Features like luminous terrain, night sky, hands-free declutter, and a brilliant obstacle awareness system make ForeFlight Synthetic Vision a visually stunning and high-performance hazard awareness tool. Synthetic Vision is available as an affordable supplement to your ForeFlight Mobile Basic or Pro subscription on the iPad. Synthetic Vision takes our hazard awareness platform to the next level with a three dimensional representation of terrain and obstacle hazards, airport markers, runways, and water features. Learn more about Synthetic Vision here.

Watch the Video

In this video, mapping team member and lead developer for Synthetic Vision, Malcolm Toon, highlights some of its stunning features.

Refined Features to Exceed Your Expectations

We think you’ll agree with Malcolm that ForeFlight’s Synthetic Vision goes well beyond the basics by delivering an SV view that is as visually elegant and fun to fly with as it is useful in the cockpit.

Stunning terrain

We have learned over the years that what may look good sitting at a desk in front of the simulator isn’t always what will be functional in the cockpit. Our developers took synthetic vision to the air for extensive testing, making real-time adjustments while in flight to refine terrain shading and contours for the best view in all lighting conditions. The shading from peaks to valleys gives depth and realism. The grid lines provide East/West and North/South directional awareness and more clearly define the ups and downs of rolling terrain.

Flexible views

Synthetic Vision works in both split screen and a beautiful full-screen mode. Mix and match the split-screen view to present the most relevant combination of information that best supports the phase of flight you are in. For example, while on approach use Synthetic Vision on one half of the screen and plates on maps on the other half. At a glance, you are keeping your eye on potential terrain or obstacle hazards as well as keeping a clear picture of where you are at in relation to the approach path. Recruit a safety pilot and go practice using different screen view combinations to see what works best for you.

Hazard awareness coloring

Terrain and obstacles are dynamically highlighted in yellow and red, like the Hazard Advisor layer and the Profile view, depending on the relative height of your aircraft. By default, the dynamic coloring alerts you at a glance when you are within 1000’ to 100’ (yellow) and less than 100’ (red). The altitude levels for the color alerting can be adjusted in the Profile view settings.

Hands-free declutter

As pilots, we understand that there are enough things going on in the cockpit to keep you busy. For one less distraction, our Synthetic Vision view has an automatic, built-in declutter that proactively filters the screen for a more relevant view of information. Airport markers, obstacles, and runways smoothly and automatically fade in and out of view based on relative aircraft altitude and distance. Obstacles fade in at around 10 nautical miles and within 2500 feet. Airport markers fade in at approximately 20 nautical miles.

Elegant transition to night-mode

To preserve night vision, the transition from day-mode to night-mode gradually occurs over twenty minutes and is based on local sunrise and sunset data. The terrain dims and the stars begin to come out. When fully transitioned, enjoy a unique starry night view. Similar to the declutter feature, the switch from day to night and back to day happens automatically so you don’t have to think about it.

Realistic runways

Airport markers and realistic runways make it easy to find the airport on a hazy day, at night, or during an instrument approach. Runways are rendered in high fidelity detail with asphalt, grass, dirt or water texture.  And the runway numbers are even prominently labeled with an FAA-styled font. The synthetic vision runway views are a great way to cross-check that you are lined up to land on the correct runway. Together with ForeFlight Mobile’s aural and visual runway proximity advisor alerts and geo-referenced airport diagrams, synthetic vision runways greatly enhance your ability to maintain situational awareness in the terminal and airport environment.

Back-up instruments

The center of the Synthetic Vision view displays GPS-derived ground speed, altitude, track, and an HSI display with course deviation indicator. The menu bar along the top also provides navlog information including distance to destination, active leg, and estimated time enroute. The standard HUD options may also be overlaid along the bottom of the screen.

Stratus Enhances Synthetic Vision Experience

We continue to develop and create more functionality for the Stratus platform. The Stratus 2’s built-in AHRS drives a super responsive pitch and bank instrument in the center of the Synthetic Vision view. In an emergency situation, you’ve got a backup glass cockpit on your iPad that can help you stay aware of your position and surroundings.

How To Access Synthetic Vision

Synthetic Vision replaces the blue-over-brown Attitude Indicator view. Navigate to the Maps view and tap on the Attitude Indicator button along the top menu bar:

Access the Synthetic Vision view by tapping on the Attitude Indicator button.

Turn on the Synthetic Vision download setting for United States, Canada, or both as applicable to your subscription in the Downloads view:

Select the Synthetic Vision data in the Downloads view.

How To Buy Synthetic Vision

Synthetic Vision is available with ForeFlight Mobile version 6.6 as a $25/year add-on to your Basic or Pro subscription, and is available for United States and Canada coverages.

For existing customers: As an existing customer, upgrading to Synthetic Vision requires that you renew your existing subscription. When you renew/upgrade on our website, you’ll receive a credit for the unused time on your existing subscription plan which then applies to the combined renewal/upgrade purchase price.

To add Synthetic Vision, login at www.foreflight.com/manage/subscription or go to www.foreflight.com/buy and use the email address associated with your account. iTunes credit or gift cards may not be used towards Synthetic Vision upgrades for existing accounts.

For new customers: As a new customer, you can purchase ForeFlight Mobile with Synthetic Vision via the App Store or via our website at www.foreflight.com/buy. iTunes credits and gift cards may be used towards the purchase via the App Store.

ForeFlight Mobile 6.6 is now available for download on the app store.

Synthetic Vision Advances ForeFlight Mobile’s Hazard Awareness Platform

We are thrilled to announce that Synthetic Vision is now available as an affordable add-on to your ForeFlight Mobile Basic or Pro subscription. Synthetic Vision takes our hazard awareness platform to the next level with a three dimensional representation of terrain and obstacle hazards, airport markers, runways, and water features. Check out our highlight video narrated by mapping team member and lead developer for Synthetic Vision, Malcolm Toon, and also visit our web page to learn more about Synthetic Vision.

How To Buy Synthetic Vision

For existing customers: As an existing customer, upgrading to Synthetic Vision requires that you renew your existing subscription. When you renew/upgrade on our website, you’ll receive a credit for the unused time on your existing subscription plan which then applies to the combined renewal/upgrade purchase price.

To add Synthetic Vision, login at www.foreflight.com/manage/subscription or go to www.foreflight.com/buy and use the email address associated with your account. iTunes credit or gift cards may not be used towards Synthetic Vision upgrades for existing accounts.

For new customers: As a new customer, you can purchase ForeFlight Mobile with Synthetic Vision via the App Store or via our website at www.foreflight.com/buy. iTunes credits and gift cards may be used towards the purchase via the App Store.

ForeFlight Mobile Expands Forecast Weather Guidance with MOS

ForeFlight Mobile 6.6 also delivers a new forecast weather product called MOS for better preflight weather briefings. MOS enables local weather forecasters to create TAF-like forecasts for airports not served by official National Weather Service TAFs. MOS is great for aviation use because it updates hourly and can be highly tailored for local weather effects. Our Weather Scientist, Scott Dennstaedt, wrote this article to explain more about MOS. The MOS feature is available to Basic and Pro subscribers.

Access the MOS forecast in the Maps view by tapping on an airport.

Additional updates

ForeFlight Mobile Standard is now ForeFlight Mobile Basic. Same great features and price, just a different name.

ForeFlight Mobile Version 6.6 Is Available On The App Store

ForeFlight Mobile version 6.6 is a free download for subscribers via the Apple Store. For additional information, be sure to review our Pilot’s Guide. You can also download the Pilot’s Guide onto your device using the built-in catalog in the Documents view.

ForeFlight Mobile’s Pack feature simplifies your pre-flight preparation and enhances your safety by ensuring that you have all of the current charts, data, NOTAMS, fuel prices, and the latest pre-departure weather information stored on your device for inflight access. ForeFlight Mobile 6.6.1 introduces a refinement to Pack which automatically keeps the most current weather, TFRs, fuel prices, and NOTAMs refreshed and downloaded onto your device during your preparation for flight.

After planning your route, tap the Pack suitcase to ensure you’ve downloaded all the data you will need for the trip:

Tap the Pack suitcase and download the data to initiate the auto-packing feature.

After the initial ‘Pack’ is completed, then Pack will continue to refresh every 30 minutes with the latest METARs, TAFs, AIR/SIGMETs, TFRs, fuel prices, and NOTAMs (based on each of these you have selected to Pack). The automatic refresh only runs while you are connected to the Internet and the app is open, not running in the background. If you leave the app and come back, the weather, TFRs, fuel prices, and NOTAMs will update automatically, without the need to manually tap the Pack suitcase again. This ‘auto-pack’ feature will continue to run for 24 hours or until you change the route. The red badge alert for Pack will then only show if you make significant changes to your route.

There are no settings required to make this work and Pack is available to both Basic and Pro subscribers. We recommend that you tap the Pack suitcase one final time before leaving your Internet connection prior to flight. When you see the All Packed! message, you’re ready to fly:

A final check on Pack: All Packed! means you are ready to fly.

ForeFlight Mobile Version 6.6.1 Is Available On The App Store

ForeFlight Mobile version 6.6.1 is a free download for subscribers via the the App Store. For additional information, be sure to review our Pilot’s Guide. You can also download the Pilot’s Guide onto your device using the built-in catalog in the Documents view.

We are delighted to announce an integration with Dynon Avionics to bring you secure Wi-Fi connectivity between ForeFlight Mobile on the iPad and iPhone and the SkyView glass panel avionics system. This integration expands our ForeFlight Connect capabilities and delivers more ways to make flying easier and more efficient.

Getting Started

The wireless connectivity between ForeFlight Mobile and the Dynon SkyView system is enabled by a Wi-Fi Adapter for SkyView. The USB adapters may be purchased from an authorized Dynon Avionics dealer or directly from Dynon Avionics. Please see the Dynon website for current pricing.

For software, you will need SkyView version 12.0 or later and ForeFlight Mobile Pro 6.7 or later. Once configured, ForeFlight connects to SkyView via a Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) connection.

Your checklist for ForeFlight Mobile + Dynon SkyView Connectivity hardware and software requirements:

• Wi-Fi Adapter for SkyView for each screen you have installed
• SkyView version 12.0 or later
• ForeFlight Mobile Pro version 6.7 or later

After the Wi-Fi Adapter(s) are installed, configure the SkyView Wi-Fi network though SkyView’s Setup Menu. Refer to the current SkyView System Installation Guide for full instructions.

Connect ForeFlight and SkyView

With SkyView turned on, locate the Wi-Fi network in the Settings menu on your iPad or iPhone and connect. You can verify connection in ForeFlight Mobile in the following places: 

• When ForeFlight is connected to the SkyView network you will see the Connected logo along the top menu bar: 

To pull flight plan route changes from SkyView into ForeFlight tap the Connect icon in the top menu bar.

• Navigate to the Maps view and tap on the Settings menu cog icon in the top menu bar and scroll down to Devices. 

• From the Route Editor, tap on the Send To icon to see the panel Connect icon:

In the Route Editor on the Maps view, use the Send To button to transfer route plan changes from ForeFlight to SkyView. 

• Navigate to the More view > Devices > tap on the SkyView box on the right for connection details.

Navigate to More > Devices to see the SkyView connectivity status.

 ForeFlight Mobile and SkyView Connectivity

 ForeFlight Mobile and SkyView connectivity has the following capabilities:

•  Send and receive flight plan routes between ForeFlight Mobile and SkyView
• ForeFlight Mobile can receive SkyView’s WAAS GPS data to drive the moving map display and information in the HUD instrument panel.
• ForeFlight Mobile can receive SkyView’s AHRS data to drive pitch and roll in the Attitude Indicator and Synthetic Vision views.

With ForeFlight Mobile 6.7 we are excited to announce wireless connectivity between ForeFlight Mobile and the Dynon Avionics SkyView system. The integration with Dynon expands our ForeFlight Connect capability ‒ a set of features that allows ForeFlight Mobile to connect to portable and installed avionics to enable capabilities like flight plan transfer, ADS-B weather (currently Stratus only), and more.

We also re-invented the ScratchPad view to provide much more capability. Use the helpful new templates feature for quickly jotting down clearances and PIREPs, save and share multiple ScratchPads, and swipe between ScratchPads with a simple gesture. ScratchPads are integrated into the ForeFlight Sync system so all your notes are automatically backed up across your iPads.

In the Maps view we added a global graphical Winds Aloft layer that shows wind barbs on the map for altitudes from 3,000′ to 54,000′. The new altitude slider lets you easily see how the winds change across the world and across the flight levels.

ForeFlight Mobile version 6.7 is now available on the App Store.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Between ForeFlight Mobile and Dynon Avionics SkyView Enables Seamless Flight Planning Capabilities

We are delighted to work with Dynon Avionics to bring Wi-Fi connectivity between your iPad and iPhone and the SkyView glass panel system. ForeFlight Mobile can send and receive flight plan routes on the ground and in the air and can receive SkyView WAAS GPS and AHRS data to feed Synthetic Vision and the moving map display.

Update your route on ForeFlight Mobile then push the changes to SkyView using the Send To icon in the Route Editor:

In the Route Editor on the Maps view, use the Send To button to transfer route plan changes from ForeFlight to SkyView.

Route changes made on SkyView are easily updated on the iPad with a single tap on the Connect icon:

To pull flight plan changes from SkyView into ForeFlight tap the Connect icon in the top menu bar.

In addition to transferring flight plan route changes, ForeFlight Mobile receives SkyView’s built-in WAAS GPS to drive aircraft position on the Maps or Plates view. This is a great GPS solution if you have a Wi-Fi only iPad, or if you just want the reassurance of an additional GPS source. ForeFlight Mobile also uses the SkyView AHRS to display pitch and roll information on the Attitude Indicator and Synthetic Vision views.

ForeFlight Mobile receives the SkyView GPS and AHRS data to feed the moving map and Synthetic Vision views.

The wireless connectivity feature between ForeFlight and Dynon SkyView requires a ForeFlight Mobile Pro subscription and a Wi-Fi Adapter for each SkyView screen. Read this blog post for more details on how to setup and use the wireless connection between ForeFlight Mobile and Dynon SkyView.

Also check out our ForeFlight Connect page to learn more about our growing wireless connectivity capabilities.

New ScratchPads Sync to the Cloud and Make it Easier to Take Notes in the Cockpit

The ScratchPads feature was re-written for v6.7. Now you can choose from six different templates, including a PIREP template to help you transmit the perfect PIREP with confidence.

The CRAFT layout makes it easy to use the well-known aviation mnemonic for copying down departure clearances from ATC:

And by popular demand, you can add, edit, rename, and delete multiple ScratchPads:

Add, edit, rename, and delete multiple ScratchPads.

If you prefer to write with a stylus versus your finger, check out this popular one from Sporty’s. ScratchPads is available on the iPad to ForeFlight Mobile Basic and Pro subscribers.

New Winds Aloft Layer in Maps View

A global graphical Winds Aloft forecast is now available as a weather overlay option in the Maps view. The new Winds Aloft layer is available to all ForeFlight Mobile subscribers.

Global graphical Winds Aloft map layer is available in the map selector dropdown menu.

Winds Aloft markers are color coded to the following scale:

Winds Aloft marker color scale.

Use the slider on the lower right of the screen to select the desired altitude or flight level. Tap on a marker to view forecast details: wind speed and direction, altitude, temperature, and the winds aloft report time stamp.

Use the slider on the lower right to change the altitude. Tap on a wind marker for details.

Resources

• ForeFlight Mobile version 6.7 is a free download for subscribers via the Apple Store.
• Current version of the ForeFlight Mobile Pilot’s Guide
• How To Use ForeFlight Mobile and Dynon SkyView Wi-Fi Connectivity
• ForeFlight Mobile Support FAQ

We are ending support for the legacy Military Flight Bag (MFB) FLIP script. This script, introduced in January 2013, will no longer be updated and may not be compatible with any future changes to the FLIP DVD format.

We encourage our military and government customers to upgrade to the current version of ForeFlight’s Military Flight Bag (MFB). ForeFlight MFB supports global flight operations by providing a worldwide geo-referenced library of Department of Defense approach plates, airport diagrams, and chart coverage, all fully integrated with the ForeFlight Mobile Pro app. Pilots can overlay the geo-referenced procedures and diagrams onto global IFR enroute charts and other base maps for a seamless moving map view of own ship position along with hazard and weather information. We have recently expanded MFB to include full FLIP publications, including AQP pages and GIANT reports.

Learn more about ForeFlight Military Flight Bag at http://foreflight.com/military or contact us at sales@foreflight.com.

Team ForeFlight lands in Nashville this week to participate for the first time in the annual Army Aviation Summit. ForeFlight is all about making your flight mission easier,  safer, and more productive. Come by Booth 1902 for a full demonstration of our Military Flight Bag (MFB) electronic flight bag solution.

MFB is your all-in-one app for digital access to charts and maps, weather, route planning, document management, and more. MFB is an enhanced version of ForeFlight Mobile Pro that integrates the global data set of the DAFIF, D-FLIP publications, AQP pages, and geo-referenced D-FLIP terminal procedures, airport diagrams, and enroute charts.

We have extensive MFB deployments in the Army and Army National Guard, United States Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps, with major deployments in Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), US Coast Guard, and US Army Operational Support Airlift Agency.

We can help get your electronic flight bag program off the ground! Reach out using the form here or see us in Booth 1902 at the Summit. Let’s get going on your ForeFlight Military Flight Bag deployment!

Learn more at: www.foreflight.com/military

We are pleased to announce that ForeFlight Mobile version 6.8 is now available for download on the App Store! This update focuses on improving airport surface operations with more taxi chart coverage and more information on taxi charts for improved guidance. A new ownship setting makes compliance easy for customers operating under the guidance of FAA AC 120-76C. Version 6.8 also moves the app to a new minimum level of iOS support, paving the way to better product efficiency and more feature capability in the future.

FBOs on Airport Diagrams

Taxiing to the FBO just got easier—over 2700 FBO locations are now mapped on both FAA and ForeFlight Airport Diagrams for better ground-based taxi guidance. When coupled with ownship display capability in ForeFlight Mobile Pro, you can easily see where your aircraft is in relation to the FBO. We continue to add more FBO markers with each Business Directory update.

(Edited 4/9/15 Please note: We discovered an issue where FBO markers are not displaying on ForeFlight Mobile Basic accounts. We apologize and are working quickly to deliver the fix via a 6.8.1 update on the App Store.)

FBO markers shown on the airport diagram for Houston’s Hobby Airport.

While viewing a taxi chart, tap on any FBO marker to see detailed information, including photos, fuel prices, contact information, and more. FBO markers will appear on taxi charts within the Plates view and also when displaying a taxi chart on top of the moving map.

Tap on the FBO marker to reveal detailed location information.

You can choose to show or hide the FBO markers using the FBO button on the Plates view:

Turn FBO overlay on or off in the Plates view.

Or on the Maps view, tap anywhere on the taxi chart to open the pop-over menu and toggle the Show FBOs button ON or OFF:

Turn FBO overlay on or off in the Maps view.

If you are an FBO and would like to place your marker, login to your ForeFlight Manage account or contact directory@foreflight.com to set up an account.

FBOs on Airport Diagrams is available to Basic and Pro subscribers; ownship position on geo-referenced airport diagrams is a Pro feature.

Expanded Taxi Chart Coverage

We continue to invest in expanding our taxi chart coverage, providing taxi charts for airports not mapped by the FAA. With this release, we have added more than 1,600 ForeFlight taxi charts—more than tripling the coverage provided by the FAA alone! Our airport mapping team continues to expand ForeFlight’s library, giving you more coverage at more airports. Combined with the new FBO display on taxi charts, finding FBOs at airports is easier than ever.

Easy Ownship Compliance Support for Operations Under FAA AC 120-76C Guidance

Approval for ownship display on airport diagrams is a huge safety enhancement for Part 135 and 121 operators.

ForeFlight now makes it easier for our certificated FAA Part 91F, 91K, 121, 125 and 135 customers to comply with ownship display limitations as defined in FAA AC 120-76C operational guidance for use of electronic flight bags.

These operators are limited to using ownship depiction during airport surface operations and at less than 80 knots ground speed.

To access the setting, navigate to the More > Settings view, then scroll down to Preferences and tap on Enable Ownship. The ownship setting options include: Always, Never, and Limited. Limited mode automatically applies the speed-restricted display function as described in the Advisory Circular. Once airborne, the ownship display icon is automatically removed from view. 

New ‘Limited’ ownship setting makes it easy to comply with FAA AC-120-76C guidance.

If your flight operation is not taking advantage of ownship display on taxi diagrams, we have the tools and resources to help you get going. Email sales@foreflight.com for more information.

ForeFlight 6.8 requires iOS 8 or higher

Please note that ForeFlight Mobile 6.8 requires iOS 8 or higher. By moving to iOS 8 as the minimum supported iOS version, we can deliver new features enabled by the Apple update, deliver smaller application downloads, improve energy efficiency, improve support for devices like the iPhone 6 Plus, and deliver faster application performance. 

If you would like to take advantage of the new features in ForeFlight Mobile 6.8 or later, you will first need to update your device to the current iOS 8.x version. Apple posted this helpful article with instructions on how to update your iOS device to iOS 8.

For those of you running Apple iOS 7.x or earlier versions, you will still be able to use your current version of ForeFlight Mobile. After ForeFlight Mobile 6.8 is released, if you need to reinstall ForeFlight on an existing device you can download the last compatible version of ForeFlight Mobile from the App Store. If you have any questions, please contact us at team@foreflight.com.

The only device that is not capable of upgrading to iOS 8 that is currently also supported by iOS 7 (the current minimum iOS requirement for ForeFlight Mobile) is iPhone 4.

Blue skies!

Apple Watch is the first product Apple has designed to be worn and represents a new chapter in the relationship pilots have with technology. It brings a fresh opportunity for ForeFlight designers and developers to deliver new experiences that make interacting with ForeFlight Mobile and important flight information easier and more personal. We are excited to share with you this preview of ForeFlight for Apple Watch.

At-a-Glance Weather and Time

With a flick of the wrist, ForeFlight displays nearby flight conditions, as well as local and zulu time using the Apple Watch Glances feature. Know when flight conditions are above minimums and forget having to do local to zulu time conversions in your head!

ADS-B Weather to Your Wrist

With a Stratus on board and connected to iPhone, ADS-B weather is delivered right to ForeFlight for Apple Watch. In flight and on the ground, easily view current METARs for airports in your recents and favorites lists.

Customizable Flight Instruments

A customizable dashboard of flight instruments helps you keep track of information like ETE, ETA, distance to destination, track, ground speed, GPS altitude, and more. Configure the instrument layout to suit your preferences.

Flight Notifications and Timers

Apple Watch delivers the ForeFlight flight notifications that you are used to, but in a more convenient way. Get a discreet wrist tap as soon as an expected route clearance is issued. Keep tabs on total flight time or timed approaches in the Timers view.

Get Ready

An iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.2 or higher is required to run ForeFlight for Apple Watch. The iPhone installs supported applications on Apple Watch and manages communications between the devices. Without an iPhone, you cannot install Apple Watch applications at this time.

Pre-orders begin today and Apple Watch goes on sale April 24th.

We have learned of an issue with Apple iOS 8.3 that affects some early model Bluetooth GPS accessories, such as the Dual GPS 150 and Bad Elf Pro. When used with iOS 8.3, position information from these accessories may not be delivered to iOS applications, including ForeFlight Mobile.

Stratus and Bad Elf Pro+ devices are not affected. Our friends at Bad Elf have escalated the issue to Apple for resolution.

As a workaround, customers with Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads who have upgraded to iOS 8.3 can disconnect their Bluetooth accessories and rely on the iPad’s internal GPS or Stratus. Customers with Wi-Fi only iPads who have upgraded to iOS 8.3 will need to wait for a resolution, upgrade to a newer GPS accessory, or connect to a Stratus.

We will keep you updated. If you rely on one of these early model Bluetooth GPS accessories, we do not recommend that you upgrade your Apple devices to iOS 8.3.

With this release, planning gets even better with a more advanced Procedure Advisor and a dramatically improved navigation database that enables visual preview of SIDs, STARs, approaches, and pattern entries. Downloads are significantly faster and use less disk space. Chart Touch technology lets you see the margin information for sectional and IFR en-route charts. Cabin Altitude Advisor leverages integrated pressure sensors to alert you when things don’t seem quite right. Support for Apple Watch gives you at-a-glance weather, flight instruments, and timers. Our new web-based flight planning system delivers an industry first Web-to-Panel flight planning experience for supported avionics. ForeFlight Mobile version 7.0 is available now on the App Store.

More Efficient Route Planning with Departure, Arrival, and Instrument Procedure Preview 

Our Procedure Advisor tool now allows you to visually preview arrivals, departures, approach procedures, VFR traffic patterns, and Search and Rescue patterns prior to adding them to your route. Procedure preview makes it easy to see how various procedures enter and exit a terminal area.

To use procedure preview, enter a departure and destination in the Route Editor, then tap the Procedure button in the upper right of the Edit view:

A preview window displays the available departures, arrivals, approaches, traffic patterns, and optionally, SAR patterns.

In this example, tap on ‘Departure (19)’ to view the graphical display of departure procedures out of the Houston area:

The preview begins with a broad overview of the selected airport and geographic guides that outline each direction served by a particular procedure. After selecting an arrival or departure, either in the list on the left or by tapping one on the Map, transitions can be previewed and selected before adding it to the route.

Procedure Advisor also allows you to preview instrument approaches, including a flag on the best wind runway based on the current METAR. Once an approach is selected you can preview different entry points on top of the plate itself. When you are done, simply tap Add to Route.

You can also preview different traffic pattern entries with Traffic Pattern Advisor. The preview flags the best wind runway based on the current METAR and the best side for different VFR pattern entries. Once you have finished adding items to your route, simply tap Close (on the upper right) or tap outside the preview window to hide the Procedure Advisor.

Procedure preview is available on the iPad to Basic and Pro subscribers. 

New Chart Touch Feature Enables Chart Legends on the Maps View

You can now view US VFR Sectional and IFR Enroute chart legend panels directly on the Maps view. The new Chart Touch action allows you to rotate through each overlapping chart in turn based on where you tap the chart. To enable, select the gear icon in the Maps view; then, tap on Chart Touch Action.

When “Bring chart to front” is selected, a single tap toggles between all available charts in the area, including switching between sectionals and terminal area charts. When “bring chart to front with legends” is selected, the chart side panel information is also displayed. You can turn off the Chart Touch feature at any time by selecting “No action.”

Faster Downloads with Delta Downloads

With ForeFlight 7, we introduce faster and smaller downloads that use less disk space during cycle cross-over time. We call this Delta Downloads and the new system only delivers the ‘what changed’ data each month, resulting in a 70% to 90% reduction in download time without compromising chart quality. Delta Downloads includes terminal procedures, taxi charts, IFR and VFR charts, FAA A/FD, and Canada Flight Supplement data. As Delta Downloads rolls out, you will see the full benefit over the next couple of data cycles. As a customer, there is no action you need to take. Delta Downloads happens automatically for all subscribers.

Stay Safe at High Altitudes with Cabin Altitude Advisor

In the past year, hypoxia and depressurization have claimed pilot lives. We hope Cabin Altitude Advisor helps to prevent future accidents like these. Cabin Altitude Advisor takes advantage of the barometer sensor built-in to iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPad Air 2. The advisor alerts pilots when crossing through 12,000 feet MSL and 25,000 feet MSL. The audio and visual alert triggers once every 30 minutes for each altitude. Pressure Altitude is also available to display in the Instrument panel.

A New Look in the Downloads View

In the Downloads view, you will now see VFR charts (TACs and Sectionals) listed by chart name instead of by State.

You can refer to a Chart legend for VFR chart coverage or simply use Pack to ensure that the charts you need for a trip are downloaded to your device.

ForeFlight on Your Wrist with Apple Watch

ForeFlight 7 introduces Apple Watch support, including weather at-a-glance, instruments, and timers.

ForeFlight Lands on Your Desktop

We are excited to announce that ForeFlight flight planning is coming to your web browser. ForeFlight Web Beta enables a full screen desktop experience, automatically syncs to ForeFlight Mobile, and offers seamless Web-to-Panel capabilities via ForeFlight Connect. Our Web-to-Panel concept is a first in flight planning, where web planning activity syncs to your mobile device and loads into the panel of supported avionics like Dynon SkyView.

ForeFlight Web Beta will initially be available to existing ForeFlight customers. We envision this as a very collaborative product development process with our customers. Features will evolve quickly with frequent releases, driven by our vision and by customer feedback. ForeFlight customers who are interested in this Beta program are invited to sign up at www.foreflight.com/web. Invitations to the Beta will be released in phases.

ForeFlight Mobile version 7.0.1 is now available for download on the App Store. This release improves performance for the new Procedure Preview feature, the Procedure Advisor tool, and the ForeFlight for Apple Watch app. In addition, this release opens up Dynon SkyView connectivity to both Basic and Pro subscribers.

ForeFlight Mobile version 7.1 equips you with more weather briefing and analysis tools in the Imagery view to make better go/no-go decisions, delivers subscription-free weather and ADS-B traffic via FreeFlight Systems’ certified RANGR-series ADS-B products, and gives you more options to manage chart downloads.

Enhanced Weather Image Library

We are a company of pilots and so we understand that weather is a top priority when it comes to flight planning and decision-making. Having our own in-house Weather Scientist (Scott Dennstaedt) allows us to focus on advancing the capabilities of the preflight weather briefing tools within the ForeFlight platform. Scott and the development team have been busy thoughtfully organizing ForeFlight Mobile’s Imagery and nearly doubled the number of collections in the library. Eight new weather image sets are available and include forecasts for ceiling and visibility, convection, and precipitation. Additionally, products like icing, turbulence, and AIRMETs are enhanced with greater resolution of altitude and/or time.

This article from Scott provides an introduction to the new weather imagery collections.

Over the next few weeks we will provide more guidance and insight on how to effectively use these weather products in your day-to-day preflight planning regiment. So stay tuned to Twitter, Facebook, your email inbox, or right here on the ForeFlight blog for more details. The Pilot’s Guide to ForeFlight Mobile is also a great resource to learn more about the new weather imagery collections.

We have also added a Recents button to Imagery view on the iPad version of the app. Now you can view and swipe through all of your favorites and recents on your iPad or iPhone. For those of you that move between devices while planning, these settings sync so that you can easily pick up on your iPad where you leave off on your iPhone (or vice versa).

The new forecast weather products are available to all subscribers.

Need a refresher on those weather chart symbols? Grab the current Aviation Weather Services Advisory Circular from the Documents catalog:

Refresh your weather symbology knowledge with the Aviation Weather Advisory Circular in ForeFlight Documents.

Test Drive the New Prog Charts

Test drive the new NDFD Progs.

The Prognostic Charts that pilots have known and used for years are undergoing a facelift this Fall. As part of the Imagery enhancements, we are including these new charts giving you a chance to become familiar with them before they are officially released by the National Weather Service. Read this article from Scott where he walks through the new features of this helpful weather prediction chart.

FreeFlight RANGR-series ADS-B Solutions Deliver Weather and Traffic to ForeFlight Mobile

Our ForeFlight Connect program now includes FreeFlight Systems’ RANGR-series of certified ADS-B products. The FreeFlight Wi-Fi connectivity solution enables you to affordably equip your aircraft well in advance of the FAA’s 2020 mandate and immediately realize the benefits of inflight subscription-free FIS-B weather and TIS-B traffic on your iPad or iPhone. The RANGR GPS receiver also provides position source and data for the ForeFlight Mobile moving map view and instrument panel. ForeFlight Mobile is compatible with any certified FreeFlight Systems product that has the capability to receive data. This includes the FDL-978-RX, FDL-978-XVR, and FDL-978-XVR systems.

Delta Downloads and Download Manager Enhancements

We have received lots of positive feedback on Delta Downloads and the 70%-plus increase in download speed that the system delivers. With 7.1, Delta Downloads is activated on all customer accounts. In addition, the Delta Downloads infrastructure enables some helpful changes to the way US VFR charts and IFR Enroute charts can be managed in the Downloads view.

IFR High and Low Enroutes and US VFR charts are grouped by State or Province.

We have made it easier to manage these charts both as individual downloads or grouped by State or Province. Tap the rotating caret to reveal individual charts in a State or Province group.

New section header showing Packed data.

A new heading—“Packed and Unselected Regions”—contains charts you have Packed, as well as those you regions you may have de-selected. The re-organization makes it easier to see charts you may want to delete or unpack.

Apple iOS 8.4 Expected To Resolve GPS Accessory Compatibility Issue

As noted in a previous blog post and via a customer notice email, iOS 8.3 introduced an incompatibility with previous generation GPS accessories like the DUAL XGPS 150 and some Bad Elf devices. The issue was escalated to Apple by ForeFlight and Bad Elf and, based on PIREPs we have received, is expected to be resolved in the forthcoming iOS 8.4 update. This issue has frustrated many pilots who own Wi-Fi only iPads or GPS accessories, and we are glad relief is on the way.

ForeFlight Mobile version 7.1.1 is available for download on the App Store. This update contains some important fixes for the Imagery view, user waypoints, route entry, procedure preview, downloading Stratus firmware updates, and ADS-B connection status.

UPDATE 7/2/15:

We have completed our general ForeFlight Mobile compatibility testing of the public version of Apple iOS 8.4. We recommend caution when it comes to any iOS update, however our testing did not reveal any significant issues.

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We are happy to report that the GPS accessory compatibility issue that resulted from the Apple iOS 8.3 update is resolved with the iOS 8.4 update released this morning. We have performed a quality review of the Bad Elf GPS Pro, Bad Elf GPS Pro+, Dual XGPS150, and Dual XGPS160 on a Wi-Fi iPad running iOS 8.4 and these devices perform as expected. Stratus 1 and Stratus 2 devices were not affected by this issue. We have also started our general ForeFlight Mobile compatibility testing of the final version of iOS 8.4.

Customers that wish to resume use of their affected GPS accessories can upgrade to iOS 8.4. Customers that do not need immediate access to the affected GPS accessories can opt to wait until ForeFlight completes its compatibility testing of the final iOS 8.4 release and issues an ‘all clear’ notice.

For your reference, here are the instructions on how to update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

In partnership with Appareo and Sporty’s, we are happy to announce that the next generation of portable Stratus ADS-B receivers are available and shipping soon. Stratus 1S and 2S offer new features and better performance, with the same pilot-friendly design that has made Stratus the best-selling ADS-B receiver. Even if you haven’t equipped for the 2020 mandate yet, Stratus allows you to take advantage of ADS-B weather and traffic information for better inflight situational awareness and decision-making.

Stratus 1S, priced at just $549, is an affordable option that gives you subscription-free weather, single-band ADS-B traffic, and GPS position. Features on this entry-level option include enhanced ADS-B reception, the latest USB Type C connector for charging, and Stratus Replay, a feature that allows you to sleep your iPad screen and never miss a weather report.

Stratus 2S enhances the ForeFlight Mobile experience, especially for single-pilot IFR operations. Stratus 2S comes with a built-in barometric pressure sensor and integrated Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). The pressure sensor drives ForeFlight Mobile’s Pressure Altitude instrument and Cabin Altitude Advisor alert, a helpful notification feature that keeps you safer at higher altitudes. The super-responsive AHRS provides a backup attitude display, a feature that really makes our Synthetic Vision come alive. In addition, flight data recording, a dual-band traffic receiver, and Stratus Replay are all a part of the $899 Stratus 2S value.

For existing Stratus customers, you can feel confident that we will continue to support the first- and second-generation Stratus units. The Stratus platform is built from the ground up to work with ForeFlight Mobile, making it easy to develop and deliver firmware updates.

Stratus 1S or 2S can be purchased via Sporty’s Pilot Shop or Appareo. Customers who currently have an order placed for a second-generation Stratus will automatically receive a new Stratus 2S. Stay tuned for updates on the ship date. Customers interested in Fleet Sales should contact ForeFlight at sales@foreflight.com.

Learn more at foreflight.com/stratus.

ForeFlight Mobile version 7.2 supports the next generation of portable Stratus ADS-B receivers, expands our Sync system to include Weight & Balance profiles, increases the temporal resolution of the global winds and temperatures aloft for more accurate flight plan calculations, and improves the delivery of critical flight alerts with Graphical Flight Notifications.

ForeFlight Mobile version 7.2 is currently available for download on the App Store.

ForeFlight Mobile Supports Next Generation Stratus 1S and 2S Receivers

ForeFlight Mobile 7.2 supports the next generation of Stratus portable ADS-B receivers, which were announced last week. Our close development partnership with Appareo and Sporty’s means that Stratus is built from the ground up to work with ForeFlight Mobile and simply works the right way. Pilots using Stratus and ForeFlight experience seamless one-button-push and wire-free operation, easy over-the-air firmware updates, and the flexibility to view and manage Stratus settings right from the app. The best part is, even if you haven’t equipped for the 2020 mandate yet, Stratus allows you to take advantage of ADS-B weather and traffic information for better inflight situational awareness and decision-making. This blog article and the video from Sporty’s both detail all the features in the new receivers.

For fleet operators, Stratus is an excellent addition to your electronic flight bag program. Stratus is a wireless, portable PED so no modification to the airframe is required. For more information contact sales@foreflight.com.

ForeFlight Mobile Connectivity with Garmin Avionics

We are thrilled to announce connectivity between ForeFlight Mobile and Garmin avionics. When connected to Garmin Flight Stream, you can now wirelessly receive ADS-B weather and traffic, precise GPS position data, and dynamic pitch and bank information on your iPad or iPhone. Our blog post here details this exciting integration.

Graphical Flight Notifications Keep You Better Informed Before Every Flight

Flight Notifications shown in list view with new graphical thumbnails. Tap to expand the image.

We previously introduced Flight Notifications, a feature that monitors your filed flight plan and synthesizes flight condition alerts from ForeFlight systems and from others, including Lockheed Martin’s Adverse Conditions Alerting Service (ACAS). When a significant change in route or weather conditions is detected within two hours of your scheduled departure we send you a notification containing a summary and detailed description of the condition.

We now include a helpful graphic along with the flight critical information making it easier to analyze the alert and to stay better informed before every flight. Thumbnail graphics are shown next to each alert in the Flight Notification window; tap on an alert to view a larger version of the image.

Flight Notifications include updates to: TFRs, airport/runway closed/unsafe NOTAMs, urgent PIREPs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs, AIRMETs, Center Weather Advisories (CWAs), and Severe Weather Watches/Warnings that affect your filed route.

Flight Notifications are tied to ForeFlight’s Sync system, meaning the notifications are delivered to all of the devices on your account.

Easy Configuration Settings for Flight Notifications

To activate Flight Notifications, Sync must be ON. On the iPad, navigate to More > Settings, then scroll all the way down to Synchronize User Data. Before filing the plan, scroll to the bottom of the flight plan form on the File & Brief page and move the Flight Notifications switch to ON.

Once you file a flight plan, ForeFlight will notify you of any new conditions via a red badge (showing the number of notifications) on the File & Brief tab.

Flight Notifications require an active Internet connection and are a ForeFlight Mobile Pro feature.

Weight & Balance Profiles Protected by ForeFlight Sync

We continue to advance our ForeFlight cloud system, Sync, with the addition of Weight & Balance profiles. Your aircraft load data now synchronizes between all your devices so you don’t have to enter the same information on multiple devices; add or edit a profile on one device and those changes are automatically applied to all devices on your account. This is especially helpful if you fly multiple aircraft and maintain several weight and balance profiles. Sync protected data also makes it easier to set up a new device if you are replacing an old one.

Weight & Balance is a Pro feature, however Sync is available to all customers and, in addition to Weight & Balance profiles, includes: recent and favorite routes, airports, and weather imagery, user waypoints, scratch pads, flight notifications, filed flight plans, and aircraft profiles.

Sync can be turned on by enabling Synchronize User Data, located in More > Settings, near the bottom of the page.

Improved Global Winds Aloft Enables More Accurate Flight Planning Calculations

ForeFlight Mobile 7.2 also introduces an increase to the resolution of the global winds and temperatures aloft. Flight planning calculations are now even more accurate with a forecast time step of three hours instead of the previous six hours. This blog article from Scott Dennstaedt discusses the enhancements to the global Winds Aloft layer.

Refinements to ForeFlight for Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is an exciting and evolving platform, and we will continue to develop ForeFlight for Apple Watch to expand the app in helpful ways. In 7.2, we introduce some refinements to the Airports page, allowing weather data from up to 30 airports to be viewed under three selectable tabs: Nearby, Recents, and Favorites.

We are excited to announce connectivity between ForeFlight Mobile and Garmin avionics. When connected to Garmin Flight Stream, you can now wirelessly receive ADS-B weather and traffic, precise GPS position data, and dynamic pitch and bank information on your iPad or iPhone.

ForeFlight Mobile connects to compatible Garmin avionics via the Flight Stream 210/110, Garmin’s Bluetooth® wireless gateway, and displays the full suite of ADS-B weather and traffic information received from the GDL 88/84. The Flight Stream 210, with its internal attitude sensor, powers ForeFlight’s Synthetic Vision and adds a backup attitude capability with dynamic pitch and bank information.

WAAS GPS position information from GTN™ 650/750, GNS™ 430W/530W navigators, or GDL 88 with an internal WAAS receiver can also be used to power features like ForeFlight Mobile’s moving map and geo-referenced approach plates and taxi diagrams to enhance situational awareness in the air and on the ground.

Additionally, flight plan transfer capability is currently in development and will be available in a future app update.

Support for Garmin Flight Stream connectivity is available with ForeFlight Mobile 7.2, now available for download on the App Store. For more information, visit foreflight.com/connect.

The second phase of our ForeFlight Connect integration with Garmin avionics is complete and you can now seamlessly transfer your flight plan between ForeFlight Mobile and Garmin GTN and GNS navigators when connected via the Garmin Flight Stream 210, Garmin’s Bluetooth wireless gateway, making everything from pre-flight planning to inflight re-routing easier and faster.

Get in the Air Faster

ForeFlight pilots can load a simple route, as well as approaches, SIDs, STARs, routes with airways, and search and rescue patterns. ForeFlight Mobile also receives route changes you make on the Garmin navigator, keeping your panel and iOS device in sync.

Coupled with ForeFlight Web, connectivity with your Garmin panel creates a true web-to-panel flight planning experience. Plan your day’s flight from the comfort of your desktop web browser and then ForeFlight’s secure, cloud-based Sync system sends your web planning activity to your iPad. The seamless handoff allows you to pick up and finish your plan on the iPad and send it to your panel. In the air, the combination of ForeFlight and Flight Stream enables you—or your co-pilot—to quickly set up and program a new route if you need to divert.

ForeFlight Mobile has coded procedures, so creating complex routes with SID, STAR, and approach waypoints is easy and intuitive using Procedure Preview. The flight plan transfer capability with Garmin means that you don’t have to waste time rebuilding that route in the navigator—sitting in the airplane, on the ground, engine running.

(click to enlarge)

Another example of how ForeFlight Mobile and Garmin flight plan transfer combine to make pilot life easier is to file your flight plan from the app. If you are a ForeFlight Mobile Pro customer, we push expected route notifications to your device. With a tap, load expected route changes into your Navlog, re-file the amendment from ForeFlight Mobile, and then at the airplane send your expected route to your panel before taking off.

Getting in the air faster is also mission critical to search and rescue operations. ForeFlight Mobile’s Procedure Preview is a time-saving tool for building search and rescue patterns. Use ForeFlight’s wireless sharing capability or email to share and brief the plan with other members of the search team and then quickly transfer the route plan, with the SAR pattern, into your Garmin navigator.

The Flight Stream 210’s built-in AHRS also provides pitch and bank information for ForeFlight’s Synthetic Vision and backup attitude displays, and a connected GDL 84/88 rounds out the experience by delivering ADS-B traffic and weather information to your iPad display.

How It Works

Simply pair your iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth to Garmin Flight Stream:

Tap the ‘Panel’ button at the top of the Maps view and then tap ‘Send to Panel’. This sends the route currently displayed in the Navlog to your Garmin navigator.

To manually pull an updated or new route from your Garmin navigator, select ‘Load from Panel’. The ‘Auto-Receive from Panel’ setting automatically sends a notification when changes are made in the navigator, allowing you to keep your panel avionics and mobile app on the same page:

You can also see more information by viewing the Connext Status page in More > Devices:

Do you know what to do if you are intercepted by NORAD? No one plans to bust a TFR or wander into Restricted Airspace unannounced, but as PIC you should be familiar with intercept procedures just in case it happens to you. AOPA created a helpful Safety Card which provides flight planning tips for TFR avoidance and a quick reference guide on how to safely comply with standard NORAD / FAA intercept procedures. You can download the guide in the ForeFlight Mobile Documents view:

Or you can also download the guide here.