In addition to receiving over 45 different government air traffic control and private datalink sources, FlightAware operates a worldwide network of ADS-B and Mode S receivers that track ADS-B or Mode S equipped aircraft flying around the globe. ADS-B equipped aircraft emit their exact position and Mode S aircraft can be tracked via multilateration (MLAT) when the signal is received by three or more receivers. FlightAware owns and operates these receivers at hundreds of airports around the world in conjunction with airport operators.
FlightAware designs and manufactures FlightFeeder, a network ADS-B receiver that receives ADS-B data and feeds the data to FlightAware's servers over any available Internet connection.
We also invite customers and professional users to connect to FlightAware's network and feed additional ADS-B data from their receivers using the methods described below. ADS-B data contributed is made available on FlightAware's free web site and mobile apps.
For under USD$100 / EUR€80, build a Raspberry Pi with a USB ADS-B receiver that can run dump1090 and PiAware. View data locally or via FlightAware Users that share data with FlightAware automatically qualify for a free upgrade to an Enterprise Account.
Professional users without an existing receiver but with a suitable facility (e.g., hangar, office, home antenna mast) with clear line of sight to the sky are eligible for no-charge FlightFeeder that FlightAware provides. FlightAware's equipment can be installed virtually anywhere; all you need to provide is power (110-240V), Internet access (via Ethernet), and installation. Data collected is automatically integrated with any of your FlightAware services.
PiAware for the Raspberry Pi and dump1090
PiAware users can simultaneously use data from their Raspberry Pi running dump1090 and also send flight data to FlightAware via PiAware. Users that share data with FlightAware automatically qualify for a free upgrade to an Enterprise Account.
With over 50 non-ADS-B data sources and over ten million monthly users, FlightAware is the world's largest aggregator and free source of live flight tracking and flight data. If you have ADS-B data or are interested in receiving it, FlightAware is the best partner for sharing your data with the world and being recognized for your contribution. FlightAware will aggregate your positions with dozens of available sources to share with millions of users.
As a thank you from FlightAware, users sending ADS-B data receive the following:
New sites all around the world are beneficial and data will be used from any contributing facility. Even in places where coverage exists already, more redundancy and overlapping coverage results in significantly better low-altitude coverage and coverage reliability. Please view our Coverage Map to see the extent of coverage in your area. Major metropolitan areas that currently lack significant coverage include: