Cross At Bearing
Easily plan to cross any point at a desired bearing by specifying the bearing and leg length to add a new waypoint to your route, much like a virtual OBS.
Enter the desired Bearing (in °M or °T) and Leg Length in nautical miles, or opt for predefined lengths like 1, 2, 5, or 10nm. Afterward, tap Add to Route to seamlessly integrate a new waypoint that facilitates the intended crossing, complete with pertinent information embedded in the waypoint’s name.
Case Study: ForeFlight's "Cross at Bearing" Feature
Overview
In response to the unique navigation challenges faced by Ukrainian pilots, ForeFlight introduced the "Cross at Bearing" feature. This innovative tool enables pilots to approach waypoints from specific bearings, allowing them to avoid hostile territory and ensure safer flights. The feature's development was driven by the need for precise navigation in high-risk areas, where traditional methods fell short.
The Challenge
Navigating safely through hostile territories requires precision and flexibility. Ukrainian pilots needed a way to approach waypoints from specific bearings to avoid danger zones effectively. Traditional navigation tools did not offer the granularity required for this level of planning. The challenge was to create a feature that allowed for detailed route customization, ensuring pilots could approach any point at a desired bearing with ease and accuracy.
The Solution
ForeFlight's team developed the "Cross at Bearing" feature, a powerful addition to the navigation suite. This tool allows pilots to specify a bearing and leg length, automatically adding a new waypoint to their route. The feature functions like a virtual Omni Bearing Selector (OBS), providing pilots with the capability to plan their approach to waypoints precisely.
Key Features:
Bearing Specification: Pilots can enter the desired bearing in degrees magnetic (°M) or true (°T).
Leg Length Options: Customizable leg lengths in nautical miles or predefined lengths of 1, 2, 5, or 10nm.
Seamless Integration: New waypoints are easily added to the route with pertinent information embedded in the waypoint’s name.
Implementation
The implementation of the "Cross at Bearing" feature involved several steps:
User Research: Conducting in-depth interviews with Ukrainian pilots to understand their specific needs and challenges.
Design and Prototyping: Creating intuitive interfaces that allow easy input of bearings and leg lengths.
Development: Building the backend logic to calculate and integrate new waypoints based on specified bearings and distances.
Testing: Rigorous testing in simulated environments to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Deployment: Rolling out the feature with detailed documentation and training resources for pilots.
Results
The introduction of the "Cross at Bearing" feature has significantly enhanced the safety and efficiency of navigation for Ukrainian pilots. Key outcomes include:
Improved Safety: Pilots can now plan routes that avoid hostile territories, reducing the risk of encounters.
Enhanced Precision: The ability to approach waypoints from specific bearings allows for more accurate navigation.
Increased Flexibility: Customizable leg lengths provide pilots with greater control over their routes.
User Feedback
Feedback from Ukrainian pilots has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the ease of use and the significant impact on their navigation capabilities. One pilot noted, "The 'Cross at Bearing' feature has transformed our flight planning. We can now navigate around dangerous areas with confidence and precision."
Conclusion
ForeFlight's "Cross at Bearing" feature is a testament to the company's commitment to addressing the unique needs of its users. By providing a tool that enhances safety and precision in navigation, ForeFlight has once again demonstrated its leadership in aviation technology.
For more information about the "Cross at Bearing" feature and other navigation tools, visit ForeFlight's website.
This case study highlights how ForeFlight's innovative solution meets the critical needs of Ukrainian pilots, ensuring safer and more efficient navigation in challenging environments.