ForeFlight’s Maps web page generally is a pilot’s finest good friend because it’s full of visible planning instruments and useful info. However for skilled pilots, particularly those that file IFR or fly high-performance airplanes, the Flights tab presents a wealth of highly effective options. Listed below are six which might be usually missed.
Use ETA for exact planning
Most pilots assume when it comes to their estimated time of departure (ETD), however typically it’s the estimated time of arrival (ETA) that actually issues. For instance, in the event you’re assembly a good friend on the vacation spot airport at midday, you don’t actually care once you take off—so long as you hit that point. In direction of the highest of the Flights tab you’ll see a two-position button for ETD or ETA (requires a Efficiency Plus plan). For those who select ETA, the app will calculate a departure time, based mostly on winds aloft and any time zone adjustments. This makes it straightforward to file a flight plan with the right ETD.
View the navlog for winds aloft
An in depth navlog would possibly look like a boring train from Non-public Pilot floor college, however there’s truly lots to be realized from a single web page that summarizes your entire flight. In ForeFlight, this contains all of your waypoints, key airport info, efficiency knowledge, and winds aloft forecasts. There are two issues we use this for recurrently: evaluating altitudes in flight to make extra knowledgeable choices about going up or down, and evaluating precise efficiency to ForeFlight’s estimated efficiency fashions. For those who’re diligent about each, you’ll get more and more correct time and gasoline burn estimates. Faucet the Navlog button on the prime of the Flights tab to view this, then faucet the up arrow on the prime proper to ship this navlog to Paperwork, the flight’s information (see under), and even print it.
Connect information
Some journeys can get sophisticated fairly rapidly, requiring additional paperwork for customs, FBO reservations, or fly-in procedures. Whereas the Paperwork tab in ForeFlight is ideal for frequently-referenced objects like plane manuals, the Flights tab permits you to connect information to a person flight leg (requires a Efficiency Plus plan). On the prime of the display screen for a flight, faucet the Information button then faucet the + image on the prime proper. You possibly can add information out of your pictures app, the ForeFlight Paperwork tab, or out of your iPad’s Information app.
Ship a flight to Logbook
There are many methods to log a flight in ForeFlight’s Logbook characteristic, however many pilots don’t understand you can begin an entry from Flights. After finishing a flight, you’ll be able to go to the precise flight and faucet the up arrow, then select Logbook. This may auto-fill the logbook entry with departure airport, vacation spot airport, route, and whole time (based mostly on ETE).
3D preview
For Efficiency Plus subscribers, you’ll be able to entry a 3D route preview from the Flights tab—perfect for selecting the right altitude or familiarizing your self with floor options. Within the Route part of a flight, faucet the 3D button within the backside proper nook of the map. From right here, you need to use the slider to maneuver by means of the route, and faucet the menu button on the backside left to overlay icing, turbulence, and cloud forecasts.
Reserve gasoline coverage
Gasoline is a vital a part of any flight planning course of, and Flights has quite a few highly effective instruments that can assist you select the correct amount with out breaking weight and stability limits. Underneath the Gasoline part of a flight, faucet the Gasoline Coverage line to see completely different choices. Most gasoline is a good choice: it can present probably the most gasoline you’ll be able to take with out going over max gross weight, given the folks and cargo you entered within the Payload part. Or, in the event you’re at a really costly FBO you’ll be able to select Minimal Gasoline to tackle solely the quantity it is advisable to full the flight. This well contains any alternates and taxi gasoline. And naturally you’ll be able to at all times manually enter gasoline by tapping on the Begin line and typing within the gallons.
Bret is a senior vp at Sporty’s and senior flight teacher for Sporty’s Academy. Along with Bret’s instructing duties, Bret leads Sporty’s video manufacturing and app growth staff and serves as editor of iPad Pilot Information. As an airline transport pilot, Bret is a senior captain in Sporty’s company flight division.
