Position updates
Position updates are sent every 5 seconds.
Pilots
Pilot position updates are prefixed with @:
@(mode):(callsign):(squawk):(rating):(lat):(lon):(alt):(groundspeed):(num1):(num2)
Transponder mode
(mode) refers to the transponder mode. It consists of a single letter:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| S | Standby |
| N | Mode C |
| Y | Squawk ident |
Regardless of transponder mode, the altitude is always included in a position update.
Squawk code
A squawk code of 7500 (aircraft hijacking) will result in an immediate disconnection from the server.
Unknown fields
The meaning of the following fields is unclear:
(num1)is a number of up to 10 digits. It seems to begin with 4.(num2)is an integer. There seems to be a wide range of values, anywhere between 1 and 3 digits, and can be positive or negative.
ATC
ATC updates are prefixed with %:
%(callsign):(freq):(altitude):(protocol version):(rating):(lat):(lon)
ATC stations and observers also have a location and altitude associated with them, even though they do not move throughout a session.