Sfo takeoff path mapped on ceiling

The author, who lives under the SFO departure corridor, installed a 3000-lumens 1080p ceiling projector aimed at a matte white ceiling. The projector is driven by a Raspberry Pi 5, a 120° fisheye lens, and a custom Python script that pulls live ADS-B data from the FlightRadar24 API. The system renders a silhouette of each aircraft within 1–2 seconds of its actual position, syncing the visual to the real-time flight path [Reddit]. The hardware cost totals about $800: $250 for the projector, $80 for the Pi and accessories, $120 for the lens, and $350 for power and mounting hardware [Reddit]. The build took roughly three weeks, including wiring, firmware tweaks, and a 2-hour nightly calibration routine to align the projection grid with the actual sky coordinates [Reddit]. This project demonstrates that public aviation data can be used to create immersive visual experiences with off-the-shelf components. The use of public ADS-B feeds for creative applications also raises regulatory questions, as the FAA's Section 91.13 restricts visual displays that could distract pilots [Reddit].