Online Tools Make Successful Flight Plans
- By Joshua Watson
- Published 09/9/2011
- Tools and Resources
- Unrated
A successful flight plan is imperative for every flight a pilot completes no matter the distance. If you file a flight plan and do not arrive at your impending destination within a reasonable amount of time after your expected time of arrival, flight service will do everything in their power to find you, including search and rescue if needed.
Today, there are many online tools and flight planners for pilots to utilize to make a safe flight plan. Some of these tools include fuel calculation, weather conditions, airport and approach procedures, FAA regulations, live graphic depictions, and more.
What is a Flight Plan
Flight Planning is the process of producing a flight plan to document a pending aircraft flight. A flight plan is made to ensure you are in compliance with air traffic control requirements and to ensure that the aircraft can safely reach the destination by proper fuel calculation based on many factors.
Why is Fuel Calculation Important
Figuring out fuel consumption is more than just seeing how many miles away your intended destination is. You need to take into consideration not only air temperature and head or tail winds, but also allow for unforeseen circumstances or if a diversion to another airport is necessary. Using an online flight planner can g
ive you up to date and real live weather maps, radar summaries, as well as outlaying airport data in case a diversion is needed.
Detailing your Flight Path
In a world with ever changing information, online tools for pilots are essential with mapping your flight path. You can use real-time Temporary Flight Restrictions graphical overlay, see special-use airspace area to detour around them before leaving the ground, show state boundaries, landing facilities, airways, among many other options to make your flight path as efficient as possible.
Using Technology to have Current Procedures at your Fingertips
Regulations and procedures are ever changing. Using an online flight-planning tool can help you stay updated on the most recent changes and be at your fingertips should you need to review something while in transit. You can upload current Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, basic information for each airport you may encounter, and current online instrument approach procedures. If you so wish, airport and approach procedure information can even be printed out in kneeboard format.
Using the latest technology, pilots can have the peace of mind to plan with confidence. Some online flight planners include AOPA Online, FltPlan.com, Aeroplanner.com, Skyvector, and Jeppeson. Another useful online reference source for pilots is the new CSC DUATS website operated by the FAA.
Today, there are many online tools and flight planners for pilots to utilize to make a safe flight plan. Some of these tools include fuel calculation, weather conditions, airport and approach procedures, FAA regulations, live graphic depictions, and more.
What is a Flight Plan
Flight Planning is the process of producing a flight plan to document a pending aircraft flight. A flight plan is made to ensure you are in compliance with air traffic control requirements and to ensure that the aircraft can safely reach the destination by proper fuel calculation based on many factors.
Why is Fuel Calculation Important
Figuring out fuel consumption is more than just seeing how many miles away your intended destination is. You need to take into consideration not only air temperature and head or tail winds, but also allow for unforeseen circumstances or if a diversion to another airport is necessary. Using an online flight planner can g
Detailing your Flight Path
In a world with ever changing information, online tools for pilots are essential with mapping your flight path. You can use real-time Temporary Flight Restrictions graphical overlay, see special-use airspace area to detour around them before leaving the ground, show state boundaries, landing facilities, airways, among many other options to make your flight path as efficient as possible.
Using Technology to have Current Procedures at your Fingertips
Regulations and procedures are ever changing. Using an online flight-planning tool can help you stay updated on the most recent changes and be at your fingertips should you need to review something while in transit. You can upload current Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, basic information for each airport you may encounter, and current online instrument approach procedures. If you so wish, airport and approach procedure information can even be printed out in kneeboard format.
Using the latest technology, pilots can have the peace of mind to plan with confidence. Some online flight planners include AOPA Online, FltPlan.com, Aeroplanner.com, Skyvector, and Jeppeson. Another useful online reference source for pilots is the new CSC DUATS website operated by the FAA.
Joshua Watson
New online tools make flight planning for pilots easier and accurate. Licensed pilots either flying for pleasure or if contracted with a company like DynaCorp can now plan flights, track weather, and even submit flight plans online using platforms like the FAA's CSC DUATS website, and others.
View all articles by Joshua Watson