Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By flyer5
#1877500
I was planning transiting Luton and it occurred to me it might be useful if ATC knew I had SkyDemon,

Firstly I would always know where I am which would give them some confidence. Secondly it might be useful if they could amend their instructions to align with SkyDemon waypoints etc. (The latter would take a bit of effort on their part but moving map is a big part of the modern world, and indeed recommended by the CAA now)

Has anybody ever discussed adding something to initial calls to extend 'VFR' to 'VFR with SkyDemon'? Do you think it's worth trying?
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By Iceman
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1877501
Surely, SkyDemon should only be a depiction of the standard CAA half-mil chart with the attendant standard VRPs for an airport, in this case Luton. Why would a Luton controller be any more interested in the fact that you have a particular brand of GPS over the fact that you might have a standard half-mil chart ?

Stick to the standard VRPs, irrespective of chart, GPS, tablet, etc., and everybody speaks the same language.

Iceman 8)
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By Rob P
#1877541
Other moving maps are available

Rob P
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By rdfb
#1877556
To clarify, there are no "SkyDemon waypoints". VRPs are published in the AIP by aerodromes themselves, and charts (including SkyDemon) just show them as published. ATC expects you to know where their published VRPs are because they are published in the AIP and it's your responsibility to have a chart that shows them.

Also, SkyDemon isn't the only game in town, and it's not reasonable to expect ATC to keep up with the various different product names!
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By Tim Dawson
SkyDemon developer
#1877565
I don’t think the CAA chart shows the low level routes through Luton’s CTR. SkyDemon often shows local details that wouldn’t be shown on an enroute 500k chart.

Besides, I heard that if you say you’re using SkyDemon, you can get a clearance anywhere.
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By Iceman
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1877576
I once buzzed Heathrow Tower. I was a right Demon in the Sky that day :lol: !

Iceman 8)
By GAFlyer4Fun
#1877633
Why would ATC trust anything we are using for nav that is uncertified?

Similarly I have never heard anyone call up ATC quoting they have a fancy Garmin GTN certified moving map gps/nav/com so must surely know where they are. :wink:
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By Cessna571
#1877646
Quoted directly from the doc.
It’s worth reading actually.

They recommend SiyDemon and Runway HD!



1.8: Additional Information

There is a large amount of additional information that is available through the ASI website on vari- ous other locations throughout the UK. Should you wish to view this, head directly to http://www.airspace- safety.com.

As modern technology moves forward we would highly recommend the use of moving map devices whilst flying, allowing you to improve your situational awareness whilst simultaneously gaining all available information that is pertinent to your flight. This may be through the use of a GPS unit, SkyDemon, Runway HD or other moving map apps or devices. We would encourage any pilots who intend to use these devices ensure that they are kept up to date with the latest software and are changed prior to the use during a flight. Links to the above devices can be found below.

GPS Units:
These can be bought on any pilot equipment website including http://www.pooleys.com, http://www.transair. co.uk, http://www.flightsotre.co.uk, etc and these will all sell equipment from reputable companies such as Garmin.

SkyDemon:
SkyDemon is a popular app among pilot which allows pilots to gain all the relevant information
to their flight with the latest charts and weather updates and can be accessible on iPad, Android, iPhone and PC. The software does require users to subscribe however there is a free 30 day free trial which can be accessed on their website http://www.skydemon.aero.

Runway HD:
The software itself is largely similar to the above-mentioned package allowing users to access the latest charts and weather for their routings. Further details can be found on http://www.airboxaero.com
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By skydriller
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1877649
I cant think of a reason I would tell ATC "I have SkyDemon". :?

I do recall on a trip to the UK, getting pished about (for the second time that week) by Solent wrt a Zone Transit ~10yrs ago~ so I think after getting to within 1nm from their boundary and being told "Remain clear of Controlled airspace" responded "Wilco, I have GPS, Goodbye" and studiously tracked just outside the line as per the GPS. Looking back perhaps silly in retrospect, but they peeved me... :guns:

Regards, SD..
User avatar
By flyer5
#1877650
I recently did a check ride to convert to a different aircraft type. Before we started the instructor said "I need to ask you a question; the CAA want to know: How do you avoid infringing controlled airspace?"
"I use SkyDemon" I replied.
"Correct answer", he said.

It seems like the semi-official policy of the CAA is if you are going near big airports you should use GPS. The old fashioned way of maps and pilotage causes far too much disruption. (I know you'll point out that it is the very same CAA causing this by making trainee pilots fly navigation tests without GPS except on the return leg).

So my point was whilst GPS is important avoiding controlled airspace, does it have any special benefits once you enter controlled airspace? Once they know who you are, what you're up to and can talk to you, the chances of big problems occurring are massively reduced.
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