Real-time Flight Tracker API: What the Data Looks Like and Where to Get It
Tags: aviation, developer, flightdata, json
Published: 2022-07-27 19:23:00

In this post, we will feature the highlights of the Aviation Edge [Flights Tracker API](https://aviation-edge.com/flight-radar-and-tracker-api/). In case you are looking for flight tracking data to build a virtual map or track flight location in real-time, you will find pretty useful links, developer info, and suggestions here.

![The API is perfect for building virtual flight tracking maps.
](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/20fqn2t8poswptpfckze.jpeg)

Flight tracking projects require a massive amount of data for each request and this is almost impossible to maintain on your end. The flight tracking data needs to be live with constant updates on the location of the aircraft. The higher the coverage the more successful your project will turn out. Below, we will talk in more detail about our Flights Tracker API as a solution that will make sure your project runs as smoothly as it gets.

---

### Data Coverage, Quality, Sources

The 3 most important features to consider when you are choosing the right API for you:

- Does it cover my requirements (region+what flight details are included)?
- Is the data accurate/reliable?
- Where does the data come from?

#### Data Coverage
The Flights Tracker API was created for developers by developers in the aviation sector, so we know what you are looking for in a flight API. The API generally covers live, airborne aircraft that are equipped with **ADS-B**, although a portion of radar and MLAT aircraft are included as well. There are **no limitations region-wise** and the API tracks all aircraft, anywhere in the world.

The API only covers general aviation aircraft which means military aircraft are not typically covered.

---

Here are the details you will see for each flight in a standard Flight Tracking API output:

- **Geography:** Latitude, longitude, altitude and direction.
- **Speed:** Vertical and horizontal speed of the aircraft.
- **Departure and arrival:** IATA and ICAO codes of the departure and arrival airport.
- **Aircraft:** IATA and ICAO code of the airplane model + tail (registration) number.
- **Flight:** IATA and ICAO flight number.
- **Airline:** IATA code and ICAO code of airline.
- **System information:** Squawk, status and last updated time in epoch format.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rq7ioxon7ulby1162jah.png)

---

#### Accuracy and Quality
The Flight Tracking API updates around **every 5 minutes**. If you refresh the data as frequently, your client will display the latest available data at all times. The API has a **99.8% uptime rate**, so downtimes will not be an issue. The response times are around **0.3 ms** but may differ based on the amount of data requested in 1 API call. Want to hear another good news? No matter how many flights are in the response (which can get up to 15k!), every successful action of pulling data with the API will consume **only one API call** from your monthly limit. 

The Flight Tracker API is trusted by many big organizations from major airlines to government bodies among other **over 6000** API users that include travel agencies, software companies, academics, airport operators, greeting service providers, independent developers, web designers, aviation enthusiasts, and more. It would be nice to have you onboard, too!

---

#### Sources
Aviation Edge aggregates the flight tracking data from multiple sources, primarily its trusted partners in the aviation and data sectors. The data needs to be collected and maintained in real-time. This is where we come in. We aggregate this collected data on our servers and provide it to our clients with the convenience of **JSON REST APIs**. Thanks to the structure of the API, it is possible to build projects with **any major SDK** you can think of.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/abwd90ktqu6afcg8eegg.jpeg)

---

#### Developer Information

For the complete documentation for input, output, filters, and more, feel free to [visit our Website](https://aviation-edge.com/developers/) or view the [GitHub repo](ttps://github.com/AviationEdgeAPI/Flights-Tracker-API) for the Aviation Edge Flight Tracking API.

If anything's unclear, [contact us](https://aviation-edge.com/contact/) and we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have!

---

### Conclusion - How to Get Started

If everything sounds  good so far, wonderful! Getting your API key and starting right away takes only a minute.
Simply choose the plan that works best for you [right here](https://aviation-edge.com/premium-api/) and your API key will be automatically sent to your email. No further authorization required, you may simply start getting data with your key.

The API is provided through API subscriptions that renew every month automatically since we provide real time and the data  flow should not be interrupted. However, it is always possible to cancel or upgrade your plan anytime, simply depending on how your project goes. **No commitments.**


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/h06h0hqjqn65zoo5ai4j.png)

---

Follow us everywhere!
https://linktr.ee/AviationEdgeAPI