Flightaware accuracy

[kyle172]

I was sitting out at beach by KTPA (Tampa International) using the Flightaware app for iPhone. I must say I was extremely disappointed by the update speed. Which was pretty lousy. I would recall before the iPhone was even made Flight tracking would update much soon years ago. Have they recently changed the update times?

[dave]

They are constrained by FAA rules for the public view of the data - around 5 minutes I believe.

http://flightaware.com/about/faq.rvt#howlive

Not sure if the mobile app is any different but I suspect it matches the web site.

[MIAMIATC]

Good Morning everyone. I have found that most trackers are operating on a 7 minute delay. One can generally pinpoint the actual position of an aircraft based on the speed they are flying at. For example on low altitudes and approaches ther are flying at generally 4-6 miles a minute and at mid levels to crusing altitudes they are usually operating at 6-8 miles a minute so all you have to do is multiply that number by 7 to get a firm hold of where the aircraft is. Also helps to know the flight paths and airways and how they are situated and vectored .