How to Track Aircraft Around the World: An Introduction to Modern Flight Tracking
October 30, ‘24
Flight tracking has come a long way since only a few people could access flight information. Today, anyone can track planes flying anywhere in real-time.
Over 30 million flights took place globally in 2024 alone, an average of 100,000 per day.
From commercial airliners to private jets, helicopters, drones, and military aircraft, monitoring the global sky has become accessible to anyone with a smartphone or a computer.
The Basics of Aircraft Tracking
Modern flight tracking systems rely on data from ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponders. Most aircraft are equipped with ADS-B systems, which broadcast information such as the plane’s position, speed, and altitude.
Ground stations (such as Wingbits devices) or satellites capture these broadcasts, making it possible for flight-tracking websites and apps to display real-time data on aircraft movements.
Several popular platforms, such as FlightRadar24 and FlightAware, provide this service to the public. Users can open an app or website, zoom in on the map, and click on an aircraft to see where it is coming from, where it is going, and many other details.
Unfortunately, there is a small problem: the people who contribute to those networks are not rewarded for their efforts. These networks depend on volunteers, which makes the coverage less accurate and incomplete. The aviation industry relies on accurate, real-time flight data to make their operations run smoothly and safely, track delays or weather pattern disruptions, and much more
However, flight-tracking technology is evolving, and new decentralized solutions are emerging to make the process even more accessible, engaging, and incentivized.
Wingbits: A Game Changer in Flight Tracking and Decentralized Infrastructure
At Wingbits, we believe the aviation industry and the flight-tracking community deserve better. We are combining aircraft tracking with truly decentralized infrastructure and introducing a powerful DePIN model.
Unlike traditional platforms, we offer users much more than real-time flight data. Our network allows you to track flights globally and rewards you with tokens for participating in the network. By transforming flight tracking into an interactive and incentivized experience, we’re enabling users to earn rewards while helping to improve global aviation data.
Wingbits is the world’s first flight tracking network where users can participate by running specialized, custom-designed DePIN flight tracking devices: HYFIX WB200 (Wingbits solo miner) and HYFIX MGW310 (Wingbits/Geodnet dual miner). These devices collect ADS-B data, contributing to a decentralized network of receivers.
Participants will earn $WINGS tokens for providing this valuable flight data in exchange for contributing to the network. This will evolve the flight tracking model for good; with built-in incentivization, we hope to encourage more people to join the network and make our virtual map the most comprehensive worldwide.
What Makes Wingbits an Innovative DePIN Project?
Wingbits is part of a growing trend in the DePIN ecosystem, where decentralized solutions are applied to physical infrastructure systems. These systems involve real-world data and operations, such as transportation networks, IoT devices, and flight tracking.
This innovative approach brings several advantages:
Excellent coverage: As more users join the Wingbits network, flight tracking coverage expands globally. This results in improved accuracy and more robust data across underserved regions.
Incentivization: Unlike traditional flight tracking platforms, which provide free services without direct incentives for users, Wingbits offers a tokenized reward system. Users receive Wingbits tokens for running tracking devices and contributing to the network, creating a model where everyone can benefit.
Token Economy: Wingbits has created a sustainable ecosystem by integrating blockchain technology. Users/contributors earn $WINGS — utility tokens awarded to stations based on the amount of data they contribute to the network.
How to Get Started with Wingbits?
Sign Up: Head over to Wingbits and create an account.
Reserve your location from the Wingbits stations page by clicking the “Register Station” button.
Buy a Wingbits-approved device from one of our distributors.
You can extend the location reservation to 6 months by entering the discount code received from the reseller. Visit the Wingbits stations page and click the “Extend Reservation” button.
Set Up Your Hardware Upon Arrival: Set up your flight tracking device. Wingbits provides easy-to-follow instructions and options for different hardware setups depending on your location and preferences. Just follow the steps and “BOOM” — you can now see the airplanes tracked by you on the map! How cool is that?!
Earn Tokens: Once your device is up and running, it will collect ADS-B signals from nearby aircraft. In exchange for your contributions to the network, you’ll earn $ WINGS tokens, creating a stream of rewards while supporting global flight tracking.
The Future of Flight Tracking
Flight tracking is no longer just for aviation professionals or enthusiasts. With platforms like Wingbits, users can actively participate in the process and be rewarded for their contributions. Wingbits’ novel DePIN model is an exciting glimpse into how new technologies like blockchain transform everyday data collection into community-powered networks built collaboratively.
As the Wingbits network grows, it has the potential to disrupt outdated flight tracking systems, offering new ways for individuals and businesses to connect with and benefit from real-world data.
Whether you’re interested in tracking flights as a hobby, a traveler looking for accurate information, or someone who enjoys the intersection of technology and blockchain, Wingbits offers a rewarding and innovative experience.
Flying Forward ✈️
Help us create the world’s biggest, real-time map of the sky by pre-ordering your device today. You’ll get an early-bird $100 discount.
Let’s stay connected — join our Discord, X, Linkedin, or check out our website — learn more about how we bring cutting-edge technology to flight tracking and become a part of this fascinating world! ✈️