Skytraxx 5 with Fanet, FLARM, and ADS-L

The Skytraxx 5 is a GPS variometer for paraglider and hang glider pilots, designed specifically for thermal and cross-country flights. It combines precise climb/sink rates with built-in thermal navigation, airspace alerts, and XC tracking.

It is particularly well-suited for ambitious recreational pilots, cross-country pilots, and competition pilots who are looking for a high-performance flight instrument that is easy to use and features modern navigation capabilities.

Yes. The Skytraxx 5 features a special high-resolution monochrome display with excellent contrast. It remains perfectly legible even in bright sunlight. For optimal visibility, we recommend mounting it at a slight angle in the cockpit.

The built-in thermal assistant—or thermal navigation feature—analyzes your recent climbs and turns as well as the current wind drift, and automatically calculates the center of the thermal. The device visually shows you where the strongest thermal core is located.

This makes centering much easier and makes cross-country flights more efficient.

Skytraxx offers informative videosfor the Thermal Assistant, for operation, performing updates, and also for setting up personalized screen pages.

Yes. The device supports up-to-date airspace data and provides both audible and visual warnings when approaching controlled zones. The airspace data can be updated regularly—which is particularly important for Switzerland’s complex airspace.

The new Skytraxx 5 FFFA Swiss Edition includes the following new integrations:

Meaning of FFFA

• F = FANET to promote communication and visibility among paragliders and hang gliders
• F = FLARMfor collision avoidance
• F = FLARMadvanced collision avoidance
• A = ADS-L for additional traffic information and visibility among all aircraft
  

Swiss Edition= Includes power adapter and USB-C cable

Battery life is up to 30 hours, depending on usage, which is more than enough for long-distance flights. Brightness settings and active wireless modules (e.g., FANET, FLARM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) affect battery life.

The Skytraxx 5 offers a more modern hardware platform, advanced navigation features and thermal assistants, as well as improved connectivity such as OTA services, live wind data, FANET, FLARM, awareFLARM, ADS-L, and integrated features like the FANET Check, 5-Point Check, full Burnair support, integrated kk7 hotspots, and more.

The Skytraxx 5 is clearly more powerful when it comes to flight and safety features.

The main difference between the Skytraxx 5 and the Skytraxx 5 Mini lies in its features, display size, and intended use:

Skytraxx 5

• Larger display with excellent readability
• Extensive navigation features (thermal navigation, waypoints, airspace)
• Support for additional safety features such as FANET/FLARM/awareFLARM/ADS-L, depending on the version
• More diverse interfaces and expanded options for XC pilots

Skytraxx 5 Mini

• A more compact, lighter device with smaller dimensions
• A slightly smaller display
• Designed more for minimal weight and ease of use
• No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi integration

In practice, this means:

The Skytraxx 5 is designed for pilots who demand high standards in navigation, flight planning, and additional features, while the Skytraxx 5 Mini is a lighter, more compact version for pilots who primarily need variometer and GPS functions and can do without Bluetooth and Wi-Fi integration.

Here is a clear Comparison: Skytraxx 5 vs. Skytraxx 5 mini

The Skytraxx 5 combines variometer precision with integrated navigation and over-the-air management in a compact device. It is also very easy and intuitive to use, despite its wide range of features.

XCTracer is particularly well known for its highly accurate altimeter sensors, while Oudie focuses more on navigation.

The Skytraxx 5 offers a well-balanced combination of variometer, GPS, and thermal assistance, combined with ease of use and excellent value for money.

Yes. As a Swiss specialty retailer, we offer advice, support, and fast shipping within Switzerland.

Spare parts as well as a Repair Service are also available. Updates are released at regular intervals by Skytraxx via OTA or SkyUp Software made available.

Absolutely. The device was specifically designed for cross-country flights and offers GPS navigation, waypoint management, airspace mapping, competition features, and detailed flight logging.

That depends on the intended use. For pilots looking for thermal navigation, perfect thermal assistance, airspace safety, and GPS integration all in one device, the Skytraxx 5 is one of the most popular options in Switzerland.

Depending on the version and features, the Skytraxx 5 can display nearby aircraft, thereby improving airspace visibility. FANET allows pilots to detect compatible devices in the vicinity. With FLARM or awareFLARM, you are visible to other aircraft, and collision warnings are issued.

ADS-L (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Light) enables position reporting between compatible light aircraft and enhances visibility. It is the latest and future standard. Actual functionality depends on the specific hardware version and the activated modules.

Important: Electronic surveillance does not replace visual airspace monitoring; rather, it serves as an additional safety measure.

Here you'll find a good explanation on the topic of ADS-L and FLARM.