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About PlaneWX

Sat-phone in-flight texts

Labs

Short fact texts to your Iridium sat-phone while you are airborne: a destination WX Score alert only when the score moves to 0%, plus arrival runway facts from D-ATIS when available, or the latest METAR or SPECI when the destination has no D-ATIS (on by default when you opt in). This feature is in Labs and available to admins only for now. Incoming satellite messages may cost money on your sat plan.

What is sent

  • Score alert - only when the destination WX Score moves to 0% (Unfavorable). Other score moves are logged, not texted.
  • Runway / D-ATIS text - on by default. Destination letter, wind, and runway configuration. No arrival procedures, no STAR names, no NOTAMs. A new ATIS letter re-sends the runway text. Airports without D-ATIS get the latest METAR (or SPECI), labeled METAR or SPECI, with the observation time. A newer observation re-sends. Every text, including arrival ATIS and METAR texts, counts toward the per-flight cap and the 20-minute spacing.
  • Nearby line - up to three airports ranked by score then distance (facts, not advice).
KAPA WX Score 0% Unfavorable. TAF 1720Z ETA 1815Z.
KAPA ATIS M: wind 180 at 8 RWY 17L/17R 1753Z ETA 1815Z.
KMQY METAR 1453Z: KMQY 111453Z 18008KT 10SM CLR 22/10 A3012.

When it sends

Score alerts fire only on a move to 0%, and re-arm after the score recovers above 0%. The first arrival runway text can go out starting 75 minutes before ETA. PlaneWX re-sends a D-ATIS runway text only when the ATIS letter changes, or a METAR or SPECI text only when a newer observation is issued. Every text, including arrival ATIS and METAR texts, counts toward the per-flight cap (default 6) and the 20-minute spacing between texts.

Destinations with D-ATIS get ATIS facts; destinations without D-ATIS get the latest METAR, labeled METAR or SPECI. Blocked tails (not visible to public flight tracking) rely on your filed ETA instead of live track data.

How to turn it on

  1. Labs admin access required for now.
  2. Add and verify an Iridium number (+8816 or +8817) under Notifications / Text Alerts, then opt in with consent.
  3. On the Aircraft page, open Edit for the aircraft you will fly and turn on Satellite Phone under Capabilities & Equipment (the card still shows an On/Off status line when collapsed).
  4. Legs under the minimum flight time stay off (short-leg notice).

STOP and cost

Reply STOP to clear sat-phone opt-in. Incoming sat texts can cost money on your Iridium plan. PlaneWX keeps a per-flight cap (default 6) and 20-minute spacing. Every text, including arrival ATIS and METAR texts, counts toward both.

What it does not do

  • Does not change your departure briefing.
  • Does not give go/no-go advice or name a procedure.
  • Does not replace a full preflight weather review.

Related

Pre-Flight Text | WX Score | Plans