Flight-tracking company FlightAware has launched a number of new developments here at NBAA, including a worldwide ADS-B network that provides real-time, high-precision updates for any ADS-B-equipped aircraft operating within range of the more than 1,000 ADS-B FlightAware ground stations in more than 70 countries. ADS-B data augments that from other tracking sources, such as datalink and radar. FlightAware is showing off its new FlightFeeder ADS-B receiver here at NBAA (Booth 4845).
FlightAware has also introduced a flight plan advisory service. Currently flight plans filed in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand are received automatically, but for plans filed outside these areas FlightAware’s new offering allows customers to input plans into an advisory service web page. When the aircraft sends ADS-B or datalink position information, the uploaded flight plan activates to allow worldwide flight tracking.
For aircraft operating without a filed plan, FlightAware’s system can synthesize a flight plan based on positional data, allowing the tracking of these unscheduled operations. The company has also introduced the ability to track business aviation flights in Europe that operate under a tail number, rather than an ICAO callsign.
DeLorme and Yellowbrick Tracking (which makes portable Iridium-based datalink units) have been added to the roster of systems that FlightAware supports, joining Arinc Direct, Garmin, Honeywell GDC, Satcom Direct, Sita and Universal Weather and Aviation.
In terms of its tracking maps, FlightAware has brought innovations, including live update and a paid option for high-resolution, satellite-mapping imagery with street and terrain information. Temporary flight restriction areas can also be displayed, with a hot-link to the relevant FAA web details. There is also a “nearby flight” function that shows all traffic in the vicinity of the tracked flight.
Finally, the company has launched FlightAware TV, which presents live tracking maps on high-definition 720p or 1080p TV screens through a subscription Internet connection. FlightAware TV is aimed at two primary markets: fleet operators and FBOs/airports. The Fleet offering displays a real-time map of the fleet’s positions as well as a list of previous and forthcoming flights. The airport option shows aircraft (commercial, general aviation or both) arriving at or departing from the airport, together with a live arrivals/departures list.
