How to Triangulate Aircraft

Accurate aircraft identification is crucial for effective geoengineering reporting. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to use your smartphone's compass and flight tracking websites to triangulate and identify aircraft with precision.

Step 1: Use Your Phone's Compass

iPhone Compass Instructions

  1. Open the Compass app (pre-installed on all iPhones)
  2. Hold your phone flat and level in your palm
  3. Point the top of your phone toward the aircraft
  4. Note the degree reading (e.g., 270° for west)
  5. Record both the degrees and cardinal direction (e.g., "aircraft heading 270° west")
  6. Ensure Location Services are enabled for accurate readings:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
    • Find "Compass" and ensure it's set to "While Using App"

Android Compass Instructions

  1. Download a compass app from Google Play Store:
    • Compass by Google (recommended)
    • Digital Compass by Axiomatic Inc.
    • Smart Compass by Smart Tools co.
  2. Open your chosen compass app
  3. Hold your phone flat and level
  4. Point the top of your phone toward the aircraft
  5. Note the degree reading and cardinal direction
  6. If the compass seems inaccurate, calibrate it by:
    • Moving your phone in a figure-eight motion
    • Rotating it slowly in all directions
    • Moving away from metal objects or electronics

Step 2: Open Flight Tracking Websites

Open Flightradar24 Open FlightAware

Using Flightradar24

  1. Visit Flightradar24.com on your phone or computer
  2. Allow location access for accurate positioning
  3. The map will show your current location and nearby aircraft
  4. Look for aircraft icons moving in the direction you observed (using your compass reading)
  5. Click on aircraft icons to view detailed information
  6. Match the time of your observation with the aircraft's current position

Using FlightAware

  1. Visit FlightAware.com
  2. Use the "Live Flight Tracker" map feature
  3. Search by airport codes if you know the general route
  4. Use the search function if you have partial callsign or tail number information
  5. FlightAware provides additional details like aircraft owner and operator information

Step 3: Triangulation Process

  1. Time Correlation: Match your observation time with aircraft positions on the tracking map
  2. Direction Matching: Use your compass reading to identify aircraft heading in the same direction
  3. Location Verification: Confirm the aircraft was in your general area at the time of observation
  4. Altitude Check: Note the aircraft's altitude - geoengineering typically occurs at high altitudes
  5. Route Analysis: Check if the flight path matches your observations

Step 4: Gather Aircraft Information

Information to Collect:

  • Callsign: The flight identifier (e.g., UAL123, DAL456)
  • Tail Number: Aircraft registration (e.g., N123AB)
  • Aircraft Type: Model of aircraft (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320)
  • Origin Airport: Where the flight departed from
  • Destination Airport: Where the flight is heading
  • Altitude: Current flight level
  • Speed: Ground speed of the aircraft
  • Operator: Airline or company operating the flight

Step 5: Document Your Findings

  • Record all gathered information in our reporting form
  • Include your compass reading and observation details
  • Add photos or videos if you captured any
  • Describe weather conditions and aircraft behavior
  • Note any unusual patterns or activities observed

Troubleshooting

Aircraft Not Visible on Tracking Sites

  • Some military aircraft may not appear on civilian tracking sites
  • Private aircraft may have limited tracking information
  • Aircraft may be flying below radar coverage
  • In these cases, describe the aircraft's appearance, behavior, and estimated size in your report

Multiple Aircraft in Area

  • Use altitude information to distinguish between aircraft
  • Compare flight paths with your observed direction
  • Note the time stamps carefully
  • Consider reporting multiple aircraft if unsure

Compass Accuracy Issues

  • Move away from metal objects, cars, and buildings
  • Ensure your phone's magnetic sensor is calibrated
  • Use cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) as backup references
  • Cross-reference with sun position if during daytime

Ready to Report?

Now that you know how to triangulate aircraft, put your skills to use and help build our database of geoengineering activities.

Submit Your Report