ForeFlight update introduces new safety features

ForeFlight introduced the first version of its Apple Watch app in 2015 with a wide array of features including ADS-B In weather in flight, nearby flight conditions, haptic notifications, and more, but discontinued support for the app in 2017.

The reintroduced watch app is a more stripped-down version of its predecessor and is available for all ForeFlight subscription levels. The app will load onto the watch automatically after the latest version of ForeFlight (15.7) is updated on the user’s iPhone if the watch currently runs watchOS 9.4 or later.

The new watch app allows users to add local weather and wind as a complication, or interface, to the watch face, that when clicked will show the local flight conditions as well as conditions at nearby airports. Clicking on an airport will bring up its weather and options for additional information like frequencies, runways, and notices to air missions. Apple watch must be connected to the internet to update weather information.

All subscription levels will also see an upgrade to ForeFlight’s synthetic vision. The update features 3D obstacles and hazards displayed with nighttime lighting. Buildings, towers, and windmills are depicted using three different shapes for a more realistic interpretation of the user’s surroundings.

ForeFlight Pro Plus subscribers and above will also see changes to the way terrain and obstacle strike locations appear in profile view. Multiple strike locations are said to be more easily identifiable and denoted with red X markers. To reduce clutter on the screen, ForeFlight has removed the red hatch shading over the remaining route.

The update also expands ForeFlight’s Runway Analysis product for use with Textron King Air 350ER, Cessna CJ1+, and Cessna C700. Runway Analysis is available for ForeFlight Performance subscribers with options for individuals and businesses. ForeFlight says they are continuing to grow the list of aircraft compatible with the Runway Analysis feature.

In the previous update, ForeFlight introduced several safety updates that include ADS-B Traffic Breadcrumbs, Baro-Corrected Pressure Altitude in real time, and Aircraft on Runway Alerts.