Subscriber question:
"Approach charts are packed with info I won’t use when I actually fly the approach. How can I focus on just what matters?" — Luci V.
Ryan:
“You’re right, paper approach charts (and their digital replicas) show much more information than you’ll actually use in flight. Take the RNAV Rwy 17 at Manitowoc, WI (KMTW) as an example. It has five total transitions: three IAFs and two feeder routes. You’ll only fly one of them. It has a course reversal that you may or may not need, four lines of minimums across four approach categories, and a handful of notes that probably don’t apply to your situation. On top of that, there are things like elevations, frequencies, approach light systems, glide path angles, airport sketch details, and more that you’ll brief or set up in advance and be done with.
There are only a few pieces of information you need in view while flying the approach. Those include the specific sequence of waypoints you’ll fly, the minimum altitude for each segment, the DA or MDA, and the missed approach procedure.
To put these on ForeFlight’s map, tap Procedure. You’ll choose your approach, transition, and minimums. (Each aircraft profile can include a default category setting to save the minimums step.) ForeFlight will add the sequence of waypoints and minimum altitudes to both the flight plan and the map. One thing ForeFlight doesn’t display is the missed approach procedure. Consider annotating it directly on the map, or at the very least memorize the first step.
When you load the procedure, ForeFlight automatically overlays the full chart on the map. Since the goal is to declutter and simplify, I’d suggest removing it to leave only the critical items in view. Keep the full chart on the Plates tab where it’s just a tap away if you need it.
Maybe someday we’ll move away from exact digital recreations of paper charts in favor of something that’s actually built for how we fly. Until then, use the tools you have to make things simpler, clearer, and easier in the cockpit.”
