Will GlidePlan run on my computer?
How do I install GlidePlan on my computer?
Where do the Maps come from?
How do I keep the maps current?
How do I know which Sectional Edition is current?
Can I use my own scanned maps?
At what scale will the maps print?
What is the best paper to use when printing maps?
Can I get full-scale Sectionals printed with my markups?
Can I export the finished maps to a file for use in other editing programs?
Can I share my marked up maps with others?
What is the difference between a distance ring and an altitude ring?
Why are altitude rings at varying distances from the landout?
Does GlidePlan take in to account the topography of the terrain?
Can I change my markups later?
Can GlidePlan read standard turnpoint files?
What are the tasks used for?
Are there other FAI tasks or rules I need to be aware of?
Why are tasks shown in Nautical Miles, and FAI analyses shown in Kilometers?
Can I change the units of the map?
Will GlidePlan run on my computer?
GlidePlan is designed to run on both the Macintosh (Universal Binary) and Windows platforms. Because it works with very large graphic files, faster processors and more ram are god things. For Windows, we recommend Windows NT/2000/XP/ or better, 768 mb of ram and a 1.75ghz processor or better. For a Mac we recommend Mac OSX 10.3 or better. 768 mb of ram and a 1.25ghz processor or better. To insure your satisfaction it is recommended that you download a demo version of the program with a few maps, and make sure the performance is acceptable before you buy.
How do I install GlidePlan on my computer?
For the Macintosh platform, simply unzip the downloaded file (if it didn't happen automatically), and drag the GlidePlan file to your applications folder. We now have an installer built for the PC so it is even easier!
For both platforms it is important that you create a folder for maps and then leave them there. if you move or rename a map file, it will become disassociated from the GlidePlan document that uses it, and will need to be relocated when the document is opened. On the PC, the map installer will do this for you.
Where do the Maps come from?
The maps come directly from the FAA. They are high resolution scans of actual current sectionals. We make a few adjustments to the maps to make them compatible with GlidePlan and post them on the site for downloading. Because these are government documents, you don't need to worry about copyright infringement when you print them, as they are in the public domain.
How do I keep the maps current?
Updating your document with the current map release is simple. Upgrade your map to the latest version by downloading the .zip file (Mac) or installer (PC). In the case of the PC, simply run the installer and you are done. For the Mac, place the folder labeled with the Sectional name in the "maps" folder, overwriting the old folder with the same name. Open your GlidePlan document you wish to upgrade, and select FILE>UPDATE MAP. Select the new map you wish to link the document to and save your document. That's it!
How do I know which Sectional Edition is current?
For a listing of current FAA publications, please see the link "How do I know if my charts are current?" on the Downloads page. Note that the filenames on our download page, and the filenames inside the Sectional folders on your computer, contain the Edition number of the map. You can also open the map in GlidePlan and look at the expiration date (It is located in the NORTH file of the two maps).
Can I use my own scanned maps?
No. GlidePlan expects certain scale parameters with the map file, and using your own map file would likely result in incorrect distance measurements and calculations.
At what scale will the maps print?
If your printer output scale is set to 100%, the maps will print out at the standard sectional scale of 1:500,000. You should be able to use your plotter tool, etc. to work with the printed map, but it is a good idea to print a sample and measure it to insure your scale is correct.
What is the best paper to use when printing maps?
Our experimentation shows that the inexpensive EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper works quite well. It is reasonably strong, yet thin enough to be folded for cockpit use. If you have a large format printer, the Super A3 paper size is great, covering about 115nm x 85nm on the Sectional. Most of the modern inks are fairly sweat and smear proof as well.
Can I get full-scale Sectionals printed with my markups?
Yes! This new service allows you to order a full scale, one sided color plot of your map at an affordable price. The maps are printed on coated paper stock similar to the published sectional, using UV resistant, waterproof ink. They are delivered to your door in roll form 2-3 business days after you place the order. Check out the online store for more information.
Can I export the finished maps to a file for use in other editing programs?
Yes. use the FILE>EXPORT command to create a compressed jPEG file that can be opened in photoshop, etc.
Can I share my marked up maps with others?
Yes. The document files themselves are quite small, and can be easily emailed. The person at the other end must have the same map file, and may be asked to locate it on his computer upon first opening your document. You should be able to share your document across platforms as well.
What is the difference between a distance ring and an altitude ring?
A distance ring indicates lines of equal distance from a given landout. This is similar to the traditional method of marking up a sectional for cross country flying using a compass and pencil. Marked on each distance ring is the calculated altitude required to make it back to the associated landout, using the current flight parameters. Note that even at the same distance, these values will be different for landouts at different elevations. The areas where rings overlap are omitted for clarity.
An altitude ring is a more direct measurement of your ability to make it to a given turnpoint. The altitude indicated on the ring is the altitude required to make the glide. The radius of a given altitude ring will vary with the ground elevation of the airport. Therefor, if you are at or above 8000 ft MSL and inside the 8000 ft altitude ring, you know you can make it back (assuming no wind, unexpected sink, etc.) This is the preferred method of visualizing the glide cone.
Why are altitude rings at varying distances from the landout?
The higher the airport or landout, the closer a given altitude ring will be to that airport. Because your arrival altitude is higher, you need to be closer to the landout to make it back.
Does GlidePlan take in to account the topography of the terrain?
No! If there is a mountain range between you and your landout, it is up to you to make allowances for it. GlidePlan only considers landout elevations when calculating contours. Please be conscious of this when planning a task.
Can I change my markups later?
Yes. All edits to maps are non destructive and can be changed at any time in your document. Of course exporting the map "burns" the graphics on to a copy of the map, and can't be edited.
Can GlidePlan read standard turnpoint files?
In the current release, turnpoint files cannot be imported into GlidePlan. However this is a very desirable feature, and high on the priority list of things to add to subsequent releases.
What are the tasks used for?
Creating a task in GlidePlan allows the pilot to see the distance and time it will take for each leg, as well as the totals. Because tasks are very interactive, and turnpoints can be moved, deleted, etc., it is easy to explore possible flights for the day, overlaid on the altitude contour rings. The task analysis feature also checks your task for conformance to FAI rules for various distance tasks or badges. No more surprises after you file with the Badge Lady! (OK, well fewer surprises...)
Are there other FAI tasks or rules I need to be aware of?
Glideplan only addresses tasks for distance badges, not altitude or duration. However, distance tasks tend to be the most complex and prone to error in submission and GlidePlan can tell you if your task qualifies or not. There are additional rules that can salvage an otherwise disqualified task, such as declaring a start and finish point and arriving at the finish well above ground level to avoid distance penalties. Please check the FAI sporting code for all the details.
Why are tasks shown in Nautical Miles, and FAI analyses shown in Kilometers?
Currently GlidePlan is limited to Nautical Miles and feet for distance units. The exception is evaluation of tasks for distance badges. FAI badge requirements are defined in Kilometers and meters, so distances are converted for this purpose.
Can I change the distance units of the map?
Currently GlidePlan is limited to Nautical Miles and feet for distance units to maintain compatibility with FAA Sectionals. Future releases will have the ability to select the desired units for distance.