Can You See Military Aircraft on FlightAware?

FlightAware is a prominent flight tracking service that monitors numerous civilian aircraft, including cargo, commercial, and general aviation flights. However, the question of whether you can see military aircraft on FlightAware is more complex. Let's delve into what the website includes and excludes, and how different factors can affect the visibility of military aircraft.

What FlightAware Includes and Excludes

FlightAware includes a vast range of aircraft from around the world, but it has specific limitations when it comes to military aircraft. The site includes some military planes, such as the C17-Globemaster and Air Force One, which are widely recognized and public entities. However, military aircraft like FA-18 Hornets or others not in the public domain are generally not tracked on FlightAware.

It's important to note that the inclusion of military aircraft can vary. Some flight tracking services filter out military aircraft entirely, while others might include them if the aircraft are operating in civilian airspace or have a transponder that is accessible to the public. Regarding civilian-critical helicopters (Helos), they may show up on FlightAware, but this is usually because of their necessary presence in civilian life, such as for search and rescue operations.

Transponder and Visibility

The visibility of military aircraft on flight tracking services is heavily dependent on the transponder setting. A transponder is a piece of equipment that broadcasts the aircraft's identity and position to air traffic control. If the transponder is set to military-only mode, the aircraft will not appear on public flight tracking sites. Conversely, if the transponder is set to a display mode visible to both civilian and military authorities, the aircraft will be easily tracked.

There are also instances where military aircraft are operating within civilian airspace and using civilian air traffic control. This is done on a secure operation where the transponder is in a mode that is only visible to air traffic and military control, not the general public. This can be beneficial in terms of maintaining control but can also pose risks, such as the potential for military and civilian aircraft to collide, which can be hazardous.

User Perspectives and Security Concerns

Many flight tracking users appreciate the transparency and openness of flight tracking services. It's fascinating to be able to see military aircraft in civilian airspace, especially if they are using civilian air traffic control. This level of data visibility is attributed to the willingness of the military to share this information with the public for operational needs.

However, the visibility of military aircraft also raises security concerns. Operators of military aircraft must carefully manage their transponder settings to ensure they are not compromising security. If they are in a classified operation, they are more likely to use a transponder that is only visible to military authorities to maintain confidentiality.

Conclusion

So, to answer the initial question, it depends. FlightAware tracks certain military aircraft (like C17-Globemaster and Air Force One) if they are using civilian airspace and/or have a transponder set to a display mode. Conversely, other military aircraft may not show up because of security settings or operational requirements.

Flight tracking services are valuable tools for both enthusiasts and professionals who need to stay informed about aircraft movements. However, the inclusion of military aircraft is subject to the transponder settings and operational procedures of each aircraft, making the visibility of military aircraft a complex issue.