SiriusXM vs. ADS-B

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

Select First Package

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIRIUSXM AVIATION Help and Support

Send a Refresh Signal

Haven't flown in a while? We can send a "wake up" signal to your hardware.
Refresh Your Hardware

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 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 features are subject to change. You can suspend your Aviation service for up to 6 months at no charge when your plane is not in use. See rebate terms for any subscription term requirements.

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 elements are updated every 60+ minutes. It's important to note that there are two variables at work with our broadcast weather service: data update rates and transmit intervals. While a product source may be updated every 30 minutes, the same data may be transmitted every 5 minutes to ensure your display is up to date. SiriusXM worked with its avionics partners to arrive at the optimal cadence of updated data and transmit intervals to ensure customers receive critical information in a timely manner.

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.

See all Aviation FAQs

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.

²FAA 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.

Compare SiriusXM Aviation Plans to ADS-B

2-Month SiriusXM Aviation Trial

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIRIUSXM AVIATION Help and Support

Need some extra assistance?

FAQs

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

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

How often is the SiriusXM Aviation Weather data updated?

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