Common Scenarios & Use Cases

Common Scenarios & Use Cases

Common Scenarios & Use Cases

Real-world situations pilots encounter with Stratux.

Flight School / Club Use

Multiple Aircraft

Stratux works with any aircraft — it’s portable. Carry it between planes.

Tip: Create a laminated quick-start card for students: - Connect to “stratux” WiFi - Password: [your password] - Open ForeFlight, verify connection

Cost Savings

At $200-400 per unit, flight schools can equip every aircraft for the price of one commercial unit.

Training

Students learn ADS-B concepts hands-on. Understanding weather sources, traffic, and EFB integration is valuable.

Cross-Country Flying

Pre-flight

  1. Charge battery (or ensure aircraft power available)
  2. Download charts/plates in EFB
  3. Check Stratux boots correctly

In Flight

  • Weather appears after ~1,000 feet AGL
  • Monitor traffic during cruise
  • Use for big-picture weather awareness

Fuel Stops

Stratux continues working as long as powered. No need to “reconnect” at each stop — just keep WiFi connected.

IFR in VMC

Many IFR pilots fly in visual conditions but file IFR for services. Stratux provides: - Traffic awareness beyond ATC calls - Weather overview for strategic decisions - Backup position/attitude reference

Remember: Stratux is supplemental. Fly your certified instruments.

Backcountry / Off-Airport

Limited Coverage

FIS-B ground stations don’t cover remote areas. Expect: - Reduced or no weather at low altitudes - Direct 1090 MHz traffic still works - GPS and AHRS unaffected

Mountain Flying

Terrain can block 978 MHz signals. You may have weather at altitude but lose it descending into valleys.

Renting Aircraft

Portability

Stratux doesn’t require installation. Suction mount to window, plug in power, fly.

Standard Setup

If you always use the same Stratux + iPad, your configuration follows you to any aircraft.

Formation Flying

ADS-B shows nearby aircraft positions. Useful for: - Verifying wingman position - Rejoining after separation - Traffic deconfliction

Note: Update rates may not be fast enough for close formation. Use visual reference and radio.

Pattern Work

On the Ground

Limited ADS-B reception on the ramp. Don’t rely on traffic display until airborne.

Traffic Pattern

Traffic works well for pattern awareness — seeing who’s on downwind, base, final.

Touch and Goes

Stratux stays connected through multiple patterns. No need to reconfigure.

Long Cross-Countries

Battery Life

Battery Approximate Runtime
6,000 mAh ~4 hours
10,000 mAh ~6-8 hours
20,000 mAh ~12+ hours
Aircraft USB Unlimited

For long flights, use aircraft power or carry a spare battery.

Weather Progression

On long flights, watch weather evolve: - NEXRAD updates every ~5 minutes - METARs update hourly (or special) - Plan diversions early

Night VFR

Stratux provides situational awareness when you can’t see as far: - Traffic positions even in darkness - Weather awareness - Moving map reduces navigation workload

Alaska / Remote Areas

Limited ground infrastructure means:

  • Sparse TIS-B coverage
  • Direct 1090 MHz traffic only
  • GPS and AHRS still work everywhere

Many Alaska pilots use Stratux as affordable portable ADS-B, understanding limitations.

Glider Operations

Europe

Use Stratux Europe Edition for FLARM compatibility: - github.com/b3nn0/stratux

USA

Standard Stratux works. No FLARM needed.

Integration

Works with Open Glider Network (OGN) for traffic sharing among glider pilots.

Helicopter Operations

Same installation as fixed-wing. Considerations: - Vibration can loosen USB connections - Magnetic compass interference from rotors - Works fine for traffic and weather

Vintage / Experimental Aircraft

Stratux is especially valuable in aircraft without modern avionics: - No panel modifications required - Portable between aircraft - Affordable traffic and weather


Your scenario not listed? Ask in Discord — someone’s probably solved it.

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