FlightAware uses multiple technologies to provide industry leading flight tracking.
One of the key ways this is achieved is through our network of aviation enthusiasts. By hosting a FlightAware FlightFeeder, these volunteers grow our ADS-B network which helps expand our tracking coverage, improves air traffic safety, and improves airline efficiency. In return, hosts receive benefits including: a complimentary FlightAware Enterprise Account, the ability to see all flights that their FlightFeeder sees, detailed stats about their site performance, and more.
What is a FlightFeeder?
FlightAware FlightFeeders are devices that receive radio signals from ADS-B transponders that are then decoded into aircraft positions. In other words: it’s a device that tracks the planes around you. While FlightAware does sell variations of our FlightFeeders, we also provide them at no cost to qualified hosts.
Once a host has their FlightFeeder online, they will have the ability to start seeing real time flight positions on their own personal stats page. ADS-B messages are also transmitted to FlightAware, which are then used to provide the public with real time flight tracking information. The data is also used to help airlines and operators solve tough efficiency problems, resulting in more accurate flight time predictions and improved aviation safety overall.
Are you interested in becoming a host? How does it all work?
Phase 1
The process of joining FlightAware’s ADS-B network begins by you submitting a request to see if you qualify for a free FlightFeeder.
To get the application started, a host will be asked to fill out some basic information such as their name and the proposed location where they will be installing their FlightFeeder. We also ask them to give a brief explanation on why they are interested in joining
The proposed hosting location is very important, as it will help us determine potential coverage improvements based on existing network coverage, and the locations proximity to an airport. If the location is directly on an airport, or within 5 miles of one, a FlightFeeder will help provide a substantial increase in airport surface positions, which helps support improved flight time prediction accuracy. Another important consideration is how much existing flight coverage there is in your area. If you live in a remote area, where there is little or no existing flight coverage, installing a FlightFeeder can make a significant impact on the coverage. FlightFeeders installed in remote locations help to fill in gaps where there is no flight data in the network.
If you meet one or both of these criteria, there is a stronger likelihood that your request will be approved.
Phase 2
FlightAware reviews hundreds of requests a week. Applications that are determined to be a good fit for the network will receive a follow up email asking for some additional information.
In this second round of the review process, we focus on the antenna for their FlightFeeder. You will be provided a link where you can add location photos of where you plan to install the antenna. We recommend you choose a location with an unobstructed, clear view of the sky.
Congratulations!
Once a FlightFeeder request has been approved, you will receive a welcome email, followed by a tracking number for the FlightFeeder. The package you receive will contain the FlightFeeder itself, a power supply, an antenna, a cable for connecting the FlightFeeder to the antenna, and a filter to help prevent interference. A FlightAware T-shirt that is exclusive for our FlightFeeder hosts will also be included as a thank you for hosting!
After you have received and installed your FlightFeeder, a free Enterprise subscription that includes personal flight tracking, historical data and map/weather customizations will be automatically activated on your account. The Enterprise account will remain free for you to use as long as you continue to host your FlightFeeder.
If you would like to host but do not live in a qualifying area, you can learn more about how you can contribute and become a part of the FlightAware host network here. We also have an online store where you can purchase a FlightFeeder Pro (a similar model to the FlightFeeder).
How your FlightFeeder makes a difference
With your FlightFeeder, you will have the ability to see live real time data and statistics on your personalized stats page. Additionally, your data will be highlighted on FlightAware’s track logs.
In areas where coverage is needed the most, the difference one feeder can make is remarkable. The examples below show how dramatic improvements were made in surface tracking at airports where there was no existing coverage. You can see how having just one FlightFeeder installed in close proximity to an airport resulted in a complete real time surface coverage solution.
Each time an ADS-B position is received from an aircraft on the ground, a blue marker is placed in that location. You will notice in the “before” photos that there are almost no blue markers at all. But in the “after” photos, the surface coverage is so dense that the blue markers have turned into lines that clearly visualize every movement an aircraft makes on the ground at that airport.
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