Air Force One can be tracked using specialized aviation tracking tools that rely on ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) data. Key methods include:
- Using ADS-B Exchange, an open-source aircraft tracking platform where users filter flights by military Boeing aircraft (such as Boeing 747s and 757s, which commonly serve as Air Force One). Tracking is done by filtering military flights and spotting the call sign when available or tracking the backup plane which usually flies behind the main Air Force One aircraft. This platform may allow filtering for Boeing types B7 (for military Boeings) and using other filters for military flights only. The call sign "Air Force One" might sometimes not be visible, but there is often a backup aircraft nearby to help identify the correct plane.
- Using flight tracking services like Flightradar24, which use ADS-B data from a network of ground receivers and satellites. However, Air Force One may not always be visible on all services due to data restrictions, transponder settings, or security reasons. Some military or high-profile flights can be restricted or blocked from public flight tracking displays, especially on commercial platforms.
- Checking temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) on tools like SkyVector, where the presence of red or orange concentric circles indicates presidential flight TFRs in effect, helping to anticipate when and where Air Force One might be operating.
- Live ATC (Air Traffic Control) communications can sometimes be monitored on sites like LiveATC.net to listen for Air Force One radio transmissions when it is near public airports.
In summary, while Air Force One can be tracked using aviation tools like ADS-B Exchange and monitoring TFRs, visibility may be limited due to security restrictions, and it often requires some expertise to identify the correct aircraft among military flights. Backup aircraft can also be tracked as a proxy to confirm Air Force One's movements.
