How to Track Cloud Seeding Aircraft in Real Time Using ADS-B Data

Why Track Cloud Seeding Aircraft?

Cloud seeding operations are often conducted with minimal public notice. While operators are required to file reports with NOAA under federal law, these reports are typically submitted after operations are complete — sometimes months later. For communities that want real-time awareness of when their atmosphere is being modified, aircraft tracking provides the most immediate and accessible tool available.

Understanding ADS-B

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance technology in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation (GPS) and periodically broadcasts it along with other information such as altitude, speed, heading, and a unique identification code. ADS-B transmissions are unencrypted and can be received by anyone with appropriate equipment.

Since January 1, 2020, the FAA has required most aircraft operating in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B Out transmitters. This mandate has dramatically increased the number of trackable aircraft, including many used in cloud seeding operations.

Identifying Cloud Seeding Aircraft

The first step in tracking cloud seeding operations is knowing which aircraft to look for. Cloud seeding aircraft can be identified through several methods:

FAA Registration Database

The FAA N-number registry (registry.faa.gov) is publicly searchable. By looking up the registered owners of aircraft, you can identify planes belonging to known cloud seeding operators like Weather Modification International, North American Weather Consultants, or Western Weather Consultants.

Aircraft Types

Cloud seeding operations overwhelmingly use specific aircraft types, particularly various models of the Beechcraft King Air family:

• Beechcraft King Air C90: The workhorse of the industry
• Beechcraft King Air B200: Larger variant with greater payload capacity
• Beechcraft King Air 350: Extended range capability
• Piper Cheyenne: Used by some operators
• Cessna 441 Conquest: Occasionally deployed

These aircraft are typically modified with wing-mounted flare racks (visible in photos), belly-mounted generators, or specialized dispersal equipment.

Flight Characteristics

Cloud seeding flights exhibit distinctive patterns that differ from normal aviation:

• Altitude: Typically 8,000-25,000 feet MSL, often within or near cloud bases
• Speed: Slower than normal cruise, often 150-200 knots, as they need time to disperse agents effectively
• Patterns: Repeated passes over the same area, racetrack patterns, or parallel track patterns along mountain ranges
• Timing: Most common during winter months (October-April) for snowpack enhancement, or before approaching storm systems
• Location: Concentrated near mountain ranges and over areas upwind of target watersheds

Tools for Tracking

ChemTrail.app (This Site)

Our live tracker automatically monitors known cloud seeding aircraft registrations and displays their positions, altitudes, and associated chemical payloads on an interactive map. We identify and track aircraft belonging to the major cloud seeding operators across the western United States.

Other ADS-B Platforms

Several platforms provide raw ADS-B data that can be used for cloud seeding monitoring:

• ADS-B Exchange (adsbexchange.com): The most comprehensive unfiltered tracker. Unlike some commercial platforms, ADS-B Exchange does not honor operator requests to hide aircraft.
• OpenSky Network (opensky-network.org): A research-focused network that provides free access to ADS-B data through APIs.
• FlightAware and Flightradar24: Commercial platforms with broad coverage, though some aircraft may be filtered at operator request.

Building Your Own Receiver

For dedicated monitoring, you can build your own ADS-B receiver for under $30 using a Raspberry Pi and an RTL-SDR dongle. This gives you direct access to aircraft transmissions in your area without depending on any third-party service. Several open-source software packages (dump1090, tar1090) make setup straightforward.

What to Look For

When monitoring flights, several indicators suggest active cloud seeding:

• Known registrations flying in areas with active seeding programs
• Repeated passes over mountain ridgelines or upwind of target areas
• Operations during storm events — seeding is most effective when natural clouds are already forming
• Multiple aircraft from the same operator working the same area simultaneously
• Flight altitudes consistent with cloud base heights for the current weather conditions

Documenting and Reporting

If you observe cloud seeding operations in your area:

• Screenshot flight tracks with timestamps
• Note weather conditions at the time of the observed flights
• Check NOAA's Weather Modification Activities reports to see if the operation was reported
• Contact your state legislators if operations are occurring without public notification
• Share your findings with local environmental groups and media

For step-by-step instructions on using ChemTrail.app's tracking tools, visit our methodology page. To learn about your state's cloud seeding laws and programs, check our state-by-state guide.