It was too windy to go flying last week, so I spent an afternoon thinking about the different ways we can use aviation planning and navigation app’s. I have been a SkyDemon user for some years but I think that this blog is equally relevant to other app’s like EasyVFR and Runway HD.
We can use the app’s in 4 main ways – planning, in-flight navigation, traffic alerting and de-briefing.
In planning mode, we can use it for
- Planning a route and cruise altitude, avoiding CAS and operating above MSA
- Checking weather & NOTAM’s
- Identifying high terrain
- Creating a navigation PLOG
- Generating a Frequency list
- Printing a charts and airfield plates
- Planning the circuit join
- Filing flight plan & GAR forms
In flight
I believe Skydemon is best used as back-up to primary navigation using a chart, for occasional position checks and general situational awareness. In that context its commonest uses are for
- Airspace warnings
- Terrain avoidance
But it can also help in
- Finding a difficult-to-spot airfield
- Emergency navigation e.g. unexpected IMC, VFR on top (flight above cloud), diversions
- As a back-up instrument set (e.g. GPS altitude, track and Ground speed)
- ATC position reports
- Electronic flight bag (EFB) – holding a PLOG, airfield plates, and notepad
- Joining the circuit
- Flying a final approach track and glideslope
Traffic warning
The use of SkyDemon and similar app’s for traffic awareness and alerting is growing. They typically use a wi-fi link to onboard EC (electronic conspicuity) devices.
De-briefing
Once we’re back home, the record of our flight helps fill out the log-book, and we can review how we actually did against our planned route and altitude.Whatever your use of the app, it is important to understand the functionality before climbing into the cockpit, and also to check that it is set-up appropriately and consistently for your flight. To help with that, I attach this little check-list.
Happy flying!