ADSB and Airshows?

[mws72]

Later this summer we are getting the Quad-City Air Show at DVN for the first time since 2019. Just wondering if anyone has see ADSB used by the performers during the Airshow events,

 

[RaleighGuy]

Typically you'll see them as they approach and after they leave the designated air show area, group flights fly in/out under a single squawk.

 

[kentshaw]

You can build a DIY ADS-B receiver (Raspberry Pi based) for around $250 and use iPads or Android tables to overlay the aircraft over a map. Some of the mapping applications. Performers at a class B or C airport would be required to have ADS-B unless they have a FAA waiver. I do not know if military aircraft have to have it or not.

 

[N9PVW]

also, you can get Sdrplay RSP1a for around 120.00

 

[krokus]

RTL-SDR for about $25, and a PC or Android device you already own, and you can receive ADSB signals. Better equipment is available, for more money.

Military aircraft vary with how often they use ADSB.

 

[Muffin]

Although ADS-B is awesome, it isn't the only game in town for monitoring aircraft. I have two different versions of ADS-B apps on my phone but also utilize the FlightAware and Flighradar 24 to track Airshow aircraft. ADS-B has a nice feature where one can monitor "military" only. If you know the Team callsigns or IACO numbers they can be entered and configured to give you alerts anytime they are "seen" by the apps.

I have a list of numbers and callsigns compiled for Airshow traffic and it is always exciting to see them pop up on the apps enroute to an Airshow - makes it easy to figure out the ETA's and best place to grab photos on Final Approach.

The 431 Squadron Canadian Snowbirds are flying out of their home base of Moosejaw, Sask tomorrow morning at 8:15am enroute to Comox, British Columbia on Vancouver Island for their annual Spring Training. They will be broadcasting their callsign (SNWBD1) on Flightradar 24 and as they fly as a nine-plane Team, they appear as one aircraft.

With this information, see if you can track them as they fly tomorrow. This is great preparation for Airshow season!

Muffin

 

[consys]

Typically you'll see them as they approach and after they leave the designated air show area, group flights fly in/out under a single squawk.

Agree. I live 3 miles from Travis AFB. The T-birds fly over my house during the show but do not show on ABS-B, nor do the other performers during the show. The arrivals & departures before & after the evert were more interesting on ADS-B.

 

[Muffin]

The Snowbirds flew out to Comox after a 2 hour weather delay in Moose Jaw, Sask travelling via Calgary and Kelowna Airports to refuel. The Team travelled in 3 groups of 3 and one group of 2 and identified on radar as SNWBD1, SNWBD 3, SNWBD5, SNWBD11

Looking forward to seeing them flying over Comox next weekend in the forecast sunshine!

 

[Muffin]

Just to be clear -

ADS-B is the main signal that the websites (including ADSBExchange) and apps use with allternatives including MLAT, TIS-B, ADS-T/R, and UAT.

The alternatives to ADSBExchange.com are FlightAware, FlightRadar24, etc.

The SNWBD* callsigns were monitored on Flight aware.

 

[reconrider8]

when i went to cherry point last year i ran my adsb setup at the show and the only ac that mapped was the cover ac that was flying above the show

 

[Harold]

Suggest you check Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas today as there is an Air Show this weekend. Many of the performers are visible on ADSB Exchange today.

 

[MiCon]

mws72, your question got me wondering about this.

I have no idea what the requirements are for flight radar tracking, but most sanctioned air shows receive a TFR for restricted air space. If the performers are flying in a restricted air space - in other words, protected from other aircraft in the the area from flying too close - do they even need to be on radar?

<>< Mike