Methodology

Query OpenSky Network free API — live state vectors from crowd-sourced ADS-B receivers worldwide

Input: ICAO24 hexadecimal (6 chars, e.g. 3c6444) or registration for link generation

Returns: callsign, position, altitude (baro/geo), speed, heading, vertical rate, squawk, on-ground flag

Aircraft metadata: registration, manufacturer, model, operator, owner, year built (OpenSky aircraft DB)

Position source: ADS-B (transponder direct), MLAT (multilateration), ASTERIX (radar), FLARM (gliders)

Coverage gaps: oceanic, polar regions, low-altitude, transponder-off — supplement with ADS-B Exchange