App Showcase: Plane Finder

What it does

Plane Finder is a comprehensive flight tracking application that provides real-time monitoring of air traffic across the globe. Users can explore flights on a standard 2D map or an immersive 3D globe. The app offers deep dives into specific flight details, aircraft information, and extensive data on airport performance, including live departure and arrival boards.

Where it shines

Plane Finder excels in its rich data visualization and powerful features for aviation enthusiasts. The transition from a 2D map to a fully rendered 3D globe (03:16) is seamless and provides a stunning perspective on air traffic. The app's Global Playback feature (08:32) is a standout, allowing users to rewind time and watch historical flight patterns unfold. Furthermore, its advanced filtering system (07:51) empowers users to customize the map to highlight specific aircraft, turning a simple utility into a powerful analytical tool.

UX highlights

• Multiple Data Views: The app presents information in various formats. Users can switch from a map view to detailed lists for departures and arrivals (02:25) or graphical performance charts (02:36), catering to different contexts and user needs.
• 3D Mode: The 3D view (03:16) is more than a gimmick. It provides a true sense of altitude and perspective, making the flight tracking experience significantly more immersive.
• Detailed Information Hierarchy: When a user selects a flight (01:58), the app presents a clean, scrollable view with distinct sections for flight info, departure/arrival details, and even codeshares, making complex data easy to digest.
• Powerful Search: The search function (01:48) is quick and context-aware, allowing users to find flights by number, route, or other identifiers, and immediately see historical and future schedules.
• Customizable Labels: In settings, users can customize what information is displayed on aircraft labels on the map, from logos to text showing speed or altitude (13:08).
• AR Mode: The app includes an AR mode (07:09) to identify planes by pointing the device's camera at the sky, adding a layer of real-world interaction.

Monetization & growth

The app operates on a freemium model. The initial onboarding pushes users toward an annual subscription with a 1-week free trial (00:18). For free users, the experience includes banner ads and interstitial prompts to upgrade, such as a banner offering a free trial (00:58). The app uses a permission warm-up screen for ad tracking, framing it as a way to keep the app free (01:00). Premium features like advanced filters, extended playback, and 3D mode are clearly positioned as the primary incentives to subscribe.

Who it’s for

Plane Finder serves two main audiences. First, casual travelers who need to track a specific flight for themselves or a loved one. The simple search and clear flight status information cater well to this group. Second, and perhaps more centrally, aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and industry professionals who value deep data, historical analysis, and powerful customization tools like advanced filtering and playback.

Notes & opportunities

The app is incredibly feature-rich, but this can create some complexity. The settings menu (13:06) is extensive, and discovering all the customization options might be challenging for new users. While the map filters are powerful, the entry point is somewhat hidden. A more prominent tutorial or guided discovery for these advanced features could help more users unlock the full potential of the premium subscription they've purchased.