Best apps for real-time air traffic, any suggestions?

General Drone Discussion
1

I fly drones recreationally and have been using Flightradar24 to keep an eye on nearby air traffic. I follow the rules and stay under 400 feet. Flightradar24 has an alert feature, but I find it a bit limited, especially since it won’t make a sound if the app is open.

Are there any apps or tools that can reliably notify you of all air traffic in your area, especially under a certain altitude? I’m in the USA, if that matters.

2

There’s no perfect app for this. Apps like FR24 use ADS-B, but not all aircraft transmit ADS-B, like general aviation and military, which are often the ones flying low. Plus, some aircraft opt out of being shown on apps like FR24, so it’s not foolproof. ADSBExchange is better since it shows everything it picks up, but even that’s not perfect. These tools can tell you if something is there but can’t guarantee that nothing is around. Always use them as just one part of your awareness.

3

@Arielle
Check out ADSB Exchange: https://globe.adsbexchange.com/

4

I mostly use my eyes and ears to spot aircraft. FR24 is handy, but not everything shows up, especially smaller planes.

5

There’s no simple solution for this. FlightRadar24 relies on ADS-B, which isn’t used by all aircraft. If you’re flying somewhere where planes could be below 500 feet, like near an airport, it’s even trickier.

6

@Sky
I avoid flying near airports on purpose. I haven’t seen planes below 800 feet, but I do see helicopters under 400 sometimes.

7

Some aircraft show up in the DJI app, but not all. I live near a small airport and not all planes around here signal. I’ve also seen military aircraft that don’t show up on FlightRadar.

8

Don’t fully rely on ADS-B and FlightRadar24 since there can be delays. Always stay alert with your eyes and ears. If you’re uncomfortable, consider having a visual observer.

9

I’d recommend this tool: link

10

vincent said:
I’d recommend this tool: link

I’m still learning and new to drones. Could you explain how this works?

11

Orion said:

vincent said:
I’d recommend this tool: link

I’m still learning and new to drones. Could you explain how this works?

Check the local airport frequency on aeronautical charts. Tune in to listen for nearby traffic and understand the flight patterns close to where you’re flying.

12

Here’s the link to ADSB Exchange: https://globe.adsbexchange.com/

13

Try the Air Control app from the App Store.