[NKosmatos]

Why isn’t this mandatory on ALL planes? A simple device like this (or similar ones) would make real-time tracking of all flights a reality.

We’ll see many new things and interesting technologies in the coming years, like this one and also the one in iPhones.

[initplus]

ADS-B is essentially mandatory nowadays, but it's just a radio that transmits location to others in the same local area. Get enough volunteers with receivers spread throughout the world and you do get real time location tracking of every aircraft. See https://www.adsbexchange.com/

[Integer]

ADS-B is mandatory these days, and Aireon [1] has a constellation of satellite receivers for 24/7 global coverage.

[1]https://aireon.com/

[landemva]

Yet another mandatory cost for what potential gain?

And engine makers and airframe makers already do it, much like heavy equipment makers already do it. https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_...