Click on any airplane and it'll give you data on its speed, altitude etc. But it can be used to estimate wind conditions aloft. Now, the average cruising speed of a jet airliner is around 850-900km/h. You can click on aircraft travelling roughly east or west to estimate the presence of a jetstream. If the aircraft at cruising level travelling east are doing a great rate of speed (950km/h+ , sometimes even well over 1000km/h caused by a strong tailwind), and those travelling west going relatively slowly, e.g. around 700-750km/h, conversely they are being affected by headwinds, indicating a significant jetstream in the area. If you find both east and west bound flights are doing a similar rate of speed, then conditions aloft are generally settled.
Amazing! Just looked at the map (9:31pm), saw CCA174 leaving Sydney for Beijing and approaching Kandos where I live. Went outside, looked up ... and there it was!
Besides everyones shock about how many planes there are yes Sab, good tip.
We don't get many planes over here but I've never thought of using this site when one does.
My son and I visit this site occasionally (he is into planes) and I've never thought about using it for jetstream readings.
Thanks.
I just took a screen shot at 9.33pm and I couldn't believe the amount of planes
Apparently this site only picks up certain types of aircraft with a special transponder. I think the relevant details can be found in the "about" section.
So, basically there is a massive crapload more aircraft flying around than those displayed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ballaratdragons
Besides everyones shock about how many planes there are yes Sab, good tip.
We don't get many planes over here but I've never thought of using this site when one does.
My son and I visit this site occasionally (he is into planes) and I've never thought about using it for jetstream readings.
Thanks.
I'm into aviation, and know a fair bit about all things aircraft related, and it struck me when I noticed the unusually slow speeds westbound aircraft display sometimes. I find the site alot of fun as Berwick gets alot of inbound traffic from Tasmania and NZ. Sometimes we get outbound flights going overhead aswell.
If we hear a jet out here its got to be off-course. Some people even phone up to complain!
I used to live under a Heathrow flightpath, so I almost miss 747's screaming in 300ft above my head at 5:30 AM.
Almost.
This information is available in an iPhone app called Plane Finder.
One of the updates they made to the software allowed planespotters to use the iPhone's GPS and compass to point the device at the sky and it would identify the plane(s) you were pointing to (augmented reality).
Due to the obvious implications, the update was rescinded.
It's a fascinating bit of technology. I watched my friend's flight from Sydney to Vancouver for a bit. : )
Okay, I must have too much time on my hands, but I just took a virtual trip to Sydney from Toronto!
This time last night I tracked a plane leaving Toronto airport. I watched it land in Vancouver. An hour and a half later I watched it take-off for Sydney. Then it disappeared off the radar. I just got home and watched it land in Sydney. I'm not really sure why I found this so exciting, but I have to go sleep now--it's been a long flight.
Top Site ..... Lots and Lots of planes over Europe and British Isle .. !!
Please Note .... While visiting this site .. would all IIS members make sure their drink trays are secured in the upright position and their seat belt is on ..... . BTW ... All in flight drinks are on me .
yes Sab, good tip.
Amazing how many people watch these things...
. BTW ... All in flight drinks are on me . 
