Volandoo is a free real-time flight tracking and logging service for hang gliding, paragliding, and gliders.

The Volandoo Tracker app is available on iPhone and Android, it is a native application built with native APIs for performance, package size, and stability reasons.

It's designed to be a "set it and forget it" for the pilot. It detects your takeoff and landing and stops automatically once the flight ends.

The app can also notify others about your flight via Telegram, SMS, Facebook, and/or Twitter.

Volandoo also offers the Logbook for your flights. Every time you use the Volandoo Tracker app, the flight is saved after being processed. You can also upload IGCs and add them to your Logbook.

What does Tracker offer that others don't?

1. Real-time tracking. Anyone can see you and other pilots on the map.
2. Takeoff and landing detection, and automatically stops GPS upon landing.
3. Automatic notifications via Telegram and/or SMS to others about your status.
4. All flights are processed and saved in the Logbook for viewing and sharing later.
5. Hike&Fly mode, your journey is saved both on the ground and in the air.

How does the Volandoo Tracker work? And how does takeoff and landing detection work?

1. When you press the start tracking button, the application begins to receive GPS location updates, these are sent to the server and you already appear on the map, but these updates are not yet stored in the database.
2. When the application detects that you are moving at more than 20 km/h on average for 20 seconds and have a height difference of 15 meters, the tracking starts from the beginning of those 20 seconds. These updates are already stored in the database and your route will be seen on the map. You are now flying.
3. When the application detects that you are moving at less than 5 km/h on average for 20 seconds and there is no vertical speed (upward or downward movement), the tracking stops. You have landed.
   • If you have coverage when you land, the GPS will turn off. It is not necessary to reopen the application to turn it off.
   • Otherwise, the GPS will continue to receive your location until you have mobile coverage and the application can send a signal to the server. This will help your driver know where to pick you up, even if hours have passed since landing.

Note: The app has a car detector, if you go over 30km/h for more than a minute and there is no height difference, the tracking will stop. This prevents abuse of the service by using it for activities other than free flight.

I have disappeared from the map and my flight has not been saved.

When a flight ends, it is analyzed on the server and if it has not been a real flight it is discarded. For the flight to be recognized as such, it must last more than a minute.

What type of notification does Volandoo offer?

1. Telegram: anyone can subscribe to your flights.
2. SMS: You can choose two contacts to receive notifications (paid service).

Can I share my tracking via WhatsApp?

Yes, but not automatically. WhatsApp is a closed system and messages must be sent manually by the user. The application has an option on the main screen to share.

Why are Telegram notifications free but not SMS?

Telegram does not charge for sending messages.

To send SMS, we need to use a service and they charge a few cents per message.

How does the notification work?

1. When you press the main button, you are about to fly. A Telegram notification is sent to all your subscribers with your tracking link.
2. When you start flying, a Telegram and SMS message is sent (if enabled). The SMS message has the tracking link. The Telegram message does not have the link since it was sent in the previous message.
3. When you land, a Telegram and SMS message is sent with a link to Google Maps with your location.

Does the app consume a lot of battery?

On Android, we have observed it consumes around 3% per hour. On the iPhone it is around 9% per hour. Always fly with enough battery or carry an external one with you!

Should I only use this for XC flying?

Not really. You can use this every time you fly. Remember that flights are saved in the Logbook.

Can tracking be kept private?

Yes, this is a paid option.

Flight Groups?

The group feature allows you to create a group and add other pilots and drivers. This functionality is designed for XC flights and schools, but not exclusively. When you fly in a group, you will not be seen on the general tracking map, but on a map specific to the group. If you have drivers as part of the group, they can follow you through their own application and receive notifications when pilots land so they can come pick you up.

Events/Competitions?

Yes! Volandoo also has an events portal where you can manage everything related to it. Description, registrations, rankings, and much more! For more info, contact us.