Red Arrows Tracking Guide

RAFRedArrows.co.uk compiles Red Arrows activity data from three sources:

The Display & Route Tracker merges all three sources into a single unified view, showing NOTAM-confirmed events, calendar-scheduled events, and interactive maps for formation routes.

1. Open the tracker at the Display Tracker page. It opens on the most relevant tab — Today if there are events, otherwise Next 7 Days.
2. Select a tab: Today / Next 7 Days / Schedule / Past. Each tab shows events for that time period. Use the filter buttons to show only displays or only transits.
3. Click an event card to expand it. You'll see the full route table, times, status information and an interactive map.
4. On the map, click any waypoint marker to see its location, time and type. Click a row in the route table to fly the map to that waypoint.
5. Share a link using the Share button — the URL updates to a stable link directly to that event, which you can copy and share.

A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is an official notification published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and NATS to inform pilots of temporary changes to airspace. For the Red Arrows, two types of NOTAM are relevant:

NOTAMs are published in a standardised format with fields including B) (start time), C) (end time), D) (schedule for multi-day events) and E) (free text description). This site automatically parses these fields to extract useful information.

Important: Do not call any telephone numbers listed in NOTAMs. These are operational aviation lines — not public information lines. Calling them could interfere with flight safety.

For actual real-time aircraft positions, third-party flight tracking services use ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) data from ground receivers. The Red Arrows do not always appear on civilian tracking services — military aircraft can operate without broadcasting ADS-B — but they are frequently visible during transits and at airshows.

Below is a focused review of the three main options from the perspective of tracking the Red Arrows specifically.

1. Flightradar24 (FR24)

Best for casual fans

The most widely used global flight tracker. FR24 often shows Red Arrows flights when their ADS-B transponders are active, and its clean interface makes it the go-to choice for casual followers. The Red Arrows sometimes go "dark" during displays, but transit flights are frequently visible.

Pros

• Clean, intuitive interface — easy to spot Red Arrows flights at a glance
• Search for "redarrow" or "RAF" to quickly isolate relevant flights
• Shows aircraft type (Hawk T1) and live position when transponder is active

Cons

• Aircraft can go dark if transponders are off during displays
• No direct URL filter for Red Arrows — manual search each time
• Free tier has limited filtering options

Filter Tips

• Search "redarrow" or "RAF" in the search box after the page loads
• Zoom into UK airspace or known NOTAM locations to narrow focus
• Premium subscription gives better filtering and no ads

Best for: casual fans wanting an easy, polished experience Visit Flightradar24 ↗

2. ADS-B Exchange

Best for military aircraft

A non-commercial ADS-B aggregator that does not filter out military traffic — making it frequently the most reliable option for spotting Red Arrows movements, provided their transponders are broadcasting. Unlike commercial trackers, ADS-B Exchange shows nearly all military aircraft without suppression.

Pros

• Shows military aircraft other trackers routinely hide or filter
• Broader receiver network with more frequent position updates
• Can manually filter by aircraft type (Hawk T1) or military category

Cons

• Interface is more complex and less polished than FR24
• No direct Red Arrows URL filter — manual setup required
• Lots of other military traffic can make finding the Reds harder

Filter Tips

• Use the filter panel to select "Military", then look for Hawk T1 types
• Zoom tightly around display areas or RAF Scampton / Waddington
• Use known tail numbers or squadron codes if available

Best for: enthusiasts wanting unfiltered military flight data Visit ADS-B Exchange ↗

3. PlaneFinder

Best for mobile users

PlaneFinder tracks Red Arrows flights by call sign — typically "REDARROW" — and is a solid choice if you want a quick, straightforward way to find the team without trawling through other military traffic. Its mobile app is particularly well suited to following the Reds on the go.

Pros

• Simple call sign search — type "REDARROW" to find them immediately
• Clean mobile app works well on the move at displays
• Good map clarity makes identifying the formation straightforward

Cons

• Military filtering less deep than ADS-B Exchange — may miss flights if call signs aren't broadcast
• No URL parameters to pre-filter to Red Arrows — manual search each session
• Coverage depends on local ADS-B receiver availability

Filter Tips

• Search "REDARROW" in the app or web search box on the day
• Focus on UK airspace or major event locations
• Use the dedicated mobile app for the smoothest experience

Best for: mobile users wanting call sign-based tracking Visit PlaneFinder ↗

This site has no affiliation with or responsibility for content on any of the above external services. They are linked because they have proven useful for tracking Red Arrows flights. NOTAM-based data from this site is often the most reliable indicator of planned routes regardless of whether the aircraft appear on live trackers.

The Red Arrows' official social media channels frequently post about upcoming displays, route changes, and behind-the-scenes content. Following them is one of the best ways to get last-minute updates.

1. Check the Display Tracker the day before and morning of — formation transit NOTAMs are typically published 24–48 hours in advance.
2. Check the route table in the tracker for waypoints near you — if the team is routing within a few miles of your location you may be able to see them en route.
3. Display timings from NOTAMs are the most accurate available. The team typically arrive within a few minutes of the NOTAM time, but weather and ATC can cause delays.
4. For displays, the restricted area NOTAM gives the display centre coordinates — use Google Maps to find viewing spots within 2–4 miles for the best view.
5. Follow @RAFRedArrows on X on the day — the team often confirms displays or notes delays in real time.
6. For formation transits, the jets typically fly at 250–2,000 ft AGL — low enough to hear and see clearly from the ground on a clear day.