SkyWalk: The Tool For Flight Preparations.
Flying is one of the greatest achievements in human history. A safe journey requires a prepared pilot. However, the preparation step can be laborious due to the amount of information that needs to be collected, combined, and then calculated. This is where Skywalk steps in. Skywalk is an application that is developed to help Pilots in their flight preparation by automating the parts of information collection, processing, and computations.
Flight preparation is complicated and requires combining multiple information sources such as law, airspaces, aerodromes, weather conditions in combination with technical specifications of aircraft and user-specific variables such as fuel, number of passengers, weight distribution and so on. The pilot in command needs to be aware of the flight conditions. High stress levels are not uncommon in aviation but can be lowered or even prevented with good flight preparation. In this blog, I will describe how SkyWalk integrates various information sources and helps to build awareness for pilots in the various steps of flight preparation. With SkyWalk you can directly see the impact of the always-changing variables, and does overcomes the issue of re-doing the entire stack of analysis manually if one variable changes, e.g., an extra passenger, or wind angle changes. With SkyWalk you select the departure, arrival, and alternate, together with your aircraft type, and then combine it with custom settings such as passengers, amount of fuel etc. Information such as aerodromes, airspaces, real-time weather conditions (METAR), and NOTAMs are processed and calculations are made for weight and balance, wind envelopes, runway lengths, and many more. All relevant information is organized, visualized, or otherwise presented. In the end, you decide whether to fly or not. Keep it safe.
A Brief Summary: TLDR;
SkyWalk is a tool to help pilots become more aware of the various aspects of their flight plan as it can quickly address situations that may need extra attention. It works as follows: specify the departure, arrival, number of passengers, etc and SkyWalk helps you with the following analyses:
- Retrieves aerodrome information;
- Retrieves METAR and NOTAM information for your entire flight and filters out what is not needed;
- Visualizes and analyzes the weight and balance envelope for your aircraft and passengers;
- Analyzes the required runway length based on the POH, weather conditions, runway information, etc.;
- Crosswind and Headwind analysis;
- Analysis of fuel consumption;
- Shows your entire flight on a map with all relevant information such as METAR, NOTAMs, airspace, closeby aerodromes;
- Analysis of flight time, remaining maintenance hours, and costs based on the Tacho/Tobbs information;
- A customized checklist with mandatory/ practical items that you need before/during flight;
- Creates ATC Transcripts that are specific for your flight from departure to arrival and include en route flight information service;
- Summarizes all details;
- Gives you more awareness of the situation.
Introduction To SkyWalk.
Flight preparation is a complex process that requires many steps of planning and organizing before a flight. A pilot needs to perform tasks such as assessing weather conditions, determining aircraft performance capabilities, calculating fuel consumption, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and safety. There is not one data source where all information can be found but it is an iterative process where information is collected from various sources and then combined, computed, and finally interpreted for decision-making. This process is laborious and time-intensive.
For flight preparation there is not one data source but information is collected from various sources, combined, computed, and finally interpreted for decision-making.
In SkyWalk, flight preparation information is organized over various tabs. Information of thousands of aerodromes is available, live sources are connected and custom user information can be provided. As an example, SkyWalk can process worldwide information from over 10.000 METAR weather stations, and flight plans can be created across thousands of aerodromes in 34 countries. More countries are available but are on request. In the next sections, I will demonstrate the steps of how flight preparations can be created using SkyWalk.
Flight Preparation is Organized in Different Tabs.
Flight preparation details are organized over various tabs in SkyWalk. Each tab contains multiple expanders where information is either automatically loaded from static or live sources or requires user input. After the login screen, the tabs can be found at the top of the screen as shown in the screenshot. Let’s go briefly through each of the tabs.
A summary of the tabs:
- New/ Load: Create new flight plans or load previously saved ones.
- Aircraft/ Passengers: Specify the aircraft type, and number of passengers, and compute the weight and balance interactively.
- Departure/ Arrival/ Alternate: Three tabs with the details about the departure, arrival, and alternate aerodromes. Information is shown about runway length, elevation levels but also weather conditions with METAR information. The static information is combined with live sources and your custom input. Details about crosswind, required runway length, wind envelope, and cloud base are computed and visually presented.
- Flightmap: The flight map is a visual map where information is projected from the different tabs. The aerodromes are shown with their information, A direct line is drawn between the departure, arrival, and the alternate aerodrome. Airspaces are included and live weather conditions from METARs, and NOTAMS can be loaded with one click on the button. All information is filtered for your flight plan which includes your flight altitude.
- ATC: Transcripts are automatically created based on the provided information that is provided in various other sections in Skywalk.
- Checklist: Load or customize a checklist for the tasks that need to be done.
- Settings: Technical information can be added in this section. Alternatively, a checklist can be adjusted or newly created. Aerodrome defaults can be returned.
- Calculator: Logbook times and costs calculator. As an example, details about flight time, and costs are computed in this section.
- Profile: User information and personal subscriptions.
At the top of SkyWalk are badges that depict the processed information. Each badge describes an event and is colored in green, orange, or red. The first word describes the item and the second the status. Depending on the item, the status can be a value or description. Information is gathered and processed across all tabs and expanders.
Step 1. Create a new Flight Plan.
The first step in SkyWalk is creating a new Flight Plan. By creating a new flight plan, all previous results are cleaned for a new fresh start. Previously saved Flight Plans can be loaded with the load button to inspect earlier conditions or it can also be used to load and make adjustments for a new similar flight.
In my example, I will create a new clean flight plan. Then load the aircraft type where the POH information and other performance settings are readily stored. Note: New aircraft can be created and information from the POH with performance settings can be manually added. For demonstration purposes, various aircrafts can be imported.
Let’s create a flight plan where we depart from the Netherlands, Rotterdam Airport (EHRD) with arrival Texel (EHTX). An alternate aerodrome can also be chosen. After loading the aerodromes, information is retrieved and processed from both static and live data sources. With thousands of aerodromes, all information should always be checked for correctness and updated if required. Data can be incomplete/missing or may need adjustments. Adjustments will be stored in your environment and loaded next time.
Step 2. Set Aircraft/ Passengers
The Aircraft/ Passenger tab consists of multiple expanders related to the aircraft and/or passengers. At the top are badges that show a summary of the processed information. If all information is provided, the expander will get the ✅ Green check. Missing information is shown by the❗exclamation mark. Note: A message box is shown with tips on what to do if information is missing.
The aircraft type and other relevant properties can be set in the aircraft information expander. As an example, set the properties Callsign, Aircraft type, Fuel Type etc. The buttons at the bottom allows you to create, delete or save/ update an aircraft.
The flight date and time is where you can set the date and time of departure. The departure location together with the date and time will provide information on whether a VFR flight can be made. When the arrival location is provided, it will also show whether your time of arrival is before sunset, given the cruise speed that is provided.
Weight and Balance. This expander focuses on how the weight distribution affects the performance of the aircraft. The weight distribution of fuel and passengers can be set. Based on the fuel type (Diesel or Jet-A1) the weight of fuel will be differently computed. The weight and balance scheme needs to be set in Settings tab for your specific aircraft type. This includes the Arm and the [x, y] coordinates for the aircraft envelope.
Step 3. Departure/ Arrival/ Alternate locations.
The tabs Departure, Arrival, and Alternate have similar content but the information will differ based on the aerodrome information, weather conditions, and user-specific information. Let's go through the expanders of this section. First of all, at the top of the screen are shown badges that will summarize the processed information for the current situation.
Aerodromes
The Aerodrome expander presents information about the aerodrome itself. Only the position of the aircraft at the aerodrome and the lon/lat coordinates can be changed. The location of the aircraft (e.g., At the Apron) will be used in the ATC transcripts. The three checkboxes Tower Services and CTR Region can be enabled if true. This information is used in the maps; a CTR region is only plotted but the information is also used in the ATC Transcripts.
ATC Frequencies
The expander for ATC Frequencies depicts the frequencies for the specific aerodrome. All frequencies are automatically retrieved but should always be validated. After confirming the correctness, it is recommended to set the ATC frequencies as default for future use. The frequencies are used in the ATC Transcripts.
Route
The route expander contains information about your route and altitudes. No data is loaded automatically, so manual input is required. There are three input fields: the name of the departure/arrival, the altitude for the departure/arrival, and the circuit altitude. This information is used in various analyses and plots, as well as for the ATC transcripts. In addition to these input fields, there are also two custom input fields for images, PDF files, or a URL. In the latter case, the website will be embedded. In the example below, a PDF is shown on the left side and a URL, where the AIP of EHRD is embedded, is shown on the right side. The URL link was the input in both fields.
METAR Information
The METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardized format for reporting current weather observations. This information helps pilots with safety, flight planning, and operational efficiency. Some weather stations provide updates every 30 minutes, while others return information every few hours. Note that some stations may not return any information due to malfunction. In SkyWalk, the data is derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the closest weather station is automatically selected and processed for the aerodrome.
The following information from the METAR stations is processed and used in various computations:
- Wind Direction
- Wind Strength
- Wind Variation
- Wind Gust
- Temperature
- Dewpoint
- Visibility
- Weather: rain/snow/etc information
Runway Length/ Information
A correct estimation of the required runway length is fundamental for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. To compute the required runway length for takeoff and landing, various factors must be considered, including the guidelines provided in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
Factors Affecting Runway Length:
- Weight: The weight of the aircraft, fuel and passengers.
- Temperature Correction: Adjust for temperature using performance charts. Higher temperatures generally increase the required distance.
- Wind Correction: Modify the takeoff distance based on wind conditions. Headwinds decrease and tailwinds increase the required distance.
- Runway Conditions: Surface Conditions: Adjust for runway surface conditions, considering factors like wet or contaminated surfaces.
- Altitude Correction: Account for the elevation of the airfield. Higher altitudes require longer takeoff distances due to reduced air density.
- Slope: The slope of the runway.
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
The POH provides specific performance tables for each aircraft type, detailing the required runway lengths for various weights, configurations, and environmental conditions. The POH table can be added in SkyWalk in the tab Settings for POH details which is then used in the computations.
All computations with the effect of each correction factor is shown in the Runway takeoff/landing tab.
Cloud Plot
The cloud plot is a visualization based on the METAR information and user input. It will visually demonstrate the height of cloud, and whether there is a cloud-base formation within the circuit and departure/arrival altitude.
Wind Envelope: Crosswinds and Headwinds
The Wind Envelope is a new visualization designed to better understand the impact of crosswind and headwind on flight operations. Traditionally, the wind angle and strength are used in combination with the runway direction to compute crosswind and headwind components. This approach provides a single measurement, but as the wind angle changes, the situation also changes immediately. The Wind Envelope offers a graphical representation that illustrates all possible scenarios of crosswind and headwind as the wind angle varies from 0 to 360 degrees relative to the runway. Wind gusts are also included if reported by the METAR.
The wind envelope depicts whether the crosswind and headwind remains within acceptable limits. These limits can be based on personal preferences, aircraft specifications, or other guidelines.
The default limits are typically set to 25 knots for headwind and 15 knots for crosswind.
Interpretation of the wind envelope:
- If the red cross (X) is outside the blue line, the wind strength exceeds the maximum wind limits.
- If any part of the red line extends beyond the blue line, it indicates that certain wind angles can push the aircraft outside the maximum crosswind/headwind limits.
- If the orange line is outside or moves outside the blue line, it indicates that wind gusts on the METAR can push the aircraft beyond the maximum crosswind/headwind limits.
Step 4. The Flight Map.
The FlightMap tab contains information from various tabs and projects it onto the interactive flight map. The map will show the departure, arrival, and alternate aerodromes with static, real-time, and user-defined information and images.
A summary of information that can be seen on the map:
- The route between Departure-Arrival: a direct line for illustration and not navigation.
- Nearby Aerodromes: Various colors are used to separate between Public, Military, and Private aerodromes, as well as between Grass and Asphalt runways.
- METAR information: Real-time information from the closest weather stations is processed and projected.
- NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) information is processed and projected into the flight map. These notices provide updates of current changes or temporary changes or conditions at airports and along flight routes such as Runway closures, Airspace restrictions, Equipment outages
- Airspaces and other areas: Gliding, parachute zones, etc.
The number of NOTAMs can vary from tens to hundreds for large countries. To prevent information overload, SkyWalk filters and groups notices based on your flight details and then projects them onto the Flight Map.
NOTAMs are shown based on the following properties:
- Flight Altitude: Only show notices in your the relevant Altitude.
- Date of flight: Only show the active notices.
- Only notices within 50km radius between the departure and arrival and the flying route.
- Notices are combined when multiple notices are present within a radius of 5km of each other.
Step 5. ATC Transcripts
Air Traffic Control (ATC) transcripts are essential for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. The transcripts provide a detailed account of the instructions, clearances, and information exchanged to ensure the safe and efficient management of air traffic.
SkyWalk automatically generates ATC transcripts based on the information that is provided across the various sections.
In SkyWalk, there are four types of transcripts: Summary, Departure, Arrival, and Enroute. These transcripts can be customized using two presets: View and Print which automatically adjust the font sizes for optimal readability. It is recommended to use “Print” for printing and “View” for online reading. If you need more customization, set the Usage type to “Custom” and adjust the font sizes to your preference.
Be Aware:
- ATC transcripts can show some variation between countries and aerodromes due to differences in local regulations, procedures, and communication practices.
- While the core elements of ATC communications remain consistent, specific phraseology, accents, and procedural nuances can reflect regional variations.
- These differences underscore the importance of pilots and controllers being familiar with the specific protocols of the airspace they operate in, ensuring effective and clear communication across diverse aviation environments.
Step 6. Checklists.
In aviation, numerous preparation steps are essential to ensure safe and efficient flights. Central to this process are checklists — structured lists of tasks and procedures that pilots follow before, during, and after each flight. These checklists are critical tools that enhance safety, mitigate risks, and maintain operational standards in the dynamic aviation environment. The systematic use of checklists helps pilots manage complexities, minimize human error, and uphold the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. Whether for routine flights or challenging conditions, checklists are indispensable tools that instill confidence and reliability in every phase of flight operations.
We can separate the checklist into three main categories:
- Pre-Flight checklists encompass a range of tasks, from assessing weather conditions and verifying aircraft readiness to reviewing flight plans and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- In-Flight checklists guide pilots through essential procedures such as takeoff, navigation, and landing protocols, ensuring precision and adherence to operational norms.
- Post-Flight checklists are equally vital, facilitating thorough inspections, documentation of flight data, and aircraft maintenance checks.
SkyWalk helps you with the checklists as it will summarize the information and bring it back in the checklist.
In SkyWalk we focus on the Pre-flight checklist but can also be used for the Post-flight checklist. The pre-flight checklist can roughly be categorized into the groups:
- Bring-along tasks: These are mandatory or practical items that you need to put in your bag or bring along. Some examples: pilot licence, sunglasses, etc.
- Look-up tasks: These tasks can be mandatory or just smart to do before flight. Think of aerodrome information, METAR, NOTAMs, ATC frequencies etc.
- Computational tasks: Computational tasks are for example to determine the crosswind, landing/takeoff distances etc.
- Before-flight tasks: These are tasks that you need to do before flight. Think of flight plan, briefing your passengers.
Calculator.
The calculator tab is part of the post-flight checks. Once the departure and arrival locations are set, a time of arrival is computed and used as the Time of Engine Shutdown. This can be adjusted manually if needed. Input the Tacho/Hobbs values to compute the time of rotation and total flight time. Additionally, the remaining maintenance hours will be calculated.
SkyWalk Trial and Subscriptions.
Creating SkyWalk involved many iterations, over ten thousand lines of code, and an extensive development timeline. To maintain and enhance the tool, subscription plans are necessary to cover deployment, storage, and ongoing development costs. There are two subscription plans, namely a monthly and a yearly subscription plan. However, first find out whether SkyWalk aligns with your needs. Try the trial period of 7 days. This will automatically end without any costs.
- The Yearly subscription has 2 months discount;
- The Monthly subscription is the price of a coffee;
- Subscription plans are for personal use only;
- Subscription plans for business is per device on which you wish to use SkyWalk;
- Each subscription plan has a private cloud storage that is shared across all devices to store personal settings, and custom data;
- No installation is needed.
- Payment is made securely by using Stripe;
- Orders take effect immediately once payment has been taken. You can start using SkyWalk within minutes;
- Subscriptions can easily be stopped, renewed, or otherwise managed.
Final words.
SkyWalk is a tool designed to assist pilots with flight preparation. It offers a range of functionalities to provide insights into weather details (METAR), NOTAMs, airspaces, aerodromes, required and available runway lengths, weight and balance, headwind/crosswinds, as well as checklists and ATC transcripts. All analyses, visualizations, computations, and text are tailored to your specific flight plan based on aircraft type, number of passengers, and other factors.
Information is organized into tabs within SkyWalk, each focusing on a specific aspect of flight preparation. Within these tabs, details are further organized into multiple expanders. Green checkboxes indicate that sufficient information has been provided to complete the computations for that section, while a red exclamation mark points to missing information, with a message indicating what needs to be done.
SkyWalk organizes all relevant information logically to enhance your awareness of the flight plan. Ultimately, the decision to fly is up to you.
Be Safe. Stay Frosty.
Cheers E.
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