WIXLIB

2120VNOVFRMOVING MAP DEVICESSAFNSEETY SESS29

CAA / November 2021YOUR SAFETY SENSE LEAFLET FOR:VFR ‘MOVING MAP’ DEVICESThe use of VFR ‘Moving Map’ devices is now commonplace in General Aviation.Supported by the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), these deviceshave considerably enhanced the process of flight planning and execution forGA pilots. Moving Maps encompass a range of electronic navigation solutions,including portable VFR GNSS devices and applications running on smart phonesor tablets.Viewing the aircraft’s position in real time mitigates a variety of risks comparedto the sole use of traditional VFR navigation techniques. However, like anytechnology or device, additional hazards may be generated if they are notused correctly.There are too many different devices and applications available for theCAA to offer detailed advice on individual platforms. The purpose of thisleaflet is therefore to identify minimum levels of proficiency you shouldhave when operating Moving Map devices and advise on some of theassociated risks and issues.Safety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices2

CAA / November 2021USE OF VFR ‘MOVING MAP’ DEVICESWhat do we mean by ‘Moving Map’ device?In this leaflet ‘VFR Moving Map’ means either a device, or software for use on a device, which may beused for the planning and/or execution of a VFR flight. The key feature is that it displays the aircraft’sposition in real time on a map format that includes relevant aeronautical information for VFR flight.These devices normally fall into three categories:Tablet or smartphone devicesExperience has shown that consumer tablet or smart phone devices can be a safeand effective platform for applications that provide Moving Map functionality andintegration of aeronautical data.Tablet-based devices with suitable applications are likely to provide the mostversatile and cost-effective solution for the average GA pilot flying under VFR.Portable GNSS systemsDedicated portable GNSS systems provide the benefits of a platformdesigned for use in the aviation environment but may not provide regulatedaeronautical information such as weather and NOTAM. Enhancement ofsituational awareness may depend on the size of the Moving Map andhow much information can be displayed.Panel mounted devicesThe benefit for VFR flight varies a lot depending on the age and characteristicsof the installation. Many IFR devices are also capable of displaying suitable detailfor VFR flight, but users must ensure they are correctly configured to do so.Older installations with small Moving Maps or even no map at all do not providemuch situational awareness and are of limited value for VFR flight.!The options are not mutually exclusive, for example it may enhance situationalawareness to be running a VFR application on a tablet device, even if your aircrafthas a panel mounted Moving Map display.Safety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices3

CAA / November 2021USE OF VFR ‘MOVING MAP’ DEVICESBenefitsSituational AwarenessVFR Moving Maps, when usedcorrectly, provide a significantenhancement to situationalawareness of your position,adjacent airspace, aerial sportingsites and activity areas whichmay be hazardous to aviation.Information on ad hoc aerialactivity subject to NOTAM,along with both visual and auralwarnings may also be provided.Enhanced PlanningMoving Map devices andsoftware applications also!1aid the process of flightplanning and allow routes tobe built taking into account theairspace environment to benavigated. You can incorporaterecommendations such asplanning to remain, where able,a minimum of 2 NM laterallyand 200 feet vertically from thelimits of controlled or notifiedairspace (‘Take 2’) and the useof Frequency Monitoring Codes.Some devices allow routesto be flown in a simulatormode, where the plan canbe assessed, and threats canbe identified and mitigated.NOTAM and weatherinformation are also oftenavailable from the sameplanning source and a PilotLog (PLOG) and frequencycard can be generated.Other FeaturesMany applications have otherfeatures such as the calculationof Weight & Balance, filing ofVFR Flight Plans and GeneralAviation Report (GAR) forms.When used effectively, thesetools can assist pre-flightpreparation and give more timeto focus on studying the route.In recent causal factor analysis1, the correct use of VFR Moving Map technology couldhave helped prevent 85% of analysed airspace infringements from occurring. Based onthese statistics the CAA actively encourages pilots to use VFR Moving Maps as part of theirplanning methodology, and when in flight, because they can enhance a pilot’s positionalsituational awareness and can also offer timely alerts to airspace and aviation hazards.However, Moving Map technology should not be the sole means of planning or navigation.CAP1749 - Causal Factor Analysis of Airspace Infringements in the United KingdomSafety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices4

CAA / November 2021USE OF VFR ‘MOVING MAP’ DEVICESUnderstanding your deviceDifferent FeaturesA large proportion of GA pilotswho fly with a Moving Mapare not familiar with the useof all features or capabilitiesthe device has – taking time tounderstand the more complexfunctions will enhance thedevice’s utility.You should review theapplicable manuals and userguides. Familiarise yourselfwith the device on theground. Consider practisingon simple flights away fromsignificant airspace hazards andaccompanied by another pilot,who can look out and/or takecontrol of the aircraft if youwish to focus on the device.If the device has a simulatormode, use it to familiariseyourself with how the differentfeatures are presented inflight and how to navigatethe aeronautical informationdisplayed. Practice navigatingthe different menus and layersof information available fromthe device.Consider the reality of operatingthe device under pressureduring a flight – can you identifyrelevant information quicklyand accurately while flying theaircraft and not compromisingyour lookout?Layers of InformationBe aware of information beinghidden in layers - for example,on a paper VFR chart, glidersites with winch launchingare depicted with an encircled‘G’ and a figure in thousandsof feet above mean sea level(AMSL). This indicates thealtitude to which the cable mayextend - e.g. G/3.3 is 3,300 ft.On some Moving Map devices,information such as themaximum cable altitude may behidden. Sometimes to establishthe altitude, the depiction mustbe selected to review detailedinformation on the site.Other hidden information mayinclude radio frequencies andthe vertical extent of an ATZ orother regulated airspace.Training coursesSeveral Flight TrainingOrganisations also offertraining sessions/coursesin the use of VFR MovingMaps; not only is this an idealopportunity to learn theirfunctionality from an expertbut it might offer a refresherin flight planning techniques.Safety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices5

CAA / November 2021UNDERSTANDING YOUR DEVICEWhen proficient you will be able to: Update the softwareand applicable aeronauticaldatabase of the device; Manage downloadabledata to the device, such asweather, NOTAM and otherlive data; Navigate seamlesslythroughout the software ofthe device, including alteringkey parameters such as mapzoom, panning of the mapand selecting informationon the route as quickly andaccurately as possible; and Plan a route and identifyairspace features andhazards on that route,including information suchas altitudes or hours ofoperation that may be hiddenwithin layers; Use the device effectivelyin any abnormal situation,for example having toreplan a route or divertdue to weather. Mount the device (ifapplicable) in a securelocation so that it is visibleand accessible but does notobstruct the aircraft controlsor visual look out; Will the screen be visible inall light conditions? Configure and use thedevice in the most effectivemanner for a particularflight, for example settingappropriate altitude layersfor the information displayedand any applicable airspacewarning parameters; How long is the battery lifeunder constant use?!Also consider: Is the device prone tooverheating when exposedto the sun? If there is provision forinflight charging, how reliableis this? Is an external aerial orreceiver needed forconsistent GNSS signal?Your primary task must be flying the aircraft. Do not allow the device to become adistraction from core tasks such as maintaining an effective visual lookout. Beingproficient with the device will help this since you will minimise the time needed tointeract with it when executing different functions.Safety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices6

CAA / November 2021USE OF VFR ‘MOVING MAP’ DEVICESUsing your devicePreflightYou should develop a routine withthe device that suits your flyingand provides a solid foundationfor effective use while in flight.This must include ensuring theaeronautical data on the device isup to date.Download weather and NOTAMdata as appropriate. NOTAMimportant for the safety ofthe flight should be checkedagainst an official source. Ensureconfiguration of the device isoptimised for flight such asthe correct data layers for yourplanned altitude and relevantairspace warnings set.Plan the flight and configurethe device both laterally andvertically. Be aware of anycontrolled airspace or otherhazards above or below the routeand ensure they will be clearlyindicated in flight.Once in the aircraft, mount thedevice in the secure location youhave identified and ensure it isclear of flight controls and notobstructing visual lookout.Do most of the configurationbefore starting engines andminimize interactions with thedevice during taxiing, takeoff, andlanding. If you need to interactwith the device prior to takeoff,do this at the hold while theaircraft is stationary.InflightOnce airborne and away fromthe aerodrome traffic circuit,do a sense check against thesurrounding environment –does the indicated position makesense and are you travellingin the intended direction?Eyes outsideDuring flight around 80% ofthe time you should be lookingoutside the aircraft. Familiariseyourself with what you expectto see and hear from your VFRMoving Map and/or electronicconspicuity device. This will allowyou to spend no less than 5seconds at a time with your eyeson the device or in the cockpit,giving more time to that criticalactivity of LOOKING OUT.Under VFR, the aircraft’sapproximate flight attitudeshould be set visually by externalreference rather than by theinstruments in the cockpit.Time with eyes inside the aircraftshould be spent scanning theaircraft’s instruments and theMoving Map display.If a course adjustment is needed,fly the appropriate heading onthe aircraft’s direction indicatorand check the track againstthe Moving Map. Avoid ‘trackcrawling’ or chasing the ‘magentaline’ with frequently changingheadings – it is better to flysteady headings and periodicallycorrect as required.If you need to do a longertask (such as a reroute), breakthis down into steps that areinterspersed with looking outsideof the aircraft rather then being‘heads down’ for long periodsof time. If you have someoneelse in the aircraft, ask them toassist you with looking out ifyou are focusing on the device.Position AwarenessIf you are manoeuvring ina general area rather thanflying a route (for example onan instructional flight), keeporientation relative to groundfeatures, but periodically checkthe Moving Map display toconfirm position. If near controlledairspace, audio airspace alertswill be helpful, but ensure theyare set appropriately so that youdo not become desensitised tothem.PrioritiseWhen rerouting due to weatheror other threats, focus on themost important task first – forexample if unintentional flightin IMC is a threat, take up anapproximate flight path awayfrom danger and then sort outthe detail of the reroute once thesituation is stabilised.Safety Sense / 29 / VFR Moving Map Devices7