Friday, August 8, 2014

FltPlan Go app now iPhone compatible as well

As some readers may know, I am a fan of using Fltplan.com and Fltplan's iPad application for flight planning and in-flight navigation. Fltplan has just released their new iPhone capable companion app. As with the iPad app, the iPhone app is free and does not require a subscription. As a bonus, I have found that flight planning with fltplan.com is extremely efficient with a no-nonsense user experience once you get the hang of it. more from FltPlan.com:

More and more of our users are relying on our free FltPlan Go apps for iPad and Android. Now we’ve got iPhone users covered, too, with our new FltPlan Go for iPhone app. FltPlan Go for iPhone has most of the same functionality as our tablet apps, all in your pocket. Look for features such as:
  • Rubber banding for flight planning
  • Ability to create and edit routes offline
  • Breadcrumbs - leaves a trail of where you have been on the screen
  • XM - WX capabilities from Baron Weather
  • Geo-Referenced Taxi Charts
  • Geo-Referenced IFR Approach Charts
  • Helicopter Routes, TAC Charts
  • Graphical SUAs (Special Use Airspace) for offline use
  • Multiple binders for easy access to the info you need
  • Ability to save notes and highlight on multiple Approach Charts
  • Enhanced FBO information
  • Current fuel prices
Like our other apps, FltPlan Go for iPhone is free. Download it from iTunes App Store.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to circumnavigate the globe by plane

Not that Amelia Earhart, this one. What an amazing accomplishment!


Flying solo: the Amelia Earhart who made it

Amelia Rose Earhart becomes first woman to circumnavigate the globe by plane in tribute to Amelia Mary Earhart

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Approach like a Pro

If you are not already subscribed to FAASafety.gov it is a great resource of safety information, Advisory Circulars, their Wings pilot proficiency program, reminders, and more. Their latest on is stabilized approaches and is as follows:

Stabilize Your Visual Approach
Notice Number: NOTC4840

Reduce your risks during approach and landing by using a Stabilized Approach to the runway. That's what the air carriers do. You'll have to develop your own rules for your Stabilized Approach depending on your aircraft. Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Stabilized Approach begins at 500 feet AGL
  • Approach airspeed is +5 -0
  • Only small changes in heading/pitch are necessary to stay on flight path
  • Aircraft is in the landing configuration


Once you've decided on your Stabilized Approach Rules make them part of your personal minimums. If you find you are breaking a rule it's time go GO AROUND …


Tom Turner also covered stabilized approaches nicely in this AvWeb article:
http://www.avweb.com/news/leadingedge/leading_edge_23_stabilized_approaches_199047-1.html