Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ADX-1.

Product & Features

What is ADX-1? +

ADX-1 is a hardware and software appliance that provides automated dispatch, radio-based flight following, active aircraft tracking, distributed situational awareness, SMS escalation, operational reporting, and fail-safe manual fallback for small aviation operators running 2 to 15 aircraft.

How does ADX-1 work? +

ADX-1 listens to your dispatch radio frequency. When pilots call to open or close flights, ADX-1 recognizes the callsign and structured phraseology. The appliance maintains flight state, tracks aircraft positions via ADS-B, watches for late flights, escalates via SMS, and logs everything.

What radio does it use? +

ADX-1 includes an Icom A120B VHF airband dispatch radio. This is the standard for aviation dispatch. The radio is integrated into the appliance with built-in radio interface and PTT (push-to-talk) control.

Does ADX-1 require cloud or internet? +

ADX-1 runs locally on the appliance. No cloud dependency. SMS escalation uses SMS carriers (requires internet for SMS gateway), but core dispatch operations work offline. This is important for operational continuity.

What if the internet goes down? +

If internet drops, ADX-1 continues to operate locally. Dispatch functions work normally. SMS escalation will queue and send once internet returns. Manual fallback is always available.

Safety & Authority

Does ADX-1 replace air traffic control? +

No. ADX-1 has no authority over flight operations. It does not clear aircraft, issue instructions, or make decisions. ADX-1 supports dispatch and flight following. ATC authority remains with ATC.

Does ADX-1 replace the PIC (Pilot in Command)? +

No. The PIC retains all authority over the aircraft and its operations. ADX-1 provides situational awareness, escalates emergencies, and logs events. It does not command flights or override PIC decisions.

Does ADX-1 meet aviation regulations? +

ADX-1 is a dispatch support tool designed to help operators follow their procedures and maintain regulatory compliance. It does not replace regulatory authority or company procedures. Use ADX-1 with your existing safety programs.

What happens if ADX-1 fails? +

If ADX-1 hardware or software fails, manual fallback takes over immediately. Your dispatcher can continue operations using the radio and manual controls. We then coordinate hardware replacement for continuity.

Operations & Workflow

How does flight opening work? +

Pilot calls on the frequency: 'Dispatch, November 123, with a request.' ADX-1 hears the callsign and prepares a flight record. Dispatcher confirms: 'Roger, N123, cleared to dispatch.' ADX-1 opens the flight with timestamp and expected return time based on flight type.

How does flight closing work? +

Pilot calls: 'Cancel flight following.' Dispatcher confirms: 'Roger, flight following cancelled.' ADX-1 closes the flight record with landing timestamp, total airtime, position history, and any alerts triggered.

How does aircraft tracking work? +

Once airborne, the aircraft's ADS-B signal is received by ADX-1 and displayed on the operations map. Position, altitude, and heading update in real time. If the signal is lost, the last-known position is logged.

How does escalation work? +

If an aircraft is still airborne past the expected return time, ADX-1 sends an SMS alert to designated contacts. Thresholds are configurable (e.g., 15 min late, 30 min overdue, critical). Escalation can include additional alerts or calls to emergency services.

Pricing & Support

Why is the hardware sold at cost? +

The purpose of ADX-1 is to make dispatch automation accessible to small operators. Selling at cost lowers the barrier to entry. The subscription funds development, support, customization, and continuous improvement.

What if I cancel the subscription? +

The appliance will continue to run and log flights locally, but you won't receive software updates, new features, or support. We recommend keeping the subscription active to ensure your operation stays current and supported.

Is there a contract or lock-in? +

No. Your subscription is month-to-month. You can cancel at any time. We believe in earning your continued trust through support and service.

What if my hardware breaks? +

If your unit fails, we overnight-ship a preconfigured replacement unit at no additional cost (covered by warranty and subscription). Your operation doesn't experience downtime.

Do you offer volume discounts? +

Yes. Contact our sales team to discuss volume pricing for multi-unit or multi-site deployments.

Data & Reporting

What flight data does ADX-1 log? +

Every flight record includes: opening time, aircraft, crew, passengers, flight type, expected duration, actual landing time, position history, any alerts triggered, escalation events, and complete audit trail.

Can I export flight records? +

Yes. ADX-1 supports export of flight records to CSV, PDF, and other formats. You can query by date, aircraft, crew, or other criteria. Data remains yours.

How long are flight records retained? +

Flight records are stored locally on the ADX-1 appliance with configurable retention policies. Default is 24 months. You can extend retention or migrate records to external storage.

Can I use flight records for accident investigation? +

Yes. Complete flight records with timestamps, position history, and escalation events are valuable for accident investigation, regulatory review, and insurance claims.

Technical & Setup

How long does setup take? +

Initial setup is 30 to 60 minutes: we help you configure your aircraft, callsigns, flight types, escalation contacts, and preferences. You're ready to operate after setup.

Do I need IT staff to maintain ADX-1? +

No. ADX-1 is designed for operators without IT resources. It's a turnkey appliance. Software updates are handled remotely. If issues arise, contact our support team.

What are the physical requirements? +

ADX-1 is a compact, fanless appliance designed for dispatch offices. It needs 120V AC power and a clear line to your antenna. The appliance fits on a shelf or in a rack.

Can I customize ADX-1 for my operation? +

Yes. Your subscription includes operation-specific customization: aircraft list, callsigns, flight types, phraseology, escalation policies, alert thresholds, and contact lists.

Does ADX-1 work with multiple bases? +

Yes. If you operate from multiple locations, we can configure separate appliances at each base or a single appliance with multi-site support. Contact us to discuss your setup.

Comparison & Alternatives

How is ADX-1 different from flight-tracking apps? +

Flight-tracking apps are consumer tools for aircraft watchers. ADX-1 is purpose-built dispatch infrastructure: radio integration, automated state management, SMS escalation, and operational logging designed for small operator accountability.

Can I use ADX-1 with ADS-B Exchange or Flightaware? +

ADX-1 receives ADS-B directly. If you have an external ADS-B receiver or feed, ADX-1 can integrate that data. It's flexible and works with your existing infrastructure.

Does ADX-1 work with legacy radio systems? +

ADX-1 is built around the Icom A120B radio. If you have a different radio, contact us to discuss integration options.

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