It is always interesting to see what is flying over you or sailing nearby. This can all be monitored closely via a tracker app.
Aircraft and ships have a beacon transmitter on board. For example, the exact position is passed on. But – in the case of aircraft – also distress signals, altitude and speed, direction and more. A tracker app visualizes all this data. Handy to see if the person you need to pick up at the airport is on its way according to plan and if it arrives on time (or too late). The most famous 'flight tracker' is without a doubt Flightradar24. After starting the app, you will immediately see the air traffic in your area (if necessary, first tap the button at the bottom left of the screen).
Unfortunately, Flightradar 24 recently started with subscriptions, to get the most enjoyment out of the app, a paid subscription is recommended. In the free version you are 'burdened' by advertisements, but things such as custom alerts, extensive aircraft and flight data and more are also missing. Such a package of extras is not very expensive either, for a Silver Plan that is more than sufficient for most people, you pay €11.49 annually. But you can also use the app for free! More air traffic
Also nice is Plane Finder, available in a free Lite version and a paid version for € 4.49. The latter is a one-time purchase, so subscriptions are not necessary. For the rest, it all works the same as Flightradar. To get more information about a flight or airplane, tap an airplane. As with Flightradar, it is possible to set notifications (alerts). As soon as the transponder of an aircraft sends out 'squawk 7700' - the code for a general distress signal - you will see a notification. Now that '7700' does not mean that an aircraft is falling directly from the sky. It could be an engine failure, an exploded and smoke-causing coffee machine, a loss of cabin pressure or a hijacking. And sometimes a pilot just accidentally sets the wrong code. Anyway, taking a look at a device that broadcasts a 7700 can always be interesting. Especially if it's near you.Shipping
Remains for shipping. Ship Finder – from the same makers as Plane Finder – is highly recommended in this category. Choose from a free lite version or a paid version at €5.49 with no hidden subscription costs. Commercial shipping is almost without exception equipped with a transponder, but more and more pleasure yachts also have such a device. Zooming in is therefore often necessary, especially in the vicinity of large ports and the like. Incidentally, it is not only maritime shipping that uses transponders, but also inland shipping. To get more information about a ship, tap it. With a bit of luck, a photo will even appear. Also nice if you have seafaring family or friends, so you can always quickly find out where they are. It is a pity that the Android version is a long way behind the iOS version.
