Frequently asked questions
Short answers about Dataero, its apps and its data.
General
What does Dataero do?
Dataero runs an ADS-B receiver network and turns the live traffic it observes, together with flight-plan data, into software and data for airports, aviation authorities and aircraft operators.
Where is the data hosted?
In the European Union. Dataero Europe SRL is a Belgian company.
How do I get a demo or a quote?
Use the contact form. Tell us about your organisation and what you want to achieve; we answer with a demo proposal or a quote.
Is there a public price list?
No. Every subscription is scoped to the airports, aerodromes or data you need, so we send a quote after a short conversation.
Is the ADS-B network free to join?
Yes. Feeding is free and feeders get full access to the radar in return.
Airports
Is it only for small airports?
It is designed for regional airports and airfields, where teams are small and many flights file no plan. Larger airports can use the data products and the API.
Do we need to install servers?
No. The apps run in the browser; the only equipment is a SmartBox where the network needs one.
Aviation authorities
Can a public authority start small?
Yes. A pilot on a few aerodromes is the usual first step; the scope and the procurement route are agreed with you.
Aircraft operators
Do we need equipment on board?
No. The network listens to the ADS-B your aircraft already broadcast.
ADS-B contributors
What do I get as a feeder?
Full access to the radar, a year of history, your coverage dashboard and a personal API key, free.
How much does the hardware cost?
A Raspberry Pi, a USB receiver and an antenna. The workshop on radar.dataero.eu lists the parts for a basic indoor setup and for an outdoor one.
Airport operations
Do aircraft need to file a flight plan to appear?
No. Aircraft appear whether or not they filed a flight plan; flight-plan details are added where they exist.
What if our airport is not covered today?
A SmartBox installed on site by your own technical staff, with remote support, closes the gap. It only needs an internet connection.
Does it replace our tower or air traffic systems?
No. It is an operations and administration tool for the airport team, not an air traffic control or separation system.
Airport billing
Can we use our own tariffs?
Yes. Tariffs, weight classes, exemptions and surcharges are configured per airport.
Does Dataero send invoices to operators?
No. The tool prepares the charges; your team approves them and invoices from its own systems.
Drone authorisations
Who takes the decision?
Your airport team, always. The tool collects the request and shows the context; it never approves a flight by itself.
How do we get started?
Request a demo and tell us about your airport; we will tell you what is needed to start.
Capacity planning
How do we get started?
Request a demo and tell us about your airport; we will tell you what is needed to start.
National oversight
How are small airfields covered?
By the ADS-B receiver network, and where coverage is thin, by SmartBox receivers installed by the airfield's own staff with Dataero remote support.
Can we start with a few aerodromes?
Yes. A pilot usually starts with a small group of aerodromes and grows from there.
Live radar
Is the radar free?
Yes. Watching is free; a free account unlocks more aircraft and history.
How do I add my own receiver?
Follow the Become a feeder guide on radar.dataero.eu. The installer runs on a Raspberry Pi with a USB receiver and an antenna.
ADS-B network
Who runs the receivers?
Volunteers at home, partner networks that exchange data with Dataero, and airports with a SmartBox. Feeders get free access to the radar in return.
Can I add a receiver?
Yes. See the contributors page: a Raspberry Pi, a USB receiver and an antenna are enough to start.
SmartBox
Does Dataero come on site to install it?
No. Your own technical staff install it, with Dataero remote support during and after the installation.
What does it need from our IT?
Power, a place for the antenna with a clear view of the sky, and internet access. All connections go out from the box; nothing comes in.
Data feeds and API
Do feeders get API access?
Yes. Every feeder can request a personal API key from their radar profile.
How do we get a commercial feed?
Request a quote with the area, aerodromes or fleet you need; feeds are scoped per customer.
See it with your own data
Tell us about your airport, authority or fleet and we will show you what the network already sees there.