SiriusXM Aviation vs. ADS-B
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In this review from AOPA’s Air Safety Institute, John Zimmerman, an aviation writer and ATP, compares the service that revolutionized cockpit weather - SiriusXM Aviation - to the more recent ADS-B (FIS-B).
Check out, in detail, the differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather – from delivery method, frequency of updates, to features offered.
‘Fly’ through this interactive infographic to see the differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather at each stage of flight.
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Compare SiriusXM Aviation Plans to ADS-B
Select a SiriusXM Aviation plan with the dropdown to compare its features to ADS-B weather (FIS-B).
Package Features
Fees, taxes and Offer Details apply. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plan | SiriusXM Pilot Express | ADS-B In (FIS-B) | |||
Network Coverage | Network Coverage | No altitude limitations / no line-of-sight restrictions | Altitude limitations / line-of-sight restrictions | ||
Coast to Coast High-Res (2km) Composite NEXRAD Radar | Coast to Coast High-Res (2km) Composite NEXRAD Radar | CONUS (2.5 min updates) | Hi-res limited to 150-250 NM of position. Lower res beyond that. Update rates vary. | ||
High-Resolution Base Reflectivity Radar | High-Resolution Base Reflectivity Radar | CONUS | Not included | ||
NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes | NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes | CONUS | Not included | ||
Lightning: Cloud-to-Cloud & Cloud-to-Ground | Lightning: Cloud-to-Cloud & Cloud-to-Ground | CONUS & non-CONUS (2.5 min updates) | Cloud-to-Ground only / Limited to 150 to 250 NM of position dependent on plane altitude in CONUS | ||
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) | Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) | CONUS | Limited to 100NM of position | ||
Winds Aloft | Winds Aloft | Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates / CONUS & non-CONUS | Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude | ||
Temps Aloft | Temps Aloft | Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates / CONUS & non-CONUS | Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude | ||
AIRMETs & SIGMETs | AIRMETs & SIGMETs | CONUS & non-Conus | Limited to 250-500NM of position | ||
PIREPs | PIREPs | CONUS & non-Conus | Limited to 250-500NM of position | ||
Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields | Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
Standard Forecast Winds | Standard Forecast Winds | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast | High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars | Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
Radar Coverage/Site Status | Radar Coverage/Site Status | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
Icing NOWcast | Icing NOWcast | Observed data / CONUS & non-CONUS | Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude | ||
METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS | METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS | Not included | Limited to 250-500NM of position | ||
Cloud Top Image | Cloud Top Image | Not included | Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude | ||
Echo Top Raster | Echo Top Raster | Not included | Not included | ||
Graphical Turbulence Guidance | Graphical Turbulence Guidance | Not included | 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude | ||
Freezing Level | Freezing Level | CONUS & non-CONUS | Not included | ||
Surface Visibility Forecast | Surface Visibility Forecast | Not included | Not included | ||
150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio3 | 150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio3 | Additional subscription required | Not included | ||
Canadian Weather Warnings | Canadian Weather Warnings | Not included | Not included | ||
NOTAMs | NOTAMs | N/A | Limited to 100NM of position | ||
Special Use Airspace Status | Special Use Airspace Status | N/A | Limited to 100NM of position | ||
2-Month SiriusXM Aviation Trial
Try 2 months of SiriusXM Aviation’s weather and entertainment to decide if it’s right for you. Click for Offer Details.
Help and Support
Haven't flown in a while? We can send a "wake up" signal to your hardware.
SiriusXM Aviation service is available in the continental United States, southern Canada and coastal regions.
Canadian pilots, please visit us at siriusxm.ca/aviation
Call 1-855-796-9847 or email aviation.support@siriusxm.com for personalized help with SiriusXM Aviation. You can also log in to your account if you have account specific issues.
FAQs
You can suspend your SiriusXM Aviation Weather service at no cost for up to 6 months when you are not using it by calling 1-800-985-9200 and asking to suspend.
You can subscribe monthly to SiriusXM Aviation service or annually. The SiriusXM Aviation subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your...
SiriusXM Aviation data service elements are updated at multiple rates. Dynamic elements like radar and lightning are updated every 2.5 minutes (twice as fast as ADS-B), while other more stable data...
SiriusXM Aviation coverage area includes southern Canada. Canadian residents can subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation at siriusxm.ca/aviation.
OFFER DETAILS: The SiriusXM Aviation subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see our Customer Agreement for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content, and programming are subject to change.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The SiriusXM Service may include traffic, weather and other content and emergency alert information and data. Such information and data is not for "safety for life," but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety critical in connection with any aircraft, sea craft, automobile, or any other usage. Service not available in AK or HI.
1 The availability and display of service features and SiriusXM Audio varies by hardware provider. View Garmin GDL69/ 69A SXM feature compatibility.
2 FAA Advisory Circular: https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_00-45h.pdf
3 SiriusXM Satellite Radio audio service sold separately. Satellite Radio may be purchased for a reduced fee with a SiriusXM Aviation package. Audio activation fee is $15 if activated separately from SiriusXM Aviation.