane
Tracking a private plane is not always possible. Not all private flights even have flight plans. However, there are some private flights that can be tracked using a website called FlightAware. In order to track a flight, you will need the tail number of the aircraft. It must be flying within the United States, and it must be on an IFR flight plan.
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Instructions
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Organize your information. Verify that you have the tail number of the aircraft you wish to track. This number begins with the letter "N" if it is registered in the United States. Make sure that the tail number has not been blocked from FlightAware. Verify that the pilot has filed an IFR flight plan for the flight you want to track.
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Visit FlightAware.com and choose "Live Tracking" from the menu on the left side of the screen. If you like, you may register for free in order to get more features, but this is not necessary. The FlightAware service is completely free to the general public.
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Enter the tail number of the aircraft into the appropriate box ("Flight/Tail #") and click the "Track any Flight" button. Be aware that the flight will only be displayed on the map if it is already in the air. If the flight plan has been filed, and the plane has not departed, you will see a listing for the flight in italics at the bottom of the screen.
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Use the map to track the flight once it takes off. The system is updated every minute. Be aware that there is a small delay of a few minutes, so the information is not truly real time. However, it should give you a good idea of where the flight is and when it will arrive.
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Use the information on the right side of the screen to keep up with flight details such as speed, altitude and ETA. You may also see the way points in the flight plan at the top of the screen.
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Tips & Warnings
FlightAware is not intended for navigational use.
FlightAware is not reliable for determining if an aircraft has crashed. If a plane disappears form the screen. Do not panic. It is probably just a glitch in the reporting system.
