Tracking using social media.
This aspect of “aircraft” tracking is, to me somewhat confusing. I can understand that people in the public eye who say they are going to do something and then do something different, should then be called out. As an example, where someone claims to have green credentials and then takes hundreds of private flights – some only minutes long in a private aircraft that would burn thousands of tons of jet fuel.
But in the main these social media accounts seem to me to follow the standard social media model, that is one where the more followers that you have the better and the end justifies the means. That said, there are a number of individuals on various social media platforms who seem to focus on the individual – while tracking their private aircraft seems to be the excuse.
The most prominent of these is Jack Sweeny, who got into spats with both Elon Musk and Taylor Swift. To be fair to Mr Sweeny, when NetJets bought the main ADSB site – he did step up and create his own independent site. But his interest main does still seem to concentrate on individuals, following their jets and publishing the data on social media platforms.
An other social media tracker, although it specifically tracks “Taylor Swift” is the Blue Sky site which can be found here. I have had a brief look at the site and it is an ecellent reminder of the reasons why my use of these social media sites is limited.
There are many other individuals who track the wealthy and celebrities and publish their movements on social media, but in the main they seem to be either fans or people who have their own agenda.
In Conclusion
Private jet tracking has become an intriguing niche on social media, where enthusiasts and watchdogs alike share information about the movements of private aircraft. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest have become hubs for this activity, with users using publicly available data to monitor the flights of private jets. This practice, while often rooted in curiosity, also intersects with broader societal discussions on privacy, environmental impact, and the lifestyle of the wealthy.
On X, for instance, real-time updates about jet movements are frequently shared using automated bots or manual posts. These posts often include detailed flight paths, estimated times of arrival, and even “speculation” about who might be on board, based on the aircrafts registration and known schedules of its owners. The immediacy of X makes it an ideal platform for those who want to track and discuss these flights as they happen, often fueling discussions about the environmental footprint of frequent private air travel.
Facebook groups dedicated to aviation enthusiasts and watchdog communities also play a significant role in the private aircraft tracking ecosystem. These groups allow members to share and discuss findings, often providing a more in-depth analysis than the brief updates found on X. The collaborative nature of these groups can lead to more comprehensive tracking efforts, as members pool their knowledge and resources to monitor specific aircraft.
Instagram and Pinterest, on the other hand, offer a more visual take on private aircraft tracking. Users on these platforms often share images of the aircraft, either from the air or grounded at various airports around the world. Some posts glamorize the luxury associated with private air travel, while others critique the environmental and ethical implications of such opulence. Hashtags related to private aircraft have grown in popularity, drawing attention from both admirers and critics alike.
The rise of private aircraft tracking on social media reflects a broader trend of transparency and accountability in an increasingly connected world. While some see it as a fun hobby or a way to admire the lifestyles of the rich and famous, others view it as a tool for social and environmental advocacy, calling out the excesses of wealth and the carbon footprint associated with private air travel. Regardless of the perspective, the convergence of aviation data and social media has created a unique space where the movements of private aircraf are no longer hidden from public view, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the runways.