How FliteGrid Works

FliteGrid is a sensor network that collects drone tracking data and feeds it into SkySafe's enterprise platform. Here's how the pieces fit together.

The Data Flow

The system works in four stages:

1. Drones broadcast Remote ID. Every drone operating in the US is required by FAA regulation to broadcast Remote ID data during flight. This includes the drone's identity, location, altitude, speed, takeoff location, and pilot location. These broadcasts happen over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on standardized protocols.

2. FliteGrid sensors receive the broadcasts. Each FliteGrid sensor is a compact, purpose-built device deployed with a clear view of the sky. The sensor runs SkySafe's validated receiver software, which can decode all Remote ID protocol variants (Bluetooth 4 Legacy, Bluetooth 5 Long Range, Wi-Fi Beacon, and Wi-Fi NAN). When a drone flies within range, the sensor captures its Remote ID transmissions in real time, validates the data, and encrypts it.

3. Data is uploaded to SkySafe's cloud platform. Each sensor has an internet connection and continuously streams its captured data to SkySafe's cloud infrastructure. The platform processes incoming data from all sensors across the network, fuses overlapping coverage, validates data integrity, and builds a unified real-time picture of drone activity.

4. Customers access the data. Government agencies, law enforcement, airport operators, critical infrastructure managers, and other enterprise customers access the processed data through SkySafe's platform. They use it for real-time monitoring, historical analysis, threat detection, compliance verification, and operational planning.

The H3 Hex Grid

FliteGrid maps the country using Uber's open-source H3 hexagonal grid system. This is the same spatial indexing system used by Wingbits, Geodnet, and other DePIN sensor networks. Every location in the US falls within a hex, and each hex has an assigned value based on the importance of the airspace it covers.

Hexes covering airports, military installations, correctional facilities, stadiums, critical infrastructure, border zones, and other high-priority airspace are valued higher than hexes over open farmland or wilderness. This value directly determines the rewards a sensor operator earns.

Hex values aren't static. They'll adjust over time to reflect evolving airspace needs, new customer demand, and changing regulatory requirements. As the network grows and more data is collected about where coverage is most valuable, the hex map will be refined to direct incentives where they matter most.

For more detail on hex values and how to choose a deployment location, see Coverage & Hex Values.

Sensor Architecture

FliteGrid sensors are purpose-built devices produced by SkySafe. Each sensor includes:

• Multi-protocol Remote ID receiver (Bluetooth 4, Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi Beacon, Wi-Fi NAN)

• GPS module for proof-of-location verification

• Secure hardware with validated encryption keys

• Ethernet connectivity (PoE, so a single cable provides both power and internet)

• Compact, weatherproof enclosure with mounting hardware

The sensors are designed to be deployed by anyone. No technical expertise is required. Mount it, connect the cable, register it on FliteGrid.io, and it starts collecting data.

In the current phase, all sensors are manufactured by SkySafe. In the future, the network will onboard additional approved hardware manufacturers, expanding the hardware ecosystem while maintaining data quality and security standards.

For hardware specifications and deployment details, see Get a Sensor and Deploy Your Sensor.

Reward Distribution

Sensors earn reward points based on the value of the coverage they provide. During Phase 1 (from network launch through token launch), operators accumulate points that will convert to $FLITE tokens when the token goes live.

Reward calculations account for several factors: the hex value of the sensor's location, the quality and consistency of the data it provides, and the overall coverage contribution to the network. Sensors in high-value airspace earn more. Sensors providing consistent, validated data earn more.

Revenue from SkySafe's data sales to enterprise customers flows back to the token through a buyback mechanism. Revenue from FliteGrid data is used to purchase $FLITE tokens, creating direct linkage between network revenue and token value.

For full details on rewards and tokenomics, see How Rewards Work and Revenue Model.

Network Phases

Phase 1: Preorder & Deployment (Now through Q3 2026) Sensors are available for preorder. Early participants earn bonus reward points. Sensors ship in Q3 2026.

Phase 2: Network Live (Q3 2026) The FliteGrid network goes live. Sensors begin collecting data, earning reward points, and feeding data to SkySafe's platform for sale to customers. Revenue tracking begins for the future buyback mechanism.

Phase 3: Token Launch (2027) The $FLITE token launches on Solana. Accumulated reward points convert to tokens. Revenue-based buyback begins. All revenue tracked during Phase 2 is accounted for in the initial distribution.

Phase 4: Expansion (2027+) International expansion to Japan and the EU, where Remote ID regulations are also in effect. Integration of additional sensor types and approved hardware manufacturers. Expanded governance and community participation.