Best Apps for Aviation Enthusiasts: Your Ultimate Guide to Sky Gazing
For aviation enthusiasts, plane spotters, and the whole avgeek community, there are all kinds of apps that make their hobby more enjoyable. Here are some of the best apps for aviation enthusiasts who love aircraft, airports, and the worlds of commercial and general aviation. Install just a few of these on your iPad or mobile phone and it will make the whole experience of visiting airports and plane spotting so much more enjoyable.
1. Flightradar24 (iOS, Android)
Overview
Flightradar24 is a must-have app for any aviation enthusiast. It turns your device into an air traffic radar and allows you to see air traffic around the world in real-time.
Features
- Flight Tracking: Track flights in real-time on a detailed map.
- Aircraft Details: Get detailed information about each aircraft, including flight path, speed, type of aircraft, and more.
- Airport Information: Learn about different airports, including arrivals and departures, delays, and current conditions.
Flightradar24 | Flight Tracker
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a live flight tracker and see planes around the world move in real-time on a detailed map. Or point your device at a plane to find out where it’s going and what kind of aircraft it is. Download for free today and discover why millions are already tracking flights and checking flight status with Flightradar24.
2. LiveATC (iOS, Android)
Overview
LiveATC gives you access to live air traffic control (ATC) broadcasts from around the world. It’s a great tool for those interested in the operational side of aviation. Note that not all countries are covered so check the LiveATC home page if you’re not sure.
Features
- Live ATC Feeds: Listen to live ATC feeds from around the world.
- Airport Information: Get information about different airports, including frequencies and weather conditions.
- Favorites: Save your favorite feeds for easy access.
LiveATC Air Radio
Stuck in the airport terminal and want to know why you’re delayed? Live near an airport or enjoy plane-spotting and want to tune in to the pilots and the control tower? Have you always wondered what pilots talk to air traffic controllers about? Now you can stop wondering and tune in live!
3. Plane Finder (iOS, Android)
Overview
Plane Finder is another great flight tracking app. It offers real-time tracking and detailed information about each flight.
Features
- Flight Tracking: Track flights worldwide in real-time.
- Aircraft Details: Get detailed information about each flight, including aircraft type, speed, altitude, and more.
- Augmented Reality: Use the AR feature to identify planes in the sky.
Plane Finder
Get live information on flights – super handy when travelling. You can even be alerted when a particular flight is heading your way, which is useful if you’re trying to catch sight of rare birds such as the Airbus A380.
4. Airports (iOS)
Overview
Airports is a comprehensive airport guide that provides detailed information about airports worldwide.
Features
- Airport Information: Get detailed information about airports, including runway data, radio frequencies, weather, and more.
- Flight Status: Check the status of flights arriving and departing from each airport.
- Favorites: Save your favorite airports for easy access.
Airports
Find where you are within the airport with accurate GPS positioning. Find your gates quickly to get to gate on time. Get turn-by-turn walking directions. Find nearby food from your waiting gate. Find commonly needed facilities like restrooms, ATM machines for quick cash, elevators for handicap access, taxi stands, etc. Locate even difficult to find places like lounges and smoking rooms.
5. The Aviation Herald (iOS, Android)
Overview
The Aviation Herald provides you with the latest news and updates about the aviation industry.
Features
- Aviation News: Get the latest news and updates about the aviation industry.
- Incident Reports: Read about incidents and accidents in the aviation world.
- Search: Search for specific news or incidents.
The Aviation Herald
The Aviation Herald provides coverage of safety relevant incidents and news in air transport category aviation
6. RadarBox · Live Flight Tracker (iOS, Android)
Overview
RadarBox · Live Flight Tracker lets you track flights in real-time, with the added bonus of a 3D view. It’s a fun and interactive way to follow flights.
Features
- Flight Tracking: Track flights worldwide in real-time.
- 3D View: Enjoy a 3D view of tracked flights.
- Aircraft Details: Get detailed information about each flight, including aircraft type, speed, altitude, and more.
RadarBox · Live Flight Tracker
Welcome aboard the real-time flight tracking app with one of the best and most accurate coverage worldwide. Download the app for free and know the exact current position of every plane in the sky in real-time!
7. MyRadar Weather Radar (iOS, Android)
Overview
MyRadar Weather Radar is a fast, easy-to-use weather application that displays animated weather radar around your current location. It’s a great tool for aviation enthusiasts to track weather conditions that affect flights.
Features
- Weather Radar: Get real-time animated weather radar images on a highly interactive map.
- Weather Alerts: Receive weather alerts and temperature on the map.
- Aviation Features: MyRadar includes aviation features like TFRs and flight plan overlay.
MyRadar Weather Radar
MyRadar is a fast, powerful, easy-to-use weather app that displays animated weather radar around your current location and to quickly show what weather is coming your way. Just start the app; your location pops up with animated live radar, with radar loop lengths of up to two hours.
8. Infinite Flight Simulator (iOS, Android)
Overview
Infinite Flight Simulator offers the most comprehensive flight simulation experience on mobile devices. It’s perfect for aviation enthusiasts who want to try their hand at flying different aircraft.
Features
- Flight Simulation: Fly a variety of aircraft in regions across the world.
- Multiplayer Mode: Fly with other players in real-time.
- Flight Planning: Plan your flights and fly using different navigation aids.
Infinite Flight Simulator
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a live flight tInfinite Flight offers the most comprehensive flight simulation experience on mobile devices, whether you are a curious novice or a decorated pilot. Explore high definition scenery in regions from around the world with our diverse inventory of detailed aircraft, tailoring each flight by choosing your time of day, weather conditions, and aircraft weight configuration.
9. App in the Air (iOS, Android)
Overview
App in the Air is your personal flying assistant. It provides real-time status updates, airport tips, and in-airport navigation maps, flight profile with all your flights logged.
Features
- Flight Tracking: Track your flight in real-time.
- Airport Information: Get tips and navigation maps for thousands of airports around the world.
- Flight Profile: Log all your flights and view detailed analytics.
App in the Air
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or flying to an important business meeting, the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination. App in the Air removes the complexities of travel, and instead, streamlines the entire travel experience: from simplifying planning and booking, to providing you with the information you need before, during, and after your trip. App in the Air is your all-in-one travel companion.
10. SkyScanner (iOS, Android)
Overview
SkyScanner is a popular app for finding and booking cheap flights. While it’s not exclusively for aviation enthusiasts, it’s a handy tool for anyone who loves to fly.
Features
- Flight Search: Find and book cheap flights from hundreds of airlines.
- Price Alerts: Set up price alerts to get notified when flight prices drop.
- No Added Fees: SkyScanner doesn’t add any booking fees or hidden charges.
SkyScanner
Skyscanner makes planning your next trip easy. No matter where you are – search for flights, hotels and car rental deals to anywhere in the world, on the move. Save time and money by comparing and booking from your favorite travel brands like Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines all in one place, too. There are no booking fees or hidden charges – just the best prices.
Quick Recap
- Flightradar24: A real-time flight tracking app with detailed aircraft and airport information.
- LiveATC: An app that provides live ATC feeds and airport information.
- Plane Finder: A flight tracking app with detailed flight information and an augmented reality feature.
- Airports: A comprehensive airport guide with detailed airport information and flight status.
- The Aviation Herald: An app that provides the latest news and updates about the aviation industry.
- ADSB Flight Tracker: A real-time flight tracking app with a 3D view.
- MyRadar Weather Radar: A fast, easy-to-use weather application with aviation features.
- Infinite Flight Simulator: A comprehensive flight simulation app.
- App in the Air: Your personal flying assistant with real-time status updates and airport tips.
- SkyScanner: A popular app for finding and booking cheap flights.
The World of Aviation Geeks and Plane Spotters
Aviation enthusiasts, often known as aviation geeks or plane spotters, have a passion for all things aviation. They love to watch airplanes in flight, track flight data, and even plan hypothetical flights. For these aviation geeks, there are thousands of apps that provide a wealth of information and tools to fuel their passion.
Best Apps for Aviation Geeks & Live ATC
The best aviation apps for geeks go beyond just flight tracking. They offer features like detailed aircraft information, weather forecasts, air navigation tools, and even flight plan filing. Some popular flight apps among aviation geeks include Flightradar24, LiveATC, and ADSB Flight Tracker. These apps provide real-time flight data, live ATC feeds, and even 3D views of flights. Some go as far as downloading the apps for pilots who are doing their flight training.
Electronic Flight Bag Apps
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps are another favorite among aviation geeks. These apps, like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, are often used by pilots but can also be fascinating for aviation enthusiasts. They offer complete electronic flight bag solutions, including route planning, weather briefings, and flight plan filing. These apps give aviation geeks a glimpse into the tools used by real pilots.
Aviation Weather Apps
Weather plays a crucial role in aviation, and there are several apps dedicated to providing detailed weather information. Apps like MyRadar Weather Radar and AeroWeather Pro offer real-time weather updates, forecasts, and even NOAA weather imagery. These apps are not only useful for pilots but also for aviation geeks who want to understand the impact of weather on flight operations.
Air Navigation Apps
Air navigation is another fascinating aspect of aviation. Apps like Air Navigation Pro and SkyDemon offer detailed air navigation tools, including high-quality aviation charts and real-time navigation features. These apps can be a great learning tool for those interested in the technical side of aviation.
Aviation Geeks and Air Shows
For many aviation geeks, nothing beats the thrill of an air show. Apps like App in the Air and SkyScanner can help you find and plan your trip to air shows around the world. They offer flight booking, trip planning, and other travel-related features.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best apps for aviation enthusiasts. Whether you’re tracking flights with Flightradar24, listening to live ATC feeds with LiveATC, or learning about different airports with the Airports app, these apps will fuel your passion for aviation. Whether you’re an aviation geek, a plane spotter, or a student pilot, there’s an app out there for you. From tracking flights and exploring air navigation to planning a trip to an air show, these apps offer a wealth of features to fuel your passion for aviation. So, download these apps and let your aviation adventure begin!
