AF2 flight pattern is so odd... Where are they going? (https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=adfeb8)
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Any plane-owner can apply for a certificate for a non-public transponder, so only air traffic controllers know. Big business does this all the time so their private flights can't be tracked. Extrapolate from there...
BUT...ADSB receivers are all over the country. ADSB is not the same as a Mode C or S transponder; they only "squawk" when interrogated by a radar beam or via TCAS.
ADSB let's us "little people" observe the movements above us. As of January 1, 2020, ADSB is required to fly in controlled airspace, which is above 700 feet in some areas, and 1200 feet in others.
Thank you for taking the time to explain, I didn't know that. Now look what you made me do, go and research something new. As I understand it now, the only limitations are you'd still need ARTCC data to know its destination, and certainly military/government planes could switch the squawk off no?, otherwise they'd be a pretty sweet target for an enemy.
That's correct. Without ATC processing all we would see is a point in space with it's history trail.
Mode C/S transponders can fail (most expensive planes have two on board), and even though turning them on is on most before takeoff checklists, pilots (myself included) will happily fling themselves down the runway and into the air with the unit in standby.
This is usually noticed by ATC when you check in with approach or center.
Great info. I always knew that song about how you started the Adam's Family was bullshit. :-) Good chat.