[kqr]

I would guess that refers to entering records when the plane takes off and lands, to keep track of where it is. I.e. not information that would be used in flight -- at least not critical information!

Obviously air traffic control wants to know the exact location of the plane but they have radar and the airplane has a transponder for that purpose. I don't know if the airline cares so much, other than the estimated arrival time to account for delays.