iFly GPS Forum

Now that we have 50ft ajustable altitude on flight planning, would like to see a 'Target altitiude' or 'Planned Altitude' instrument box.

I'm always slightly confused as to whether I'm setting a target altitude in flight planning for the leg or for the waypoint (I think it's really the waypoint then the aircraft profile determines when to prompt a change via VST to get to that altitude upon reaching the waypoint). As such it would reflect the same logic and keep the altitide per the last waypoint until reaching the point where the climb/descent should begin per the profile) and then update to the show the 'new' target altitude for the next waypoint. When it changed I'd know it was time to change the altitude bug on my altimeter/EFIS to match.

I don't display the 'Altitiude' box on the iFly as I prefer to look at pressure altitude on the EFIS to monitor my altitude. However (other than paper) the iFly is the only place I have my flight plan. So if I had a way to show what altitiude I should be at per the plan I'd find that very useful for comparison to actual altitude on the EIS or altimeter. Thoughts?

Not sure if you are suggesting that there be two separate instrument boxes. I think that would take up more real estate. How about just one "smart one" that changes title 'Climb Alt' (from BOC until TOC) reached, then 'Cruise Alt', then 'Descend Alt' (from TOD to BOD)?

May I weigh in from an IFR prospective?

When flying approach plates there are fixes along the glide slope that altitudes are dictated to stay above until crossing the fix. It would be very nice to not only have an Altitude Box but the addition of an Alarm that the fix has been reached. Remember that we must fly the approach based on Pressure Altitude not GPS Altitude so the alarm is at the fix location and the Altitude Box is just a reminder not based on GPS but what we entered in the flight plan.

All other Alarms could be turned off in Instrument plate mode because we are under ATC control and the airspace, tfr, etc alarms are not necessary and are even distracting. Flying IMC requires a good instrument scan and distractions is the last thing we need or want to deal with. However knowing we have reached step down altitudes is very helpful.

Please understand that we will have to create a flight plan based on the approach plate fixes, that is ok because we pre-brief all approaches before departure, so a flight plan could be made for any of the approaches that might be used at our destination.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Greg Greene -IGI