There’s a site called SkyVector.com that provides free access to scanned aeronautical sectional charts through a user interface similar to google maps. The maps also overlay routine weather observations (METAR) and provide detailed airport/runway information.
But here’s the cool part–they’ve recently added the ability to compute course headings and distances between points on the sectional chart and assemble a flight plan from the points. You just right-click anywhere on the sectional chart, select a waypoint, and repeat until you’ve created a list of waypoints defining your flight plan.
*A disclaimer indicates that the feature is “not for navigation.” Nevertheless it is still a useful tool for rough high-level planning, as it is much more convenient than a plotter for getting an idea of how much distance the flight will cover. I’ll continue to use my flight planning software and the paper sectionals for my actual planning and navigation, but it does seem that SkyVector.com is moving their service in the direction of a software package fit for actual flight planning.
June 20th, 2007 - 4:56 pm
I use SkyVector too. I noticed from your screenshot that you’re not using ClearType. It you download ClearType from Microsoft the angled text lables will be much much cleaner and readable.
cheers!
June 20th, 2007 - 7:42 pm
Thanks Clay! I updated the image with ClearType enabled.
June 28th, 2007 - 2:05 pm
I have added this to my Blog. Very interesting product, the only downside appears to be if someone is spanning sectionals. I was not able to get it to work. For example: KCLL KGTU
Nice site and thanks for this tip!
June 28th, 2007 - 10:03 pm
Yes, it is a little painful to span sectionals, but it can be done. If you pan to the edge of a chart, the name of the adjacent chart will be displayed in the upper-right hand corner. Clicking on the name of the adjacent chart will make it the active chart, and you can add the next leg to the plan. The problem with this is that you have to jump back and forth between sectionals to see your entire flight; it would definitely be nice if you could pan seamlessly between charts.