We plan to introduce an approach mode in the forthcoming version of SkyDemon. The problem we wish to solve is that SkyDemon Mobile isn't providing enough help after you have your destination airfield in sight, or are at least on your final leg towards it. The idea is, you will select the runway you're landing on (by tapping its extended centreline or more explicitly through another screen) and then you'll get a window showing a standard circuit pattern (direction switchable).

In this window, we'll show some useful info such as runway dimensions and possibly approach frequencies. These frequencies might appear in an overlay on the main map too, afterwards. We may allow you to select a position in the circuit to join (downwind, deadside, base, finals etc) and your route would be modified so that you're no longer terminating at the airfield ARP but at the circuit position you specify. Or, we could automatically take you to the most appropriate part of the circuit based on your current position in relation to it.

We're looking for feedback on how this feature might work, what you would find useful. Maybe it's a terrible idea and we should forget it entirely. Maybe it should be completely automatic in some way. Maybe we should just be drawing a standard circuit diagram on the main map and leave it at that, once you've selected direction.

Cheers!

Right now! I've just posted a beta so that people can get an idea of where we're going. There's no circuit depiction at all at the moment, and no nomination of circuit direction.

As before, runways are highlighted when on your last route leg, and the nearest runway is highlighted. What is different is that you can also select a different runway at any time by bringing up the airfield plate and tapping a runway end. What is also different is that once a runway end is selected, information is displayed at the top of the screen over the map including the runway name, dimensions, elevation, circuit information (where available) and the tower frequency.

Please download the refreshed beta (uninstall any older version you're using) and play with it on the simulator and let us know whether you think this is helpful, and if you'd change anything.

Again, this is designed to make SkyDemon more helpful in that phase of the flight where you start thinking about your destination: talking to them, joining, setting up etc.