[therockspush]

I can see something like this being able to work without paying for access to a flightaware api or something similar as ADS-B rolls out fully. A lot of aviation companies still pay hefty fees to tap into ATC data, that will essentially be made free. ADS-B Out broadcasts identification, position, altitude...

With more aviation geeks out there supplying the data, people won't be reliant on centralized sources of info.

http://www.aopa.org/Advocacy/Air-Traffic-Services-,-a-,-Tech...

[Veratyr]

Interestingly, "aviation geeks out there supplying the data" are how the FlightAware API you mention gets much of its data:

https://flightaware.com/adsb/coverage#data-coverage

https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/

With a bit of promotion your idea could work and in fact... It does!

http://www.adsbexchange.com/

http://global.adsbexchange.com/VirtualRadar/desktop.html

Also, ADS-B rollout isn't entirely necessary. It's possible to triangulate places with the older Mode-S transponder through MLAT as long as you have enough receivers in the area.

[yitchelle]

Thanks for sharing this. This looks like a really good alternative to flightaware, if the data is accurate.