The app “Flightradar24”, a popular plane tracking app, gives users access to a flight’s real time data such as speed, altitude, track, latitude and longitude. Using plane and spherical trigonometry, this real-time, real-world data can be used to calculate and confirm that the speed and track of a flight are correct using four different methods. Three methods involve plane trigonometry, and these will depend on particular aspects of a flight: Method 1 deals with flights that are travelling due north or south, Method 2 deals with flights that are travelling due east or west, Method 3 deals with flights near the equator travelling in any direction. Method 4 uses spherical trigonometry and is the method that is actually used by flights. The theory behind each method will be discussed along with worked examples. All these calculations can be done on a CAS calculator or on a spreadsheet.

Key takeaways:
1. A practical application of the use of trigonometry.
2. Great for students who want to be pilots.
3. The use of a spreadsheet and or CAS calculator to perform trigonometric navigation calculations.

Remember: Delegates should be familiar with the app Flightradar24 and have it installed on their mobile phone.