Dunedin tracking service provider TracPlus Global, a client of Upstart Business Incubator in Dunedin,  has received certification from the powerful Federal Aviation Administration in the United States. The certification covers its satellite linked service, which enables aircraft to be constantly tracked across oceans and to communicate.

The oceanic blindspots of lost radio and radar contact were highlighted by the crash of Air France flight AF477 with the loss of 228 lives. If the Air France flight had been fitted with the TracPlus system the plane’s position could have been pinpointed with no need for costly search activities. The TracPlus system updates the plane’s or vehicles whereabouts every 20 seconds anywhere on the globe, whereas usual  radar does not penetrate beyond about 200 nautical miles from the coastline.

The TracPlus founder Chris Hinch has announced he is stepping aside as CEO of TracPlus to become director of product development and innovation. The newly appointed CEO is Stuart Campbell formerly of Xerox, Canon and Lion Nathan.

Tags: aviation tracking, FAA, GPS, tracking, TracPlus Global, Upstart Business Incubator