Automatic translation from German. View original text
Air Navigation: Basics and the Role of a Flight App
In short: Air navigation means determining one's own position and guiding a flight along a planned route. In VFR flight, looking outside, the chart, and flight preparation go hand in hand. A flight navigation app can display position, route, and airspaces together. It complements the pilot's work and does not replace training or current official documents.
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What is air navigation?
Navigation begins before takeoff: Where does the route begin, where does it lead, and what conditions need to be considered en route? In flight, this is followed by a comparison between planning, actual position, and the situation outside the cockpit. The display of a GPS point alone does not answer these questions.
For VFR pilots, several pieces of information are therefore important simultaneously: an understandable chart, the planned route, terrain, airfields, and the applicable airspace boundaries. Weather and temporary restrictions are also part of the preparation. Which procedures you specifically need to apply depends on your flight, equipment, and applicable regulations.
Chart, radio, and satellites: different aids
A chart represents spatial relationships. In terrestrial navigation, recognizable landscape features are used for orientation. Radio navigation uses suitable ground-based facilities for this. Satellite navigation determines a position using satellite signals.
The German Air Traffic Control (Deutsche Flugsicherung) explains in its Overview of Area Navigation, how virtual waypoints can be determined with ground-based or satellite-based systems. This description helps to classify navigation technology. It does not mean that any smartphone app is approved for a specific flight procedure.
What does a flight navigation app contribute?
A moving map displays the determined position in the chart context. Together with the planned route, it becomes visible where you are in relation to the route, terrain, and charted airspaces. Depending on the app, route profiles, weather information, logbook, and notes are added.
When making your selection, it is therefore worth asking what information you need at which phase of the flight. A clear display and a familiar workflow are just as important as the feature list. In the Flight Navigation App Guide you will find criteria for this selection.
| Task | App's contribution | What remains additionally important |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare route | Display waypoints and planned route | Current documents and planning appropriate to the situation |
| Assess position | Display moving map and flight data | Orientation, training, and attention outside the display |
| Consider airspaces | Show boundaries and information in the chart context | Check validity, activation, and current restrictions |
| Work without mobile reception | Provide pre-downloaded charts and data | Check download, power supply, and device function in advance |
Air Navigation with EuroPilot Connect
EuroPilot Connect is a pilot app for European VFR flight. The app combines flight planning, moving map, weather briefing, digital logbook, and community on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The user interface is available in German and English.
For flight planning, you can search for departure and destination and build the route with waypoints. The chart and profile display the route in its spatial context. Country packages can be downloaded in advance so that corresponding charts and aeronautical data are available even without mobile reception.
Offline does not mean that every piece of information can be reloaded live from the internet. Live weather and live traffic require a connection. The Offline Guide explains this distinction. The Feature Overview with App Images shows the individual sections.
The app is not approved for primary navigation and does not replace official documents or certified onboard equipment. The preparation and execution of the flight remain the pilot's responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air navigation the same as GPS? No. GPS is a possible source for position determination. Air navigation also includes planning, orientation, and flight guidance.
Which app is suitable for air navigation? That depends on the type of flight, device, data coverage, and the required functions. For a VFR flight, you should particularly compare the chart, offline behavior, and operation. You can test EuroPilot Connect for 30 days free of charge.
Does the flight app work without internet? Previously downloaded charts and aeronautical data can be used offline. Live data requires a connection. You should check which content is already on the device before the flight.
What does EuroPilot Connect cost? After the free trial period, the license costs 99 € per year for up to three devices. The current conditions are on the License Page.