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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
ADS-B is a surveillance technology in which aircraft determine their position using GNSS (satellite navigation) and periodically broadcast that position along with identification, altitude, velocity, and other data. Ground stations and other aircraft equipped with ADS-B receivers can pick up these broadcasts, enabling real-time tracking without traditional radar. ADS-B is divided into two components: ADS-B Out (transmitting position data) and ADS-B In (receiving data from other aircraft). Many countries now mandate ADS-B Out for operations in controlled airspace. The technology enables more precise tracking, reduced separation minimums, and improved situational awareness for both controllers and pilots.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

ADS-B is simulated on online networks like VATSIM and IVAO, where your aircraft’s position is broadcast to controllers and other pilots. Flight tracking services such as FlightRadar24 also use ADS-B data from real-world aircraft, and similar tracking concepts apply in the virtual environment through Pegasus ACARS.
  • ATC - Air Traffic Control
  • GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System
  • TCAS - Traffic Collision Avoidance System