FlightAware MCP Server

What is FlightAware MCP Server?

A bridge server connecting Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients to FlightAware's AeroAPI for real-time aviation data.

How to use FlightAware MCP Server?

Install globally via npm or run directly with npx; configure with a FlightAware AeroAPI key via command line options or environment variables. Start the server with flightaware-mcp --port 8080 --aeroapi-key YOUR_API_KEY, then connect an MCP client to the specified TCP or WebSocket port.

Key features of FlightAware MCP Server

• Real-time flight information retrieval by identifier.
• Airport operations: list arrivals and departures.
• Retrieve aircraft details by tail number.
• Search airports by country, region, or custom query.
• Detailed flight tracking with comprehensive operation data.
• Supports both TCP and WebSocket transport modes.

Use cases of FlightAware MCP Server

• Query live flight status for a specific flight (e.g., AAL100).
• Monitor incoming and outgoing flights at an airport (e.g., KJFK).
• Look up aircraft specifications using its tail number (e.g., N12345).
• Discover airports in a region or country for planning.
• Obtain detailed flight histories and operation logs.

FAQ from FlightAware MCP Server

What do I need to use FlightAware MCP Server?

You need a FlightAware AeroAPI key. Sign up at FlightAware AeroAPI and obtain a key, then provide it via the --aeroapi-key option or AEROAPI_KEY environment variable.

What transport modes does the server support?

It supports both TCP (default) and WebSocket modes, selectable with the --mode option or MCP_SERVER_MODE environment variable.

How do I handle timeout errors?

Increase the timeout value using --timeout (or MCP_REQUEST_TIMEOUT environment variable), enable debug mode with --debug, and check network connectivity and AeroAPI rate limits.

Can I use this server with n8n?

Yes. For n8n integration, set a higher timeout (60000ms or more) and try both TCP and WebSocket modes to ensure proper communication.

Where can I find the AeroAPI key and what are the rate limits?

Obtain the key from FlightAware AeroAPI. Rate limits depend on your subscription; debug mode provides detailed API response information to help monitor usage.