klkm Senior Member

Typically most Atlantic flights communications are handled by HF frequencies operated by ARINC. The most advanced planes such as this plane also have the ability to be CPDLC connected as well as have an ADSB connection. If this flight was in airspace other than where it was, such as NY Center, or Santa Maria, these systems would have been connected and there is a possibility that more info would be out there. The ADS connection is a direct link with the planes FMS and updates its position on a regular basis. If the altitude or course changes you can see if in nearly real time. I forget the exact update ratio but I think it is about every 3-5 minutes it updates. You can also request a update at any time to get the exact position/altitude. (this is purely a money issue as it costs money to send the update, so they restrict how often it happens). The CPDLC is a link from the cockpit to controllers for communication. It is basically a text message service. The CPDLC includes a function that with the push of a button the aircraft can declare an emergency. This sends out a automated message alerting the controller. The controllers screen actually flashes red around the edges to ensure you do not miss this message.

Where the flight went down is kind of like the wild wild west out there. Spotty radar, little to no communication and no advanced system for oceanic controlling that can accept CPDLC communications.