FANET and FANET+: the free flight network explained simply
FANET is a communication network developed for free flight. It allows compatible instruments to exchange position and small data between pilots — it is neither a certified anti-collision system, nor an automatic means of being seen by powered aviation.
What is FANET?
FANET is an ad hoc network designed specifically for free flight: equipped devices (paraglider, hang glider) directly exchange their position and small data, without going through a telecom operator.
What is it used for?
To locate other equipped pilots around you, to identify yourself to them, and to exchange short messages — a use designed for group free flight practice, not for general aeronautical surveillance.
What information can be exchanged?
Position, identification, short messages and, depending on the ecosystem and available stations, weather or community tracking data. The exact scope depends on the manufacturer and the network to which the device is connected.
Does FANET work without mobile network?
Yes for direct air-to-air exchange between equipped devices: it is a dedicated radio network, independent of mobile coverage. Some ancillary services (web tracking, weather), however, may require Internet.
What is FANET+?
FANET+ combines the FANET network and FLARM compatibility depending on the device's implementation. In Switzerland, the current recommendation communicated for free flight associates FANET+ and ADS-L Out — one does not replace the other, they complement each other.
What's the difference between FANET and FLARM?
FANET is a network specific to free flight; the FLARM is an older system, widely used among glider pilots, with its own trajectory calculation functions on compatible devices. FANET+ adds a bridge between the two, without merging them.
What's the difference between FANET and ADS-L?
ADS-L is an electronic conspicuity standard designed for interoperability with a wider range of light aircraft, while FANET is a community network specific to free flight. See our ADS-L vs FANET comparison.
Is a FANET device visible to an airplane?
Not automatically. FANET alone does not make a device visible to powered aviation: an additional protocol (ADS-L, FLARM or ADS-B) compatible with what these aircraft actually receive is needed.
Can FANET use ground stations?
Depending on the network and available coverage, ground stations can receive and retransmit certain FANET information — an infrastructure architecture separate from the air-to-air protocol itself.
Which instruments use FANET?
Some of the variometers and free flight instruments on the market. Check our catalogue or our compatibility tool for a specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not directly. FANET is a network specific to free flight: it does not automatically make a device visible to powered aviation. For that, an additional protocol compatible with what these aircraft receive is needed (ADS-L, FLARM or ADS-B depending on the case).