Apps and W&B spreadsheets for iPhone/Palm/Android/Blackberry

[faded one side]

Do any of you fine people have info on good helo w&b apps for a palm / PDA?

My search got me as far as this app

http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&PartnerREF=&siteid=1&prodID=106568

Anyone tried it before I splosh the dosh? Any other providers or freeware known

Thanks

[3B3]

Try this Link... http://www.palmflying.com/

Personnaly I prefer Copilot. It's free and is very much like the program you are looking at. Copilot also has navigation and flight plan features that you may find useful. Copilot won't figure the lateral CG for you so if you need that feature you will have to go with 'Load Balance Helicopter'

[Devil 49]

I have a 350BA, B2 in Excel, created by me- it's just data, doesn't plot and isn't pretty. Intended for my EMS job, it calculates actual W&B, max patient weight (limited by forward CG) and some other odds & ends. PM me and I'm glad to share.

[Chairmanofthebored]

I have used the Copilot programme on my Zire31 for a couple of months and it is great for W&B.
You can enter any specs for any helo with a bit of effort and time. It will plot your Long W&B.
I have it for the Astar, Bell 206 series and the 500. Great little programme. Also have a coversion programme for fluids and volume which is handy when the brain forgets stuff...

[Gomer Pylot]

Copilot is just about all you need for flying. I also use MobileDB for holding the ~10,000 waypoints I need for all the platforms, customer heliports, airports, hospitals, and centers of all the lease blocks in the GOM, often needed to get close enough to newly-arrived drilling rigs, seismic boats, etc, that I often need. Copilot just doesn't have the storage space for everything, plus it slows things down too much. But for most use, Copilot is all you need. Databases are available for most of the world.

[faded one side]

:ok:

Thanks for the info and the offers of spreadsheets. I am not certain of what ships I will be flying untill I get on site. Gomer Pylot I will be heading to the GOM soon. Actually that is what is getting me interested in the use of a PDA. Is the 10,000 waypoints database available, or do you have a LOT of patience inputing:eek:

Thanks

[wde]

CoPilot is an excellent tool!!

Does anyone know of something similar for a Pocket PC??

[Gomer Pylot]

The databases are available here. (http://www.mobiledb.com/?screen=mdb_det&pName=Handmark&doc_id=14425&p=format^!MobileDB~!title^!stan%20gosnell~!description^!stan %20gosnell~!author^!stan%20gosnell~!)

It's in MobileDB format, and includes both the platforms and the coordinates of the center of all the lease blocks. There are 2 databases, each with about half the locations. Make sure you get both.

BTW, if you get the trial version of MobileDB from Handmark, you can save the databases as Excel spreadsheets, comma-delimited text files, .csv, or whatever, and then use another database app to read them. IME MobileDB is an excellent Palm database app, and worth the money. If you don't want to pay for it, pilot-db is freeware, and works fairly well, although not as full-featured as MobileDB. There are other database apps available, but I haven't used them, and can't comment.

[loachboy]

Hi all,
I have been asking different drivers on what types of 'Cheat Sheets' they use for quick Weight & Balance calculations in the 'Real World'. And basically the most common seems to be a fuel qty vs payload available, simple enough.
BUT, I have double checked all of the calculations on the various Helicopter types I have these Cheat Sheets available on : R22, R44, B47, B206, and have found that whilst the numbers may be within the lateral and longditudinal envelopes. When I try spreading different weights around the various machines the C of Gs can go outside the limitations.
I realise that alot of you guys out there may know alot of different Tips & Tricks in relation to this subject, and that alot of it comes with experience, but in such a litigious World I am hoping some of you can share them with us more inexperienced guys.
eg: Overweight people under the mast etc etc .
Am I being too pedantic ?
And if anybody out there has any well setout 'Cheat Sheets' I would appreciate a copy if possible.

PS - Mainly interested on R44's, but appreciate all info.
PM me.

Thanks for sharing !

Loachster
:p

[spencer17]

Anyway, c of g should be ok if you can close the door after loading.:}

[albatross]

I suggest you make up some sample W+Bs.
One should reflect a full cabin load / fuel load to give you the most forward limit on take off . Do another to insure that you will still be in limits with minimum fuel.

On most helicopters the C of M or C of G will move forward as fuel is burned. The 212 / 205 actually moves fwd as fuel burns down to about 480 LBs of fuel then moves slightly back below that fuel load. This is true of the 206 L also. In these cases the fuel loading table will point this out.

Do another to reflect an a/c most Aft limit. In the 212 or 76 for example this would be with minimum crew and full fuel.
Do another to reflect the limit with min fuel for landing.

If the a/c has a baggage compartment don't forget to do one for most fwd and aft with the baggage compartment full.

After you have done this you should have a good idea of fwd and aft loads that are at the limits and how fuel burns affect the C of G
Keep yer loads within the limits you have plotted.

If someone asks for a "strange" load compute an actual C of G for that flight.

In any case when taking off to the hover feel cyclic position - if the cyclic is too far forward or aft you may be out of limits. Always keep in mind what effect fuel burn will have on C of G.
The first patter in the hover with our company is "C of G ?" If that isn't right you are not going anywhere.
The 204 for example was very bad with full pax seats, most fwd fuel and no baggage in the tail boom. It has suprised many on landing back at base.:E
In any case "Herr Instructor" will be able to advise you.:ok:

[wesp]

First of all Weight & Balance calculations are very important and serve a purpose: Flight Safety.

I don't like the term Cheat sheets at all, and I think thats the wrong term. I have a number of possible weight & balance calculations available. If I run into a different situation I just make a weight & balance calculation as simple as that.

It's extremely dangerous flying out of CG. Two bladed helicopters have a very small CG range and when you're out you will run into mast bumping amongst others.

[heliduck]

Spencer17 took the words right out of my mouth - If you can shut the doors an an R44 it'll fly!;)
Seriously though, due to the fact that you have no baggage compartment in an R44 & everything must be carried within the confines of the cabin, as long as you don't exceed the weight limitations of the seats it will remain within CofG from full fuel through to empty. I don't think this rule of thumb will stand up in a court of law though!

[Billywizz]

'If you can shut the doors on a R44 it will fly'

You may be overlooking Waist line!
Stick a pax in the front with a large beer belly and you may easily run out of AFT Cyclic!

300lbs is a BIG Pax!

[Flying Bull]

Hi,
you can make your own excel-sheet - I can't - but we have some on the computer - for each helicopter we fly.
Another tip: http://www.pocketfms.com

W/B is included in the program - and it's for free

Greetings Flying Bull

[Arm out the window]

Re the spreadsheets - I've seen quite a few versions for various types, but never had a go at doing one myself, until just now.
Got a program called 'SOT Office' on the computer that's a free Excel clone, and just had a go, ended up being dead set simple to do after a bit of stuffing around (for a Squirrel though, where the fuel CofG stays the same for all fuel weights - might be a bit trickier for something else).
Anyhow, if you get one of those programs, or make one, you can quickly do up a bunch of calculations for the 'extremes' you could expect for your type of operation, and have the relevant ones in your flying bag for when you need them (or when the FOI comes around asking what you do for W&B!).
Knowing which way the CofG goes as fuel is burnt is definitely a good one to have in the back of your mind.
Flying Bull, the spreadsheet bizzo really did end up being easy, once I figured out how to make them little squares add up, multiply etc...:)

[tonyj]

Hi all, I have excel W&B for R44 R22 & AS350 with graphs, AS350 is for 3 or 4 rear seats, please send PM if you wnat copies.:ok:

[Devil 49]

Brother, I wouldn't use any W&B computing assistance until I could "walk and chew gum at the same time" weight and balance-wise. Buy a calculator and a scratch pad, until you can. "GIGO" in a critical W&B computation will make you a sudden test pilot, and it's killed lottsa guys- you may not know you have an issue until you're deeply involved trying to survive it.

On the top of the scratch pad, put your aircraft's WT, MOM, and ARM (CG). Note the half dozen or so stations from the RFM. I'd shoot a copy of the fuel CG if it's irregular, like the 206 is, and do all this on the back of it. As you figure the actual, write'm down. Adjust with each change, for instance after a landing without cargo or passenger cahnge, all you gotta do is calculate the fuel burn's effect. A 2-memory calculator and some practice, you can do this quicker than you can write the result- I know, I've done this a hundred or so times in a day, many times.

If you're dead set on fiddling with more than this, issues arise:
How are you going to accurately place the weight? Is it reliably weighed, with it's CG marked?
How are you going to secure it at the designated station? This is why many loads are palletized.
How do you place it- are there indexes on your aircraft you can measure from?
Can you compute the lateral CG of the proposed load?
And the vertical?

Once you have a good understanding of all this, you'll have a chance of recognizing a calculated error, no matter how it arises.
It's really a bad feeling to run out of control authority. You don't want to do it casually.

[Air-Five-oh]

I was doing the calculations by hand every flight. I found this Excel spread sheet from ChristChurch Helicopters and after checking it by hand and finding it to be excellent I have used it ever since.
I e-mailed to ask permission to do so and was given it freely.

Excellent folks

Dean: Vancouver, B.C. Canada




http://www.christchurchhelicopters.co.nz/index.cfm/Downloads/R44_Weight_and_Balance.html/R44_Weight_and_Balance.xls

[Air-Five-oh]

If link does not work, go to their site and click on downloads. There is one there for the R-22 as well

[Heli-Ice]

I'm with Devil 49.
On a few flights I have had to deal with C of G problems.
Cyclic travel is something you have to give a really good thought and the "cheat sheets" don't take into account your special circumstances.
Your "Go there it'is or Get there it'is" shouldn't discourage you from doing the actual calculations! It pays off at the end of the day.
PA & DA is something to think about in real life, not just for the CPL exam.

[arismount]

http://www.flyincg.com
Try it, you'll be a believer.
P.S.: No, I don't work for them, I've just used their products for years and prefer them to all other systems...and I've seen a lot of systems.

[bladebanger]

Heliduck,
Your statement of an R44 will fly if you can close the doors is so full of **** I cannot believe it. You will be making a statement to the ASTB here in Australia with regards to the R44 crash about 5 weeks ago which killed 4 people. The aircraft was overloaded with the doors closed.
I hope you never tell this story of yours to an inexperienced pilot, as the result might be the same as the result as I explained above.
The red lines on the gagues in the cockpit are there for a purpose.
You idiot
BB

[canterbury crusader]

Blade Banger

Heli duck was agreeing with spencer17's comment, "that a R44 will fly if you can close the doors." (I know, not word for word), and was refering to the C of G remaining within limits if the Load was carried inside the cabin, He was not suggesting that if you could fit four 140kg people inside and still close the doors that it is right to fly.

just pointing it out before somebody writes something nasty

[MD900 Explorer]

I am after .xls spreadsheet c of g calculators for types :-R22/44, B206/L, AS-350 (All types), AS-355, A-109, EC-135.

If anyone can direct me to where i can get these, i would be most appreciated. I have some old C og G calculators for AS-350 B/BA/B2 but am looking for an updated version. I can't find the old thread which had this some time back..Oops.

Is it possible for a normal .xls file to be used on a PDA with office on it or does it have to be converted. Just about to buy a PDA so i can use the aforementioned out and about. Anyone else using PDA's with this type of software?..Success or failure?

Many thanks in advance.

MD :ok:

[puntosaurus]

Well to get you started here's one for the R44 (http://www.wrayc.plus.com/r44wb.xls) that you could modify for the 22 with the appropriate envelope data.

Navtech do a wonderful piece of flight planning software on the PocketPC palmtops which includes an excellent extensible model for weight and balance. You tell it the shape of the envelope and the MAUW and it will give you a graphic display of the result. See here (http://www.btinternet.com/~navtech/efis/index.html).

[MightyGem]

MD, check your PMs.

[Flingwing207]

Try here - a sampling: A bunch O' spreadsheets, etc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/)

206cg.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/206cg.xls)
300CB W+B 2004.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/300CB%20W+B%202004.xls)
300CB(IFR) startup.doc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/300CB(IFR)%20startup.doc)
300CBi PREFLIGHT.doc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/300CBi%20PREFLIGHT.doc)
300CBi startup.doc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/300CBi%20startup.doc)
s333 w&b.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/s333%20w&b.xls)
350Bcg.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/350Bcg.xls)
724AM-FLOATS W&B.xlr (http://www.helipost.com/tools/724AM-FLOATS%20W&B.xlr)
EC120-PPC_WB.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/EC120-PPC_WB.xls)
R22B W+B 2004.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/R22B%20W+B%202004.xls)Also

Logbook.xls (http://www.helipost.com/tools/Logbook.xls)
R22 IFR startup.doc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/R22%20IFR%20startup.doc)
bell206 list.doc (http://www.helipost.com/tools/bell206%20list.doc)My PPC version of an EC120 W&B program is up there. You can run Excel spreadsheets on a Pocket PC using a progam called SpreadCE - it works much better than Pocket Excel.
Note: if you run my PPC program in Pocket Excel, it will disable the graphing function (which will then not work in SpresdCE).
BTW, I use a Dell X50v with a 1GB SD card and a rhino•skin case - works great!

[Gomer Pylot]

If you get a Palm, then what you want is Copilot. You can also use Documents To Go on the Palm and work with .xls files directly if you want, but Copilot does so much more there is really no comparison, and it's free. There are a number of helicopters profiles already available for Copilot, and it's easy enough to set up new ones for those that don't exist.

[paco]

Try also these w & b spreadsheets, with graphs and PA calculations.
They take account of zero fuel weight.
For Bells, or any other machines where the c of g moves with the fuel load, all you need is a lookup table, and the command vlookup. I just updated the 212 one, and the lookup function is used with performance figures as well.

AS 355 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/355cg.xls) (Excel)*
AS 355 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/355cgmetric.xls) (metric)(Excel)*
AS 350B CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/350Bcg.xls) (Excel)*
AS 350BA CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/350BAcg.xls) (Excel)
AS 350B2 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/350B2cg.xls) (Excel)
AS 350B2 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/350B2cgmetric.xls) (metric)(Excel)
Bell 206 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/206cg.xls) (Excel)*
Bell 206B3 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/206B3cg.xls) (Excel)* - with 92 gal fuel tank
Bell 206L CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/206lcg.xls) (Excel)
Bell 212 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/212cg.xls) (Excel)
Sikorsky S-76 CG Spreadsheet (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/76cg.xls) (Excel)
UTM-Lat/Long converter (and back!) (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/utmll.xls) (Excel)
Canadian Duty Hours (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/canduty.xls). Not able to count blocks of 5 days off and reset hours (yet), but does count days off in last 30, 90, etc., and now gives next availability time (Excel)
UK Duty Hours (http://www.electrocution.com/docs/ukduty.xls) (Excel)Phil





Phil
Having merged the threads on this topic, I've merged some of your posts with direct links to each of your spreadsheets to make them easier to find.
Heliport

[zorab64]

MD check your PMs

[MD900 Explorer]

Thanks guys. There is a lot of great material here. Most appreciated

MD :ok:

[Evil Twin]

Hi all

Looking for an Excel Weight & Balance calculator for a Hughes 500C. Anyone got one or know where to look?

Cheers
Andy:ok:

[paco]

It wouldn't be hard to adapt any of those under my post above with the Flight Manual

phil

[JAR FCL]

Wonderful! Has the following features, great CRP1 replacement!

The current set of features:
Conversions:
- Avgas kilograms and gal (US) conversion
- Avgas kilograms and litres conversion
- Avgas Pounds (lbs) and Gallons
- Avgas Pounds (lbs) and Litres
- Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Feet and Meters
- Gallons (Imperial) and Litres
- Gallons (US) and Litres
- Inches of Mercury to Millibars
- Jet-A1 kilograms and gal (US) conversion
- Jet-A1 kilograms and litres conversion
- Jet A-1 Pounds (lbs) and Gallons
- Jet A-1 Pounds (lbs) and Litres
- Kilograms and Pounds (lbs)
- Kilometers Per Hour and Knots
- Kilometers Per Hour and Mach
- Kilometers and Nautical Miles
- Kilometers and Statute Miles
- Knots and Miles Per Hour
- Latitude/Longitude Formats
- Litres and Gallons (Imperial)
- Litres and Gallons (US)
- Nautical Miles and Statute Miles
- Miles Per Hour and Knots
Weather:
- Wind Direction and Speed
- Heat Index
- Dewpoint
- Density Altitude
- Pressure Altitude
- Cumuliform Cloud Base
- Temperature from PA and DA
- METARs
- TAFs
- International Weather
Navigation:
- Climb Gradient to Climb Rate
- Course, Ground Speed, Wind Correction Angle
- Course/Distance from 2 Lat/Lon Coords (GPS or manual entry!)
- Critical Point
- Distance from Time & Ground Speed
- Heading, Ground Speed, Wind Correction Angle
- Leg Calculator
- Rate and Radius of Turn
- Rate of Descent
- Required Ground Speed
- Runway Crosswind with Gusts
- True Airspeed, Density Altitude, Pressure Altitude
- Time En-route
- True Airspeed (Rule of Thumb)
- Wind Star
- Airports (AirNav.com)
- Global Airport Data
- Global Navaids
- NOTAMs (TFRs from NIFC)
Fuel:
- Endurance
- Flex Weight Take Off
- Fuel Burn
- Fuel Rate
- Fuel Uplift
- Fuel Volume to Weight
- Fuel Weight to Volume
- Point of No Return
Weight and Balance:
- Small Aircraft
- Medium aircraft
- Large aircraft (Coming soon)
MyLinks:
- Allows users to create links to helpful websites from within FlightPlan. Some useful sites may be specialized local airport and weather data sites for your country!
News:
- Gives users a way to check for any FlightPlan related news right from the software
User Guides:
- Documentation on advanced features of FlightPlan

[PDAaviation]

Here are a few more links for a few more aircrafts.


For Bell 412 EP, HP & SP with performances included
PDAaviation (http://pdaaviation.com/bell412_EN.htm)

For S76C+

PDAaviation (http://pdaaviation.com/S76C+_EN.htm)


For the famous Bell 212

PDAaviation (http://pdaaviation.com/bell212_EN.htm)



Enjoy them

[Mr snakey]

please can some one help me with the weight and balance of a jetranger 206b3 and a r4411. i have recently brought navbox proplan 5 can not get my sums right and it is doing my head in . i have ask the soft wear company but to no avale . i am hoping for some one to help please.please.please. help :ugh:

[JTobias]

Jet Ranger MTOW usually 3200lbs sometimes 3350lbs

What else you need ?
Moment info?

Joel :ok:

[Brian Abraham]

Your aviation authority will need to approve whatever W & B system you use (if you want to be legal), at least in Oz. John Tullamarine (Mod) is the expert if you have questions.

[Mike McCauley]

iBal, details at iBal (http://www.iwizwheel.com/Site/iBal.html)

[pd2]

I find it amusing the number of requests for W&B programs.

As Captains or Co-Pilots of these aircraft, it would be more than reasonable to expect that you would have the knowledge to calculate the W&B of your aircraft.

With even just a basic understanding of MS Excel, you should then be able to create your own W&B calculator.

So all these people looking for W&B programs, how are you currently calculating the W&B?? or is this fundamental aspect of planning not being completed.

Does this sound harsh, or is this a reasonable assumption. What is next??? A fuel calculator???

[Gomer Pylot]

I can't speak for others, but I've used computer w&b programs to explore loading configurations, and experiment with different loads to see what will happen when I move something from here to there. It's easy on a computer, and lets me learn where and when I need to be careful with an actual calculation. I have both Palm and PC programs, and while I seldom, if ever, use them for actual calculations, they can show worst-case scenarios, and whether I'm likely to have a problem. Having programs for aircraft that I don't even fly is also instructive. When it comes to calculating the actual weight and balance of the aircraft I'm about to pull pitch in, I use the approved method of calculation, but it's educational to play with other calculations while I'm not flying.

[WikiRFM]

I've used computer w&b programs to explore loading configurations, and experiment with different loads to see what will happen when I move something from here to there.That's why I developed this one (http://wikirfm.cyclicandcollective.net/extras/r22-wb/) for the R22 and this one (http://wikirfm.cyclicandcollective.net/extras/r-44-quick-wb/) for the R44. I also have one for the Mariner. Where I trained, most students didn't do W&B except before cross country flights or check rides, even though we had several instructors pushing 220+. And the W&B data sheets the school provided had some problems (like somebody changing the arm or moment in the template). Since I made a habit of doing W&B before every flight, it made sense to make the spreadsheets, and then figured out that they could be pretty useful learning tools--like, which helicopter can I fly in with my 235 lb instructor...?

[pd2]

Totally agree with you Gomer Pylot. The electronic W&B are a very useful and time saving tool. I use them for every flight.

My criticism is directed to the almost desperate requests for these tools, which makes these tools seem like some sort of Holy Grail.

My point is that pilots should be able to do these for themselves. All that is needed is a basic knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet program.

If I download one of these programs listed on the thread, how do I know it is correct and/or accurate? I am sure that more than a few will probably just download the program and start plugging away with figures for their flight and probably not even check correct BEW, arms and moments specific for their aircraft.

[Heli-Ice]

pd2

I use my excel w&b for every flight as a timesaver. I made it myself using the real figures from the Schweizer I use it for.

Of course do I check its accuracy by handcalculating it regularly. I am required by the regulations governing Aerial Work, to check my spreadsheet at regular intervals to confirm it is working properly.

I had not given it a thought that someone would be so stu... to just download a w&b spredsheet and start using it without confirming its accuracy and adapting it to his own aircraft. Good pointer :ok:

So pd2, where's the fuel calulator you were talking about? :cool:

[pd2]

Heli-Ice,

I am currently designing the fuel calculator. It will revolutionise the aviation industry. Once specific data is entered by the user it will calculate the following:

* Fuel Type
* Aircraft Fuel Burn Rate
* Capacity of Tank(s)
* Range for a given quantity of fuel
* Endurance
* Refuel Quantity at next destination.
* Holding, Variable and Fixed Reserves

There is very little input required from the user. The user needs to input the following information for the caculator to work.

* Fuel Type
* Aircraft Fuel Burn Rate
* Capacity of Tank(s)
* Range for a given quantity of fuel
* Endurance
* Refuel Quantity at next destination
* Holding, Variable and Fixed Reserves

If pilots are unsure of the data for their aircraft, some of the data is available from the Flight Manual.

If you have any suggestions to improve the spreadsheet, let me know so I an incorporate the changes.
:hmm:

[Heli-Ice]

pd2

I see, it is the simple type you are working on. I already love it.

Improvements you ask? Can you make only one window for the data input? My ten thumbs and hand-eye-brain coordination is terrible. :)

[pd2]

Well I need to create the foundation for the program initially. This is a laborious process, and I may need to call on a friend to check the mathematical equations. Once I have that all set up and working correctly, I can modify it to calculate almost anything. So it is slow going now.

I am currently toying with the idea of creating a module to calculate the varying fuel burn rates during a climb or descent, or with changes in density altitudes. I know what you are thinking... this guy lives in the clouds, but I believe it is possible.

What do you think? Is this being over optimistic?

[Heli-Ice]

Over optimistic? Naahhhh... Beeing an optimistic is what keeps you in this business. Some guys ahead of us believed they could build a thing called helicopter and that it would fly!?! and thats what they did.

How about adding a module that calculates heli pilot calorie burn in various circumstances? It would give him some idea about the minimum calories he has to aquire the following night at the bar.

Just remember when you get all tangled up in the math lab tests that 2+2 doesn't allways equal four in this business.

[pd2]

hmmmm... what a brilliant idea.

Not only can I measure the metabolic calorie burn, but if we add in the nett fluid of fluid pee'd and sweated and the fluid intake during the flight, not only can I provide an even more precise fuel consumption rate, I can also link this to the W&B module for CofG movements during the flight.

Brilliant!!!:D

Of course version 2 of the program will allow for not only pee and sweat, but No 2's.

[Heli-Ice]

You got yourself a business plan there man.

Since I am extremely fair, I'll settle for 10% of net profits, or a nice little house by a frozen lake somewhere in Canada, for my great advice and idealogy in this project.

Over and out.

[EN48]

I am currently designing the fuel calculator. It will revolutionise the aviation industry. Once specific data is entered by the user it will calculate the following:

* Fuel Type
* Aircraft Fuel Burn Rate
* Capacity of Tank(s)
* Range for a given quantity of fuel
* Endurance
* Refuel Quantity at next destination.
* Holding, Variable and Fixed Reserves



There is currently available a product that does (most of) this automatically in-flight using a fuel flow transducer installed in the acft fuel system: The Shadin MiniFlo/MicroFlo series. Yes, more expensive than a PDA type solution, but certified and works quite nicely (from personal experience). ;)

Much of my flying is quite predictable as far as loading is concerned, so I have made up several pro forma W&B charts which cover the most common loading configurations for my acft. Using these, it is easy to see graphically how slight variations from these standard configurations will affect W&B. For significant departures from standard, a careful new calculatiion is in order. I have laminated these in plastic and carry them in the acft. Obviously not as useful for an operator with little standard pattern to loading.

[munsterflyer]

anybody have good apps for helicopters,like weight and balance

[Mungo5]

Tadah!!!!

iwizwheel (http://www.iwizwheel.com/Site/iBal.html)

[EN48]

Tadah!!!!



I have just purchased this iBal application for the iPhone ($10) and find it quite good. It was not previously available for the B407, so I contacted the company and they agreed to make it available for the 407 if I supplied the needed W&B info. The currently available first release doesnt yet support the 5250 GW or aux fuel options, but this is said to be coming in the next release. If one already has an iPhone, a great deal at $10! :ok:

[choppertop]

Ibal -- major drawback is YOU have to supply the fuel distribution between the tanks. Doesn't work it out for you. And £5.99??

Pilot Whiz -- free and let's your play around with the useful load.

[EN48]

Ibal -- major drawback is YOU have to supply the fuel distribution between the tanks


Really? I have only played with this for an hour or so, but cant see how one might do this with the B407 fuel system. iBal does show the most fwd, most aft, and zero fuel CG's on the 407. Does this apply to types other than the 407? So far it gives equivalent results to the examples in the RFM. :confused:

[munsterflyer]

any of ye have good apps for helicopters like weight and balance would be good cheers

[CaptDean]

try iBal it only has R44,R22, 350 and jet ranger, but it works fine

[EN48]

it only has R44,R22, 350 and jet ranger


iBal also has: Hughes 300, 206L, B407, EC 120 and three variants of AS350. :ok:

[EN48]

any of ye have good apps for helicopters


Wing X aviation wx for iPhone and Blackberry is pretty amazing. See Hilton Software LLC (http://www.hiltonsoftware.com/index.html) . However, AFAIK, only suitable for U.S. operators. :ok:

[Outwest]

LogTen Pro (electronic logbook and flight/duty monitor) is very good.

[birrddog]

PilotWhizz is useful for conversions, though the W&B component is not great for helicopters.

For the US, Foreflight is good for Wx and flight planning (has a link to duats), can e-file flight plans. (Wish you could activate/cancel them in it though!)

Also useful is "Charts" - all US charts, PilotFAR and PilotAIM, once again, for US folks...

I second LogTen Pro.

[EN48]

For the US, Foreflight is good


I once thought so too, and purchased ForeFlight several months ago. I subsequently found WingX and it does much, much more for only a few dollars more. IMHO, WingX is the one to buy.

[colinharris]

I find the NOTAM's app works well, especially the overlay onto Google maps.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Logten Pro looks very good but you need a Mac to run it. I checked with them.

Must get a Mac me thinks.

[ESI]

EuroSafety has created a free iPhone/iPod caution panel app for the AS350B2 to stay proficient with airframe emergency procedures.

More airframes to come!

Let us know what you think!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/isafety/id380233909?mt=8&uo=4" target="itunes_store">iSafety - EuroSafety

[Gordy]

Hey Glen:

Let us know what you think!

Must be a mac/pc, Bell/Eurocopter, thing...... Most of us "Bell" pilots have "Droids" not "I-phones" ----far superior.... ;)

You going to make a Droid app too?

[fly911]

I would say EXCELLENT at twice the price!

[ESI]

Gordy, we are looking into doing a Droid app, the only problem is that there are many different screen sizes which would require around 60 different variations of every image. Once a model becomes "the Droid phone" we will jump on it!

[Hedge36]

Not to be pedantic, but we need an Android-based app.

In my case, preferably in a resolution suited to the Motorola Droid.


:8

[Gordy]

Hedge

Not to be pedantic, but we need an Android-based app.

I am using W & B charts and my company schedule, pilot & driver logs etc on my droid. They are excel programs, just load them into google docs and run them that way on a dolphin browser. The only problem is that the form will be "un-locked" and after entering data you need to refresh.

[ESI]

[email protected], the Eurosafety app thread was just move to here.....


http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/213798-apps-weight-balance-spreadsheets-iphones-pdas-4.html

[[email protected]]

ESI.

Hi and Yes that's where i first saw it and started thinking about it but in throwing a little project together I started thinking about EFIS type CAP panels hence my look at the EC135 and my post.. I've looked at Eurosafety and you have some pretty good interactive training materials which I've mentioned in other places.

When I saw your app and the comments re the droid, i just started playing with it and you can see my comments re web apps which I personally believe are just more flexible and perhaps quicker to put together. I have quite a few years in the business as an operator and an IT background, hence my interest in marrying the two. I've always been of the opinion, that whilst we do fairly well in the front office (aka cockpit ref efis etc), we do poorly in our industry in the back office (ref admin etc). I have looked at Iphone app development and believed it to be too narrow a base if you consider symbian, windows mobile, droid; but one common thread is the continued effort of smart phone, and now soon to be tablet (Ipadesque) manufacturers to improve the web experience. Without doubt html 5 will only improve this experience. This lead me to look at how quickly a more flexible web app approach could be used to overcome some issues faced when dealing with so many different types of smart phones etc.

Feel free to comment, or pm me on anything.

[ESI]

It is a interesting method, and a good solution to the various problems dealing with different phone models. We looked at doing it that way but still ran into the problem with screen sizes. The images stretched on phones that had the various size screens. Also the app is then only available when the internet is available and it is slow.

The technically advanced folks (which helicopter pilots generally are) are migrating to the Apple platform. The iPhone/iPod syncs with this platform smoothly. The only road block is Verizon. But Verizon will have the iPhone next June on the LTE network.

But at the end of the day the most important thing is that pilots get the information needed to operation their helicopter safely and what ever method that is we are a fan of.

[B407]

The technically advanced folks (which helicopter pilots generally are) are migrating to the Apple platform. The iPhone/iPod syncs with this platform smoothly


Have been using iBal and WingX on the iPhone for several months. Just took delivery of a new 407 with the PSE PMA8000BT audio panel with integrated bluetooth capability. What an amazing combination. The iPhone does weight & bal, flight planning, NEXRAD wx, METARS, TFR's, airport facilities and much more and the iPhone works beautifully through the headset on the ground and in flight (emergencies only of course). And, if you have music on your iPhone, this will link via bluetooth to the intercom for pax (ands pilot if desired) entertainment. Best of all, no wires. Highly recommended, but some of this works only in the U.S.

[[email protected]]

ESI - Comments appreciated and well noted.

Agreed that at some point tables have to be loaded, but with mainly textual data the whole thing can be loaded at aircraft selection time which is not too bad. With respect to the graphics and screen sizes, you have to wonder if users would really care, once the general representation of the layout was true and the training information provided was accurate.

Another approach might be hybrid whereby tables are loaded and stored on the device - unlike foreflight type apps etc, ( the database would not need to be updated too often as cockpit procedures don't change nearly as often as AFD's etc, so you get the benefit of a web based app, but also the ability to use offline.

From posts like B407 below, it is only a matter of time before we see more and more use of iphone/ipad type devices in the cockpit (far less expensive than any other EFB options).

All good stuff, no matter which side of the equation you're on (unless of course you continue to stubbornly hold out for sales of your $3-10k EFB devices).

[ESI]

I agree that the most important thing is that the information gets out there. I believe you are right that sooner or later the iPad will make its way into the cockpit. It will give us pilots many of the resources that are now more difficult to consult. Keep up the good work.

[thewarnerbros]

I'm sure everyone has now downloaded this ap onto their phones ... BUT, does anyone know what type of helicopter is being used at under 2,000 ft ?

[Brilliant Stuff]

Sorry don't do games.

[thewarnerbros]

I thought that all taxi drivers did games.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Phwoar. Cutting.

I am a chauffeur.

[jab]

I am looking for a weight and balance program for the AS332-L1 in any format, iPhone, PDA or Excel. Anyone able to help? Thanks

[Ned-Air2Air]

For those that have friends on iphones as well as Blackberry here is a great new instant messaging program which works cross platform.

WhatsApp is a program that gives you instant msg chat identical to Blackberry Messenger but on iphone. I have it on my iphone and as long as the other person has it on their phone you are good to go.

Ned

[Brilliant Stuff]

Cheers Ned.

[johned0]

Could never quite see the point of WhatsApp (maybe i am missing something) because it uses a proprietary protocol and only works between two specific mobiles (Symbian and Android coming soon).

I used to use fring for mobile IM because it supported skype, AOL, MSN and a bunch of other IM protocols to mobiles and desk/laptops. fring dropped skype but Nimbuzz seems nearly as good, supports all the standard IM protocols, voice, facebook and myspace as well.

J.

[Ned-Air2Air]

Thats fine, didnt say it worked between all phones, just said it was a great app for people on iphones who wanted to chat with people on Blackberries and vice versa.

People can choose to use it, or not. I did and liked it so posted info here.

[ESI]

The app has now been updated with the EC120 procedures and will now work on OS3.

[Helikopter]

I´m looking for a good online logbook for my mobile phone.

- There is one available for Iphone, called Logten, very very nice software, but I´m looking for software for my Nokia N8 mobile phone ?

Thanks a lot and regards. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Helitin]

I would like to program my Iphone that i can calculate weight an balance for the Robinson R44 by Pilot Wizz app. Does anybody has a guidance?

Thanks in advance.

[EN48]

See link for info re iBal, a serious helicopter W&B program for iPhone/iPod. Works very well. About $10 U.S. at the iTunes store. :ok:

iBal (http://www.iwizwheel.com/Site/iBal.html)

[B Sousa]

Handy little tool if your flying Eurocopter things and have a smart phone. Its a free App with EPs. I found it at www.eurosafety.us (http://www.eurosafety.us) Its under ground on the home page.
Fly Safe.

[Devil 49]

Don't bother unless you have an iPhone.

[Igor13]

Don't bother unless you have an iPhone


Devil 49 - You are kidding me aren't you, everyone has an iPhone ;)

[B Sousa]

Iphone or Ipad. Works good. I resisted an Iphone till they got cheaper and now that "B" model Ipad is coming out so may get one of those also.
Eurosafety is going to do more as time avails.
BUT Apple stuff is not cheap and so I got suckered into the Maintenance contract, just because ATT will sell it but wont fix it.

[mfriskel]

AT&T won't, but you can take it to ANY Apple store for satisfaction. I have had very good luck with them for a cracked screen (in warranty) and my daughter dropped her's and shattered the screen- they GAVE her a new one.
AT&T told me I would have to buy a new phone for my cracked screen.

[dogtired]

What are your favorite aviation apps?

iPhone, Android or Blackberry?

[GULF69]

I use AeroWeather on my i-phone...works great!

69

[aintboeingaintgoing]

Aeroweather is great pilot wizz is very good as well

[ashish_pilote]

Live ATC-iPhone App for students to learn Radio Calls....!
FAA Test Prep- CPL,PPL,IR did some great help....u can learn even when ur on the move;Pretty neat.
Flyby E6B- Helps when ur real Electronic E6B runs out of batt or forgot bring one
Pilot Wizz:ok:

There is also another Thread http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/369606-iphone-aviation-applications.html

[BUSH7JOCK]

TAFsMETARs21
Very simple & quick weather app - excellent

[swish266]

Pilot Toolbox - for holdover times,
PilotLog - online logbook,
Snowtam,
AeroWeatherPro - worth the money over AeroWeather,
iPorts - good presentation,
FlighttrackPro.

:ok:

[dublinpilot]

Airspace Avoid for iPhone and Android. It's a simple Moving Map system from the PocketFMS team.

AirspaceAVOID - Can you afford to fly without? (http://www.AirspaceAvoid.com)

[Phoinix]

I only use three flight related applications:
AeroWeather - known for up-to-date metar and taf information
iBal - mass and balance tool for almost every helicopter (if it's not on the list, they will put it there - outstanding support)
IWizWheel - the only aviation calculator i need
:ok:

[bigglesbutler]

I hope this doesn't constitute advertising as no money changes hands, but I have found an awesome logbook for NON apple users.

It has both an Android and PC version that will synchronise between the two and now has more helic specific options including logging of P1u/s.

Link for PC version is:

Logbook Installation (http://www.jcst.com/logbook/)

Android either via the market or:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jcst.androidlogbook&feature=search_result

As I say this is a free app, and I have had no renumeration from it other than getting the use of the app.

Enjoy

Si

[HowlingMad Murdock]

Thanks for the info BigglesButler - this App looks interestin' (I don't need it at present) will look into it anyhoo - may be of use in future:)

[Takeoff WAT]

Not a dedicated iPad app but worth having on your iPad or iPhone, MyDutyDay(A)... checks your current and next Flying Duty Period according to CAP371/EU-OPS.

There's a MyDutyDay for Cabin Crew too!

[bigglesbutler]

Does anyone know of a helicopter weight and balance app? I need it for Android and the EC225, the problem is the spreadsheet we use is too intensive for my tablet to run. All the apps I have seen use fixed wing or small aircraft details, for twin heavies the envelope isn't as simple as those.

Si

[[email protected]]

Sorry bigglebutler - can't help. Beyond Ibal for the iPhone I'm not aware of anything android based.

Maybe a bit cheeky but I am working on a related project involving W&B for aircraft and I am interested at looking at any excel spreadsheet implementations, particularly those with functions and VBA/macros behind them. If yours can't function reasonably on your tablet, it must be quite interesting - would there be any chance of getting a copy which can be treated as confidential, not for commercial use. If so, please pm. If not, I completely understand.

Thanks in advance.

[rick1128]

Try ibal, it is a helicopter app and works quite weel.

[tgarrelts]

Does anybody know of apps for the Enstrom 280FX?

[Poliglut]

I found a good one... it's called ICAO CODES... https://market.android.com/details?id=air.icaoabbrev

useful for decoding messages..

[Phoinix]

I want to put a good word for iBal. I've been using it for about a year now and its the most useful app on my phone. I use it for every flight I make private and business and the time it takes to get results emailed for logging flight data is less than 20" which makes it very flight and user user friendly, especially when there's not much time before the flight (HEMS).

Also a good word on the developer Mike McCauley. I never met the guy but he is great. Every need I get about helicopter types makes its way into the app without hesitation. Excellent customer support, no doubt.

Bottom line, iBal to me is well worth the money :ok:. To be honest I have yet to see a competitive app.

Cheers,
Jure

[EN48]

Bottom line, iBal to me is well worth the money http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif.
To be honest I have yet to see a competitive app.



Agree strongly! :ok: Mike has been very cooperative in adding new makes/models. Not sure, but I think this supports the Enstrom 280FX that was inquired about a few posts earlier. Mike cant be getting rich at $10 a pop.

[tgarrelts]

Thanks for the info on IBal. It's a great App.

[agodesign]

Hey everyone.

Just finished a new W & B. For the AS350 models.

English units, Gallons, lbs ect...

Used OpenOffice.org free spread sheet download.

PM me with your email, if u have any interest in a copy:ok:

[agodesign]

UPDATE: New one with converted for Liters, Kg.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Anyone know of any apps which you could use as flight following or so base can track you?

Or is find my iPhone the only solution?

[Helinut]

BS,

If you want a system that will pass muster with the feds (i.e. be officially acceptable as permanent aircraft equipment) I don't think that a system that uses a cellular network would be accepted by them.

There are various systems available these days to track your errant pooch! Perhaps you could fit one of those to each pilot? :E

[paddy.pilot]

Hi,
Just wondering if there were any updates on this subject.
Anyone know of any android apps which can be used for mass and balance cal for r22, r44?

Any other android app recommendations?

Br
PP

[ROX]

Hello,

Is somebody know an iphone app for the duty time for the helicopters pilots?

Thanks

[malabo]

iPhone & iPad app that cranks out exposure time and resulting probability of (not) crashing in case of an engine failure. Free at the App Store. Has data for the 225, 365N3, 155. L2 at the end of the month. Word is Sikorsky is doing the same thing. Agusta can't be far behind.

[clinique_happy]

Anyone know of any apps to help work out nav calculations

I have used the whizz wheel but want to check

Or does anyone have the calculation equations? Or an easy way to use whizz wheel

[RVDT]

As good a place as any.

This (http://williams.best.vwh.net/avform.htm) site has been around for a while.

[Flying Bull]

Look for iE6B

[Rubaga]

My instructor and friend developed a very interesting app for Robinson helicopters. It checks the balance in all the crucial parts of the heli. The idea is that to do the full check at a certified dealer is quite expensive and the app helps you to do the test yourself. Obviusly it does not replace high precision equipment however, works quite accurately as I have seen in the several months of testing.

Here is the official description - sorry for the language - but it is written by a person who is not a native speaker.

You disturb vibrations of your helicopter Robinson?

Now you can check up the dynamic balancing of units of your helicopter without a difficult and expensive procedure. For this purpose it is enough to touch to the helicopter in a determinate place by your iPhone and in some seconds you will receive the result. This app allows to check up the dynamic balancing of the main rotor, the tail rotor and the cooling fan of helicopters Robinson R22/R44/R66. You receive vibration levels in inch per second (IPS), you can compare them with reference values from Robinson Maintenance Manual (maximum vibration allowance is 0.2 IPS) after that you send them to the service center on email.

The testing app passed during an adjustment of balancing in the service center where Chadwick-Helmuth equipment was used.

Video instructions of using the application you can find on Aviasoft apps (http://aviasoft.m8me.ru)

Note: Application is functioning for iPhone 5 only.

Please note that it only works on iPhone 5!

Here is the link to the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/check-balance/id624527921?mt=8

Comments can be sent directly to the developer. I will sometimes check here for comments as well and pass them on to the developer.

Hope you find it useful.

[nellycopter]

Guys,
No sales pitch here and nothing to do with me, just thought I would share the info,
I came across this great little app for your phone called Helipaddy yesterday which you can save your landing sites and waypoints on and share with the world..... Or anyone else who has the app that is.
How many posts have there been on here people asking if anyone knows of a site near ....... I know I have a few times...
The app can only get better and better as we all share new sites, eating places, hotels etc have have the info all in one tidy place electronically...
There is a small charge to get the full database, but the app is free to use for your own sites.

Best little app I have seen for years, so just thought I would share.

Regards

[Velliin]

I have been searching for quite some time, apps to facilitate my pre-flight/ navigation planning and also during flying.

Apart suction mounts and stuff like that, i was wondering what apps and maybe gagdets you currently use or found useful. Searching the net, i came across this website giving some tips:

Recommended Apple IPAD apps for Pilots (http://www.thekidzpage.com/colouring_menus/virtualcrayons/choosecoloringpage1.htm)

But i still want to hear someone's opinion especially since apps vary from location: N America vs Europe and android vs apple.

Thanks :)

[Sir Korsky]

Is that web site based in Malta too?

[RVDT]

apps to facilitate my pre-flight/ navigation planning and also during flying

Rocketroute (http://www.rocketroute.com) US + Worldwide Flight Planning and Filing - magic!

[Velliin]

I don't think so. Thanks :) will try them out!

[muffin]

SkyDemon is best of the lot. It has Malta charts available.

[Velliin]

Thanks :) but currently flying in italy as well

[fpfpfp]

Coverage in Africa?

[chalmondleigh]

SkyDemon has all of Europe charts and much of the rest of the world too.

Also files Flight plans.

[handysnaks]

I use Runway HD and can't recommend it highly enough

[Velliin]

I prefer programs that have a one time subscription; if possible, since i don't fly commercial. Since it is not worth it if i fly only a few flights annually.

[Erez]

For all the preflight & navigation I think most pilots use sky demon. It all depends on what your using the app for and your interests.

Im a PPL holder and I love to find new off-site landing locations to increase the accessibility of my helicopter travels. I was speaking to my mate recently and he recommended - Helipaddy. Its an app that is a must have for any UK helicopter pilot. It has mapped out a tone of landing location into a database that provides awesome information like landing information, site details, any hazards etc.

The app has only recently been released and is relatively unknown from my perception so it has been a good find.

If you Helipaddy into google you should find it. Let me know what you think :ok::ok::ok:! Ive been using the app on weekends to find new locations to explore!!

[Velliin]

Do you use an ipad or a droid? Some apps are better and function way better on apple

[Velliin]

Has anyone used Ozrunways?
Made for new Zealand and Australia but can be used all over the world. Ifr charts icao and vfr. One time subscription which is better than annually.

Currently using air nav pro but doesn't have ifr capabilities.

[krunkworx]

Hi guys,

Thought you all may be interested in a helicopter simulator I've been working on for the past few months. It's called Helo.X and it's on both the Google Play store as well as the Apple App Store.

Here it is on android. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.TwoBeansApps.heliflightsim&ah=hfvB7-3EH0kDsQPKSJwnM9kMpfo)

And it's paid on iOS so I wont link it here as I don't want to be seen as purely trying to make money:oh:. I'm genuinely interested in what you all have to say about it. The feedback thus far is "too hard to control". Do you guys agree?

[AAKEE]

Look up the upcoming CG app for NH90 !

[maddmatt]

Just a curious post really, how many of you use mobile technology when you fly? I have found some excellent apps for the ipad/iphone and wondered if these were popular. Have tried to find a good weather app for the uk but most of the GA ones are for the States.

Any suggestions of what others use would be good as well.

[macbk]

Hello,

If anyone would be interested, I released mobile app to calculate power check for AS350BA helicopters. It works on the basis of flight manual charts. You can download it completely free from the App Store:

apps.apple.com/app/id1471892720
If above link doesn't work, you can find it under the name Helitrends Lite.

Use is very easy, enter NR, TQ, Ng, ambient conditions and see if you have enough power to flight.
If you have any question feel free to contact me.

Hope you find it useful.

[Flying Bull]

Hello,

If anyone would be interested, I released mobile app to calculate power check for AS350BA helicopters. It works on the basis of flight manual charts. You can download it completely free from the App Store:

apps.apple.com/app/id1471892720
If above link doesn't work, you can find it under the name Helitrends Lite.

Use is very easy, enter NR, TQ, Ng, ambient conditions and see if you have enough power to flight.
If you have any question feel free to contact me.

Hope you find it useful.

Nice - and free as well

Unfortunately I fly a newer bird, which does all the stuff for my by just pressing a button ;-)

Keep it up

[tom_pilot]

Hello,

many pilots said they need power check calculator as mobile app. So we have developed the tool which is officially available on App Store via this link https://apps.apple.com/app/helitrends-lite/id1471892720 that is something to be proud of for us :) You can use it for free with no need to log in :) So far there are AS350BA and AS350B2 helicopters available to choose. Benefits for pilots:
- enter data and then engine performance available in less than 1 second,
- many different helicopters in one app,
- share the result to your engineer via one button,
- results history for all aircrafts.

Would you like to add there your helicopter? Please leave me the priv message or via [email protected]

Tom