SkyDemon VFR Flight Planning Tool

www.skydemonlight.com/

Just launched by NATS/CAA in an attempt to prevent the continued incursions into controlled airspace by light aircraft pilots, not to mention wandering into Red Arrows display areas and other temporary restricted airspace. This is a remarkable resource for pilots but also for airfield enthusiasts. The chart appears to be based on the 1:500 VFR chart for the UK but there seem to be many more flying sites and virtually obliterated disused airfields on the digital version which are not shown on the paper chart. All the current Danger Areas are on here as well.

I set up a (P-47) flight from Atcham to Harrington at 220kts at 3,000ft with a forecast wind of 090/20 kts. The distance was given as 67 nautical miles with a time en route of 19 minutes. I was warned that I would cross the Cosford ATZ and the Birmingham Control Zone. Had there been any other activity today, like a Red Arrows display at Husbands Bosworth, I would have been advised. The higher you want to go on your flight plan the more airways airspace restrictions will be shown.

A brilliant effort but no doubt there will be bozos who still blunder where they shouldn't!

Thanks for the link Dave , very useful.

I had a play with this some time ago and have to say I was very impressed from a technical perspective. - It's been a long time since I did any VFR flying but until quite recently have kept reasonably up to date with UK airspace and ATC matters.

People have been infringing controlled airspace since it was first established and irrespective of any nav technology or visual aids etc will continue to do so. Most infringe inadvertently one or two infringe through gross negligence.
Similarly people will continue to compromise the safety of notamed events such as air displays.

My own view (for what it's worth) is that these aids will be most appreciated by those that understand
a) How to plan a VFR flight
b) The importance of pre flight planning

UK airspace is very congested and controlled airspace seems to spreading like a fungus... UK weather (vis/cloud) isn`t always the best for visual navigation, and many pilots can`t afford to practice navex as much as they might like to.

But I remember when it was possible to launch from about any GA airfield and quickly hook up to a "meaningful" Radar Information Service from the nearest ATC Unit Civ/Mil/LARS and have a good chance of being warned about potential infringements. (choosing words carefully in respect of responsibilities and the need to plan flights) - But I always held the view that a good grasp of R/T and procedures was a good secondary line of defence.

Additionally we would try to make sure that all students had an opportunity to spend some time at a local ATC unit (EMA or Waddington) and see things from the other side of the hill. Since 9/11 I believe this isn`t so easy to arrange.

My understanding is that these services aren`t what they used to be.

Some will argue that GPS, smart transponders and electronic planners are the solution to these infringements - some will argue the exact opposite in the belief that these gizmos erode the development of situational awareness in VFR pilots.

Best infringemnet I ever saw was a BA Viscount that flew threw our danger area at Tain!

Additionally we would try to make sure that all students had an opportunity to spend some time at a local ATC unit (EMA or Waddington) and see things from the other side of the hill. Since 9/11 I believe this isn`t so easy to arrange.

At Shawbury last week we had 10 flyers from Liverpool come for a look around and to see it from the other side. An e mail to your local unit's CRO or SATCO should do the trick.