Aviation FAQs

Is there an email address for general questions or comments about the SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
General technical and troubleshooting inquiries can be directed to our support team at aviation.support@siriusxm.com. Questions related to a specific app or hardware should be directed to the app developer or hardware manufacturer.

How do I send a refresh signal to my aviation weather receiver?
You can send a refresh signal to your receiver at sirusxm.com/refresh on your smartphone or computer. You will need your Radio ID/ESN.

What is the coverage area for SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
The SiriusXM Aviation service coverage area includes the contiguous US, southern Canada, and Mexico plus approximately 150 miles offshore. See the Coverage Map.

What features does SiriusXM Aviation Weather have that ADS-B weather does not?
You can refer to the SiriusXM Aviation Weather vs. ADS-B Weather comparison chart for detailed information. The differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather are extensive. First, ADS-B weather is ground-based, so it has inherent limitations and fewer features. Because the SiriusXM Aviation Weather service is satellite-based, SiriusXM provides complete coast-to-coast coverage with no altitude limitations or line-of-sight restrictions, so there is full access to the service on the ground and inflight. The SiriusXM service coverage area includes the contiguous US and its coastal regions as well as southern Canada and coastal areas as shown on our Coverage Map. ADS-B service is limited to the continental US. You can also add our exclusive SiriusXM Satellite Radio service on compatible hardware.

What are the advantages of satellite-delivered weather and audio vs. ground-based services?
The main advantages of satellite-delivered weather and audio is a combination of the continuously updated content and the extensive coverage area. Satellite service is available throughout the contiguous US and southern Canada as shown on the Coverage Map. A ground-based system may not be accessible while on the ground or above certain altitudes. Additionally, ground-based service is limited to the proximity to the towers and by obstructions like mountains that can block the signal.

To meet the 2020 FAA mandate, won’t I be required to use ADS-B weather service?
No. The ADS-B mandate does not require that pilots use ADS-B (FIS-B) weather. You can choose the weather service that is best for your needs. If you compare ADS-B and SiriusXM Aviation weather, you will find SiriusXM Weather is superior in availability, coverage area, and available features. See full SiriusXM Weather vs. ADS-B Weather comparison chart.

How much does SiriusXM Aviation Weather cost per month?
There are four service plans ranging from $29.99/month to $99.99/month, plus any applicable activation fee or taxes. You can pay monthly, semiannually, or annually. For more details, visit SiriusXM Aviation.

What are my payment options for SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
You can pay with a credit card monthly, semiannually, or annually. You can also request to be invoiced, but there is an additional charge for invoice service.

How much does SiriusXM Satellite Radio cost for my plane (combined with Weather)?
SiriusXM Radio is optional and is discounted when added to an Aviation plan. Audio can be added for as low as $13.99/month when bundled with the Aviation plan. You can also get SiriusXM Radio on your phone or online with our most popular plans

Do I get a discount for having multiple plans (for example, weather plus radio)?
SiriusXM Radio is optional and is a separate monthly charge. It is discounted when bundled with the Aviation plan on the same account. Bundle all of your audio subscriptions on the same account to receive additional multi-subscription/Family discounts. Additional Aviation weather plans are not discounted. Click here to learn more.

How can I get SiriusXM Radio (audio service) in my plane?
You can add SiriusXM Radio to your SiriusXM Aviation Service. If your hardware is compatible, you can access and control satellite radio through the same equipment that you access our weather service. You can also purchase a separate SiriusXM Radio and audio plan and connect it to the audio system in your plane.

How do I activate my SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
You can activate SiriusXM Aviation Weather service online or by calling 1-855-796-9847. Have your Radio ID/ESN ready when you call to activate.

Are there any long-term contracts required for SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
You can subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation service monthly or annually. The SiriusXM Aviation plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter, and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. See our Customer Agreement for complete terms and cancellation instructions, which include calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content, and features are subject to change. You can suspend your Aviation service for up to 6 months at no charge when your plane is not in use.

How can I temporarily suspend service if I won’t be flying for a while (due to winter weather, maintenance, etc.)?
You can suspend your SiriusXM Aviation Weather Service for up to 6 months when you are not using it by calling 1-800-985-9200 and asking to suspend. When you suspend your service, we credit whatever service you have paid for your service when you start it back up.

What are the Terms & Conditions of SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
The SiriusXM plan and hardware are sold separately. The plan you choose will automatically renew and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see our Customer Agreement for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. See our Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com.

Can I activate my satellite receiver online?
After you subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation, you need to send an activation signal to your receiver. You can activate online or by calling 1-855-796-9847. Hours of operation are 8 am–8 pm ET Monday–Friday.

If it has been more than a month since I last used my satellite receiver, how can I refresh the signal?
You can send a refresh signal to your receiver at sirusxm.com/refresh on your smartphone or computer. You will need your Radio ID/ESN.

What is the Radio ID for my satellite receiver, and how do I find it?
Your Radio ID is the unique number for your receiver. The Radio ID may be printed on the unit itself, or it is available through the menu of the display device to which it is connected.

I sold my old plane and bought a newer one. How do I transfer my SiriusXM plan to my new plane?
Call 1-800-985-9200 so we can update your account and enable service on your new plane. You will need the Radio ID of the receiver in the new plane. If you sold a plane, let the new owner know it is equipped with SiriusXM Aviation and have them call us at 1-800-985-9200 to subscribe.

Who can purchase Aviation weather service?
Due to US Federal Communication Commission rules, only individuals 18 years of age or older with a continental US mailing address can purchase our Aviation Weather service. Canadian pilots can subscribe at siriusxm.ca/aviation.

I live/fly in Canada. Where can I purchase SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?
The SiriusXM Aviation coverage area includes southern Canada. Canadian residents can subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation at siriusxm.ca/aviation.

Can I access SiriusXM Aviation Weather service online?
SiriusXM Aviation Weather service is currently available only through our satellites using compatible hardware. However, SiriusXM Radio is available online with a compatible plan.

Where does SiriusXM Aviation Weather obtain the information it displays?
SiriusXM’s weather data is sourced from The Weather Company, the industry standard for weather data. The models used to generate forecast information vary by data service element or feature.

How accurate is SiriusXM Aviation Weather data?
SiriusXM data is sourced information from The Weather Company, the industry standard for weather data. It is the best data available.

How often is the SiriusXM Aviation Weather data updated?
SiriusXM data service elements are updated at multiple rates. Dynamic elements like radar and lightning are updated every 2.5 minutes (twice as fast as ADS-B), while other more stable data elements could be updated every 60+ minutes. There are two variables at work with our broadcast weather service: data update rates and transmit intervals. While a product source may be updated every 30 minutes, the same data may be transmitted every 5 minutes. SiriusXM worked with its aviation electronics partners to arrive at the optimal cadence of updated data and transmit intervals so that customers receive critical information promptly.

ForeFlight FAQs

Which SiriusXM weather features are included in the service plan compatible with the ForeFlight app?
SiriusXM Pilot for ForeFlight plan includes the essential features that pilots need. See the features chart for details.

How can I get SiriusXM Aviation Weather service on my iPad using the ForeFlight Mobile app?
To access SiriusXM Aviation service on ForeFlight Mobile, you will need: 1) version 9.4 (or later) of the ForeFlight Mobile app EFB on your iPad or iPhone, 2) a portable Garmin GDL 51 or Garmin GDL 52 or SiriusXM SXAR1 Aviation receiver and 3) a subscription to the SiriusXM Pilot for ForeFlight plan. ForeFlight Mobile is a subscription service with details available at www.foreflight.com.

What hardware do I need to access SiriusXM using the ForeFlight app?
You will need a portable Garmin GDL 51 or Garmin GDL 52 or SiriusXM SXAR1 Aviation receiver to access SiriusXM Aviation service using ForeFlight. Visit ForeFlight for the latest iOS compatibility.

How much does a Garmin GDL 51 or GDL 52 cost and where can I buy one?
To learn more or buy a Garmin GDL 51 or GDL 52, visit garmin.com.

How much does SiriusXM service cost per month with ForeFlight?
SiriusXM Pilot for ForeFlight service plan is $39.99/month plus any applicable activation fee and taxes. ForeFlight Mobile is a subscription service with details available at ForeFlight Pricing.

How much does ForeFlight Cost and is it a separate charge for SiriusXM Aviation weather service?
ForeFlight Mobile is a free download from the Apple App store, and comes with a 30-day free trial from ForeFlight that starts the day the app is downloaded onto the iPad or iPhone. After the conclusion of the 30-day free trial, pilots must purchase a plan (either at ForeFlight Pricing, or by using the button in the app) to continue using the app. Note that our weather receiver DOES work with ForeFlight Mobile during the 30-day free trial period but a subscription to the Pilot for ForeFlight plan is required to use the SiriusXM service at any time ($39.99 per month plus applicable taxes) including the ForeFlight 30-day trial period.

How do I activate SiriusXM Aviation Weather service for ForeFlight?
You will need your radio ID/ESN to activate. You can activate the SiriusXM Pilot for ForeFlight plan online or by calling 1-855-838-8563. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 8 am–8 pm ET.

How does the satellite receiver connect to my iPad? Bluetooth? Wi-Fi?
The receiver connects wirelessly to your iPad or compatible iOS device using a Bluetooth connection when running ForeFlight Mobile.

Where is the best place for the portable receiver to receive the optimal signal?
Portable receivers have a built-in antenna and require an unobstructed view to the sky for weather data reception. The optimal location for a portable receiver is as far forward under the windscreen as possible. If the portable receiver cannot be positioned on the dash with an unobstructed view to the sky, or signal is weak due to interference (e.g. heated windscreen), an accessory external antenna can be used to provide signal to the unit. External antenna kits may be purchased at shop.siriusxm.com or at sportys.com.

My front windscreen is heated, will it interfere with the portable receiver?
Heated windscreens on some aircraft may block or interfere with the receiver data reception. If you experience a weak signal condition, place the receiver close to either side window or you may choose to purchase an optional External Antenna at shop.siriusxm.com or at sportys.com.

If I have questions about using the SiriusXM Aviation service with the ForeFlight Mobile app, who do I contact?
If you have questions about how to use the service in the ForeFlight Mobile app, please contact ForeFlight’s Pilot Support Team (team@foreflight.com). The ForeFlight support team is available 7 days a week, 5am–8pm CT. If you have questions regarding your SiriusXM Aviation service plan or billing, please contact SiriusXM Aviation customer care online or by calling 1-855-838-8563. SiriusXM Aviation customer care hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8 am–8 pm ET.

If I have questions about my SiriusXM Aviation Pilot for ForeFlight service or billing or other weather service related questions, who do I contact?
If you have questions regarding your SiriusXM Aviation service plan or billing, please contact SiriusXM Aviation customer care at 1-855-838-8563. The hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 8 am–8 pm ET. General technical troubleshooting and inquiries can be directed to our support team at Aviation.Support@siriusxm.com. Questions related to a specific app or hardware should be directed to the app developer or hardware manufacturer.

Can I listen to SiriusXM Satellite Radio on my iPad using ForeFlight?
SiriusXM Radio service is available through the ForeFlight Mobile app only if you subscribe using an SXAR1 receiver. You can add SiriusXM Radio to your SiriusXM Aviation account at a discounted monthly rate. Call 1-855-838-8563 to add audio to your account.

How do I protect and improve my portable SXAR1’s battery life? How do I properly store the SXAR1 when I do not use it for prolonged time, e.g. several months?
SXAR1 has an embedded battery. After flight, it is suggested to keep it out of direct sunlight and high-temperature areas to improve battery longevity. For prolonged time storage, keep the battery ~50% charged and store it at room temperature. Do not store it in a high-temperature area. If the battery is fully depleted, we advise you to fully charge the receiver before turning it on. Prolonged storage of a fully-depleted battery will reduce the battery longevity. If you are unsure of the battery charge level, we recommend you fully charge the battery before turning on the receiver. If you attempt to turn on the receiver and the battery is fully discharged or almost fully discharged, it may cause damage to the receiver.