Can You Track Air Force One on FlightAware?
The Answer
Tracking Air Force One, also known as the presidential aircraft, can be a challenging task. The U.S. military takes significant measures to keep the flight plan and status of the plane confidential, making it difficult for civilians to access the information. However, in recent years, enthusiasts and aviation buffs have discovered a way to track Air Force One on FlightAware, a popular flight tracking website.
What is FlightAware?
FlightAware is a Houston-based company that provides flight tracking and other aviation services. The company collects and analyzes flight data from a variety of sources, including radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, and messages from aircraft communications systems.
Can You Track Air Force One on FlightAware?
In short, yes, you can track Air Force One on FlightAware. However, there are some caveats. The tracking information may not be real-time or accurate, as the military has a vested interest in keeping the aircraft’s whereabouts confidential. Additionally, FlightAware’s ability to track Air Force One is dependent on the aircraft being equipped with ADS-B transponders.
How to Track Air Force One on FlightAware
To track Air Force One on FlightAware, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Go to FlightAware.com: Visit the FlightAware website and create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Search for FlightAware: In the search bar, type in the call sign "VC25A" or "Air Force One" and select "Flight" from the dropdown menu.
- Filter by Aircraft: Use the "Aircraft" dropdown menu to select "Air Force" or "VC25A" to view only the flights of the presidential aircraft.
- Adjust the Timeline: Adjust the timeline to view the past or current flight plans, or forecast future flights.
- Check for Additional Information: Look for additional information on the flight plan, including the aircraft’s altitude, speed, and destination.
Why is it Hard to Track Air Force One?
Despite the ease of tracking many commercial aircraft, tracking Air Force One is particularly challenging due to its high level of security and classification. The military has strict protocols in place to protect the president’s security, and the flight plan and status of the aircraft are kept confidential. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other authorities also work to obscure the aircraft’s location and route to prevent unwanted attention or interference.
Alternative Ways to Track Air Force One
If you’re unable to track Air Force One on FlightAware, there are alternative ways to stay up-to-date with the president’s travel schedule:
- The White House Website: Visit the official website of the White House for information on the president’s travel schedule, including destinations and estimated times of departure and arrival.
- News Sources: Follow reputable news sources for updates on the president’s travel schedule and flight plans.
- Government Sources: The U.S. Air Force and other government agencies provide information on Air Force One’s flights and schedules, although this information may not be readily available to the public.
Conclusion
Tracking Air Force One on FlightAware can be a challenging but rewarding experience. While the military takes significant measures to protect the president’s security and classification, enthusiasts and aviation buffs have found ways to access the flight plan and status of the aircraft. Remember that the tracking information may not be real-time or accurate, and other alternative sources may be more reliable.
