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Air Safety Institute: SXM vs. ADS-B
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).
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Dare to Compare
Check out, in detail, the differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather – from delivery method, frequency of updates, to features offered.

Dare to Compare

 


Infographic - SXM vs. ADS-B: What does this mean for your flight?
‘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

The availability and display of service features and SiriusXM Audio varies by hardware provider.1
ADS-B In (FIS-B)2
Network Coverage
Altitude limitations /
line-of-sight restrictions
Coast to Coast High-Res (2km) Composite NEXRAD Radar
Hi-res limited to 150-250 NM of position. Lower res beyond that. Update rates vary.
High-Resolution Base Reflectivity Radar
NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes
Lightning: Cloud-to-Cloud & Cloud-to-Ground
Cloud-to-Ground only / Limited to 150 to 250 NM of position dependent on plane altitude in CONUS
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Limited to 100NM of position
Winds Aloft
Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
Temps Aloft
Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
AIRMETs & SIGMETs
Limited to 250-500NM of position
PIREPs
Limited to 250-500NM of position
Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields
Standard Forecast Winds
High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast
Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars
Radar Coverage/Site Status
Icing NOWcast
Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS
Limited to 250-500NM of position
Cloud Top Image
Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Echo Top Raster
Graphical Turbulence Guidance
150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Freezing Level
Surface Visibility Forecast
150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio3
Canadian Weather Warnings
NOTAMs
Limited to 100NM of position
Special Use Airspace Status
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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIRIUSXM AVIATION Help and Support

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Send a Refresh Signal
Haven't flown in a while? We can send a "wake up" signal to your hardware.
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Service Coverage Area
SiriusXM Aviation service is available in the continental United States, southern Canada and coastal regions.
Explore the Coverage Map
Canadian pilots, please visit us at siriusxm.ca/aviation

 


Need some extra assistance?

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

How can I temporarily suspend service if I won’t be flying for a while (due to winter weather, maintenance, other)?

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.

Are there any long-term subscription requirements for SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?

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

Customer Agreement

How often is the SiriusXM Aviation Weather data updated?

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

I live/fly in Canada - where can I purchase SiriusXM Aviation weather service?

SiriusXM Aviation coverage area includes southern Canada. Canadian residents can subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation at siriusxm.ca/aviation.