11. Traffic

11.1. OzRunways/RWY Traffic System (in-app)

Image 11.1 Traffic options on map

RWY has implemented a traffic system based on the use of mobile (3G/4G) networks. The way this works is as follows. If you opt in and are network connected, the App detects whether you are flying. If you are, it starts sending data packets to the mobile network that hold your callsign, your position, heading and climb/descent rate. In addition, if you have an active plan, that plan is sent to an OzRunways server. The traffic system data usage is below 1 megabyte per hour (very minimal). The server receives the data and determines whether there are any aircraft in your vicinity and sends those aircraft back to your App, which are then displayed on the Map Page.

The icon in the top right of the map screen enables or disables the traffic display as seen in Image 11.1. A single tap on the traffic icon reveals the traffic system options as shown above in Image 11.1. A ‘tap and hold’ on the traffic icon will momentarily enlarge all traffic bubbles on the map. If you wish to see other OzRunways/RWY traffic on the map you must also broadcast your own position. If you wish to hide your callsign then turn off the ‘Share my callsign’ option. Your callsign will then appear as ‘Unknown’.

Image 11.2 Traffic icon

The traffic displayed is the closest 18 active aircraft to your current location. Each light blue traffic icon displays a callsign as specified in the Callsign box of the Traffic Options icon.

Below the callsign is the altitude relative to your current altitude in 100’s of feet. For example see Image 11.2. VH-KEG is 800ft above us, and VH-OTY is 4900ft above us. Additionally, the direction of travel is indicated by an arrow on the circumference of the circular icon. In the figure VH-KEG is tracking south, and VH-OTY is tracking west. If you tap on a traffic icon it will momentarily zoom, and if the user has an OzRunways/RWY plan active it will display that plan as a magenta line.

Image 11.3 Traffic icon legend

11.2. tx.ozrunways.com (traffic wesbite)

OzRunways & RWY traffic is also displayed on the website https://tx.ozrunways.com This is displayed on a normal web browser (not the app). Aircraft are illustrated on the map as red directional arrows. Tap on any of these arrows for more information. If a plan is available for that aircraft it is displayed in blue. Airspace is also displayed on the map and can be indicated by tapping on the airspace in question.

The traffic website keeps a history previous flights you have completed (provided you had the traffic system switched on and working). Tap on ‘My Flights’ at the top of the website and log in with your RWY username to see your flight history. A list of flights is presented with some icons to the right of each entry. You have the option to share your flight via Twitter or Facebook, or you can preview the flight on the map or download it as a KML or GPX file.

11.3. ADS-B Traffic

RWY supports ABS-B receivers that connect via WiFi and use the GDL90 protocol.

ADS-B Receiver Setup

Connect your device to the ADS-B receiver in RWY → Settings → External Devices → Select external device network.

Do not connect in the tablet’s own WiFi settings otherwise you may lose access to your cellular data / mobile internet.

ADS-B Receiver Troubleshooting

If you have confirmed that you are connected to the ADS-B receiver via WiFi and it is still not working follow these steps:

In RWY → Settings → External Devices ensure that Enable GDL90/Stratux/Flightbox is switched ON.

The receiver should appear in the External Devices section along with it’s name, number of messages being received, and IP address.

Your device can likely only be connected to one WiFi network at a time. If you usually ‘hotspot’ internet from another source (such as a phone) you may not be able to do this concurrently, unless you can connect to the hotspot using Bluetooth instead.

Check that you are running the latest version of RWY in the Play Store / Google Play app. RWY receives regular updates for new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

On the map page, ADS-B traffic is displayed just like regular OzRunways traffic but in a darker shade of blue (Image 11.2)

11.4. Portable ADS-B Out

Low cost, portable ADS-B OUT devices are coming to VFR aircraft in Australia!

These portable devices allow all pilots to enjoy the benefits of increased situational awareness, with ADS-B IN receiver functionality to see other aircraft on your EFB, and ADS-B OUT functionality so these aircraft can now see you too.

Check out the SkyEcho and other ADS-B devices on our website: https://www.ozrunways.com/store/adsb/