iPad Pilot News

ICAO flight plans: how to set up aircraft profiles and equipment codes

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:08:38 GMT

All VFR and IFR flight plans must be filed using the ICAO form.

Filing a VFR or IFR flight plan today is a breeze when using an aviation app like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, since the File function is integrated right into both apps’ standard flight planning features. The one area related to this which can be slightly confusing though is entering all the correct aircraft equipment codes when you go to file.

The international (ICAO) flight plan form, which is now required to be used for all VFR and IFR flight plans filed in the U.S., requests detailed information about your airplane’s navigation, communication, surveillance (transponder) and survival equipment.

While this may seem intimidating at first, you’ll only need to do it once thanks to the ability to set up aircraft profiles in each app. After entering all the data once, the profile will automatically be saved, streamlining data entry for future flight plans. Here we’re going to take a look at the actual information needed and some sample airplane configurations to help make this initial setup easier.

Setting up your airplane profile

We’re going to focus on ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot for this ICAO flight plan discussion. While both apps ultimately require the same set of information, some of the equipment requirements are grouped together differently in each program, which can lead to confusion. For that reason, we’re going to help you identify your equipment first, which will make it easier to then enter in your specific application.

In ForeFlight, go to the More tab, select Aircraft from the options on the left, and here you can either add a new aircraft or modify an existing one. You’ll see fields to enter the ICAO equipment details towards the bottom of the screen after selecting one of the N#s from the list.

In Garmin Pilot, head to the main Settings section and choose Aircraft from the options on the left. Just like with ForeFlight, you can either add a new aircraft or modify one of your existing profiles.

The exact layout of each app’s aircraft profile data-entry screen varies a bit, but in the end, they’re all looking for the same information to ensure you meet the ICAO requirements:

Basic Airplane Data–The first step is to enter the standard data, like N#, aircraft type, color and the home airport. Something new you’ll see is Wake Turbulence Category, and you’ll enter Light (L) here when under 15,500 lbs.
Communication Radios–Most GA airplanes are equipped with VHF radios, so this is the only selection necessary here. If your radio has 8.33 kHz spacing and allows you to select the 3rd decimal place when tuning in a frequency (e.g. 122.975 vs. 122.97), select that option as well.
Navigation and Approach Aids–Here you’ll specify which type of navigation radios are on board. The most common selections are ADF, GPS (listed sometimes as GNSS), DME, ILS, VOR and LPV (if you have an approach-approved WAAS GPS). You can also use the “S” code if you have the standard configuration of VOR, VHF radio and ILS receiver. If you have a GPS receiver that meets a minimum level of performance-based navigation (see next bullet point on PBN), you’ll also use the “R” code here to indicate that capability. You probably don’t have any of the other equipment options listed in this group like ACARS/SATCOM/CPDLC (unless you own an Airbus or a Boeing jet), so skip those options and continue on.
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)–This grouping is used to identify the RNAV & RNP capabilities of your GPS receiver if installed. This is one of the more confusing aspects of the form, but fortunately, Garmin publishes a “cheat sheet” to help you out if you have a Garmin GPS or glass cockpit system in your panel: Garmin ICAO Flight Plan Equipment Codes. In this file, you’ll see 3 tabs across the bottom — choose the first one, labeled ICAO Flight Plans & Eligibility. This will list out exactly what codes to select in the PBN category for your particular setup.
Surveillance–The ADS-B transponder requirement has expanded the number of transponder options and configurations available. There are 2 parts to the ICAO equipment requirement: first, identify the transponder type, and second specify the ADS-B capabilities. If you have a Garmin transponder installed, refer back to their Excel spreadsheet and go to the 3rd tab, labeled ICAO Surveillance Equipment for help. If you’re not ADS-B out equipped, you’ll only enter one code–most likely code “C” for a Mode C transponder or code “S” for a Mode S transponder.
Survival Equipment–The last step is to add is any survival equipment on board, including life jackets, emergency radios and dinghies.

ICAO Flight Plan Tips

It doesn’t take long to be overwhelmed by all the information required. Take your time and be thorough with your airplane’s assessment. Garmin Pilot includes helpful tips for each field while filling out the data and a comprehensive filing resource here. ForeFlight offers an ICAO Filing Manual, How-to blog and video to guide you along the way.

Check with your avionics manufacturer for help on specific equipment codes to select.

The best advice is if you’re unsure of whether or not you have a piece of navigation equipment on the list, leave it unchecked, as this is what ATC will look at when clearing you for advanced routes and procedures. It’s the not the end of the world if you mess this up–it’s more important for high-altitude RVSM aircraft, international flights and when flying to busy airports where RNAV arrivals and approaches are used. If you’re still unsure, check with your avionics manufacturer, as they will be able to help you identify the specific codes for your GPS and transponder configuration.

We came across one point of confusion to be aware of: the code B1 is used in two different areas and means 2 completely different things. In the surveillance section, it is used to categorize an ADS-B transponder with dedicated 1090 MHz ADS-B “out” capability. You’ll also see B1 in the PBN section, which is used to identify RNAV 5 capability.

Some of the forms will also ask for your Mode S transponder’s unique Hex Code, which is required if you’re equipped with an ADS-B out transponder. You can look up your code using your airplane’s N# on the FAA registry site.

Finally, we’ll point out that you only should identify certified, panel-mount ADS-B in/out equipment in the Surveillance section, and not portables. While there are equipment codes for ADS-B in capabilities, portable receivers like Sentry and Garmin GDL-50 should not be included here.

Sample aircraft:

Putting this all together, here are some example configurations and respective equipment codes:

Cessna 172 Dual Nav/Com, Bendix/King Mode S transponder, SkyBeacon ADS-B Out

ICAO Equipment: “S” (standard VOR, VHF, ILS)

ICAO Surveillance: “S” (Mode S Transponder), “U1” (ADS-B, UAT/978 Out)

ICAO PBN: leave this blank, since you’re not RNAV/GPS equipped

Cirrus SR22 Dual Garmin 430W Nav/Comm/GPS, Garmin GTX345 Transponder

ICAO Equipment: “S” (standard VOR, VHF, ILS), “Y” (VHF 8.33 kHz spacing), “G” (GNSS), “B” (LPV), “R” (PBN approved)

ICAO Surveillance: “E” (Mode S, ID, Altitude, Extended Squitter), “B2” (ADS-B 1090 MHz Extended Squitter, in and out)

ICAO PBN: A1, B2, C2, D2, L1, O2, S1, S2 (RNAV 10/5/2/1, RNP 4/1/Appch)

Bonanza A36 Garmin G500 TXi, Garmin GTN650 Nav/Comm/GPS, Apprareo Stratus ESG transponder

ICAO Equipment: “S” (standard VOR, VHF, ILS), “Y” (VHF 8.33 kHz spacing), “G” (GNSS), “B” (LPV), “R” (PBN approved)

ICAO Surveillance: ICAO Surveillance: “L” (Mode S Transponder, Enhanced Surveillance, Extended Squitter), “B1” (ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz ADS-B “out” capability)

ICAO PBN: A1, B2, C2, D2, L1, O2, S1, S2 (RNAV 10/5/2/1, RNP 4/1/Appch)

Filing an ICAO Flight Plan

So here’s the good news–all the hard work is now behind you. Once your aircraft profile is set up in the app, filing the actual ICAO flight plan before a requires just a few taps. In ForeFlight go to the Flights tab, enter your flight plan data, tap the File button at the bottom of the screen and verify that ICAO is listed as the flight plan type at the top. You’ll want to update the emergency equipment as required, and tap file.

The flight planning process from Garmin is accomplished in the Trip Planning section of the app, and you’ll use the File button at the top right of the screen after all the flight details are entered.

Here are few videos from ForeFlight and Garmin with additional instructions on filing with the ICAO flight plan form:

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How to use your iPad to scan aviation documents into ForeFlight or FltPlan Go

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:01:44 GMT

More and more pilots are going completely paperless in the cockpit, but that requires some paper documents to be scanned first. Fortunately, Apple includes some hidden capabilities in the Notes app, including the addition of a powerful scanner utility. This can be used to scan just about any type of physical document or receipt and save or share it using the traditional iOS methods. The scanned images can even be sent to apps that support document viewing, like ForeFlight or FltPlan Go. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Notes app

2. Tap the writing icon in the upper right corner to make a new note

3. Tap the camera icon in the at the top of the keyboard (this button will be in the bottom right corner of the screen if the keyboard is not in view), and select Scan Documents

4. The camera will activate, allowing you to take a snapshot of the document. Use the button with three circles to choose color, grayscale or black and white.

5. Make sure the yellow box is lined up with your document, and press the white circle camera button to take the picture.

6. Adjust the edges using the small corner buttons around the document to refine the edges of the scan.

7. Press the Keep Scan button in the bottom right corner. If you’d like to add more pages to the document (to create a multipage PDF for example), scan additional pages using the same steps listed above. When finished, press the Save button in the lower right corner.

8. The scanned document will now be saved in the new note, and you can use the share button in the upper right corner to create a PDF, share it or send it to another app. Select the “Copy to ForeFlight” (or Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go, WingX, FlyQ, etc.) to send it right to the Documents section of the respective app, where it’ll be stored with your other aviation resources.

We’ve used the Notes scanner for all kinds of things: checklists, pilot’s operating handbook pages, avionics supplements, non-aviation maps, insurance information, fly-in procedures, and even restaurant menus. Once you get the hang of it, the process is fast and reliable – and the app is included on every iPhone and iPad.

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Plane Finder adds Watch app, weather layers, 3D view

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:24:10 GMT

There are lots of apps for tracking airplanes, from FlightAware’s ever-popular solution to the new internet traffic layer in ForeFlight. But one of the most creative and polished apps is Plane Finder, a longtime App Store best-seller. It’s great for tracking your inbound airline flight, but it also has the tools to be of value for general aviation pilots. After a busy summer, the latest version of the app is sporting some interesting new features.

The most eye-catching addition is the 3D view. From the main map page, tap the 3D button in the bottom right corner. You’ll see an airborne view of traffic and satellite imagery of the ground below. You can use two fingers to tilt up and down or pivot the camera point. Tap on an aircraft to see its flight track, complete with 3D breadcrumbs and speed/altitude graph. IFR flights will show full route details, while VFR flights will show the essentials (airplane type, tail number). This is a surprisingly good way to review a flight: how precise was that RNAV approach or S-turn?

Plane Finder has also added new weather options, which makes it easy to see how storms or high winds affect flight patterns. These aren’t full radar and satellite images, but the app offers the option to see hourly forecasted precipitation, surface pressure isobars, wind speed, and cloud cover. Tap the cloud symbol at the bottom right (only available in 2D view) to select which layers to display.

One of the things we appreciate about Plane Finder is how well it works on multiple devices—both the iPhone and iPad versions of the app are polished and easy to use on different size screens. That’s been extended to the Apple Watch now, with a fairly full-featured app for your wrist. Some of the options are limited, obviously, but you can still track specific flights, see an airplane on a map, or view route details. This is most useful for airline flying, but it works for GA flights as well.

What airplanes will you see? The short answer is a lot. Plane Finder uses a combination of radar reports (in North America) and live ADS-B tracking to detect airplanes, so VFR flights are typically visible as well as all the airline flights. You can set alerts to get notified when a specific flight is in the air or even when a flight squawks 7700. One of the most interesting features is Playback, which allows you to turn back the clock. Set the date to yesterday and you can see all the traffic from that specific date and time, sped up to 10X (or even 50X if you choose) speed. It’s a nice way to replay a flight you may have flown yourself.

Plane Finder is a free download for iOS and Android devices. You can subscribe to the Premium level for $9.99/year, which unlocks the 3D view and other advanced features.

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ForeFlight 12.6 brings 3D weather view and overheat alerts

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:02:18 GMT

ForeFlight has always been strong in the preflight weather department, both in terms of providing forecasts that are hard to find online and in simplifying their display. The number of weather reports and forecasts available today is truly overwhelming, so the challenge is not lack of information but rather how to organize it all. Version 12.6 of the app takes a step in the direction of simplicity, plus adds a helpful iPad warning. Here’s a review.

Weather in Profile view

ForeFlight has traditionally focused on the overhead view on the Maps page, which is how most pilots plan a flight. But we fly in three dimensions, so the 3D view is just as important. ForeFlight has steadily added new features to its Profile view, starting with terrain and obstacles, then adding airspace. To access this, go to the Maps page and tap the FPL button to open the flight plan editor. Enter a route, then tap Profile at the bottom right corner of the box. This will bring up the side view, showing your proposed cruising altitude and terrain.

For Performance Plus and Business Performance subscribers, you’ll also see airspace and a new drop-down menu at the bottom left. Tap on this to turn on icing and turbulence forecasts. These are the 3D versions of the popular FIP and GTG forecast maps, available from the Aviation Weather Center. Turbulence is shown in yellow and orange, while icing is shown in blue.

The benefit here is that ForeFlight does the work for you. Unlike with the 2D view, there are no slider bars for altitude or time. The Profile view shows forecast icing or turbulence at all altitudes, giving you—at a glance—a good understanding of which altitude might provide the best ride. Likewise, the app automatically adjusts the forecast time period depending on the length of flight. You’ll notice the bottom of your route includes waypoints and times, showing what the app is using to provide the most accurate forecast.

So a typical preflight briefing involves entering your route and then just experimenting with different altitudes. The combination of terrain and icing/turbulence very well may dictate what altitude you use. You can compare the Profile view to the top-down view on the main Maps page for a complete understanding of the weather. These graphics are forecasts, so they aren’t guarantees, but we’ve found them to be quite accurate. Just remember to enter your correct ETD so the app shows the correct forecast period.

Another option is to use the ruler tool to explore different areas. To do this, tap on the screen with two fingers at the same time. The ruler will pop up on screen, and you can move your fingers to measure different distances or explore different routes. As you do this, the Profile view up top will change. This is a great way to test different routes.

Three things to remember here. First, you must have a Performance Plus account for these layers to appear. Second, Profile weather layers are not available over ADS-B or SiriusXM, so make sure you use the Pack feature before a flight to store these forecasts. Finally, if your ETD is beyond the forecast period, you’ll get a warning and the Profile view will be hatched.

Overheating alerts

Another way ForeFlight is trying to provide contextual alerts is the new “iPad is too hot” pop-up. If you’ve ever experienced this problem, you know how annoying it is: to protect the battery, the iPad will shut down and not turn on again until it has cooled down. Now ForeFlight provides a warning before the “black screen of death” appears. If it detects a potential overheat situation, you’ll get an orange alert on screen. This should be enabled, but if not, it can be selected from More -> Settings -> Alerts.

If you get this message, we recommend three steps: remove your iPad from a case (if you’re using one), get it out of the sun, and get some air moving over the device. This will usually prevent a shutdown. If you are experiencing persistent overheating problems, we suggest the X-Naut cooling cases—we’ve had good results with these powered cradles.

More traffic information

One of the most enjoyable recent additions to ForeFlight has been the internet traffic layer. Now when you hear an airplane fly over, you can open up ForeFlight and see exactly what airplane it is. In the latest version, tapping on an aircraft will show additional details, including departure, destination, and ETA. You may not see this for VFR airplanes, but IFR flights usually show complete flight information (unless it’s a blocked tail number).

As usual, there are some other small upgrades, bug fixes and feature additions. In version 12.6, this includes more detailed basemap information (like mountain passes with elevations) so a new basemap download will be required after updating. Canadian pilots can also file Y or Z flight plans in ForeFlight.

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