After seeing numerous topics from other community members on why they can’t fly the same speed as their friend or other flying buddy, I thought that this would be a good informational piece to clear the air on some misconceptions and provide some understanding. Below, you will find three (3) different screenshots which all are accessible to you, the pilot, when flying around on the live server. I will explain a little about each of these below.
Note: The pilot(s) used in this tutorial have had their violations and display names hidden for confidentiality reasons.
The Data Tag
When you’re flying around on the server, a simple tap on another aircraft will pull up this “data tag” next to the aircraft you tapped on. Most of the folks who have been around for some time, are familiar with this and the following steps. On this data tag you will notice that there are three sets of numbers separated out by the “forward slash” or "/ ". I have further labeled the following:
- Altitude - The elevation of the aircraft in its current state.
- Heading - The direction that the aircraft is flying
- Groundspeed - The speed across the ground that the aircraft is flying. This is NOT your IAS or Indicated Airspeed.
The Pilot Data Profile
I call this one the Pilot Data Profile because it gives the full view of the pilot information when you click on the data tag as discussed in the prior photo. Again, the same information is presented to you as well as more information. Some things that you’ll notice are the pilots:
- Callsign
- Display Name
- Aircraft Make & Model
And then, you have the user stats which are a bit self explanatory. As noted earlier, violations, if any were covered up for pilot confidentiality.
Last is the filed flight plan that the pilot has created and is flying/planning on flying
Side Note: The set of numbers above an aircraft within the vicinity of your aircraft is how much higher or lower that aircraft is, in relation to your aircraft. This number is indicated in hundreds of feet. In this example, the pictured aircraft is 6100 feet above me.
Data Tags Viewed Off Map
The first two examples were shown and explained through the map interface that is utilized heavily within Infinite Flight. This example is for when you are outside of the map. Whether you are in HUD, Cockpit, Wing, Fuselage, or outside cams, you will see aircraft data tags that look like what is included in this photo. There are a few items that cycle through below the aircraft callsign, which I have covered up. You will see the pilots grade, display name, and these three (3) items.
- Ground Speed (GS)
- Distance
- Altitude
I’d like to put an emphasis on ground speed as there is a misconception among pilots when viewing this data. The number you are seeing is the speed at which the aircraft is traveling across the ground. When you are flying your aircraft, you flying off of the Indicated Airspeed or IAS. Your IAS has a limitation with the red tape for overspending whereas your groundspeed really has no limit. If you can find a 500kt tailwind (an exaggeration), you could fly 1000kts GS if you are already flying 500kts GS without any winds.
Some important links to look at that relate to this topic:
☝🏼 This topic will break down all of the features that can be found on the HUD. Take note of the location of the IAS and GS. Keep in mind, as you increase in altitude, your GS will increase.
If you wish to know how to read data tags in on the ATC side of Infinite Flight check out this tutorial:
Different Color Tags
White - Grade 1 - 3
Green - Grade 4
Cream - Grade 5
Purple - Infinite Flight/Infinite Flight Community Moderators
Blue - FDS Admins
Light Pink - FDS Developers