Professional Aviation Navigation at Your Fingertips
Aviation GPS transforms your iOS device into a professional-grade aviation navigation instrument. Built for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and flight training, this app delivers real-time bearing, distance, course deviation, and timing data to airports and navaids worldwide with aviation-standard precision.
Aviation GPS is a professional navigation app designed specifically for aviation use. Featuring a clean, FMC-style interface with customizable data fields, the app provides essential navigation information for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
KEY FEATURES:
• Real-time GPS navigation to 55,000+ airports and 10,000+ navaids worldwide
• Professional multi panel data display with configurable layouts (2x2 to 2x5)
• Multiple compass modes: Track, Heading, or Auto-switching at configurable speeds
• Comprehensive destination information with runway details and radio frequencies
• World Magnetic Model declination correction for precise magnetic bearings
• Aviation-standard data fields: Distance, Bearing, Track, Ground Speed, ETE, ETA, and more.
• Smart search with autocomplete for airports and navigation aids
• Professional aviation typefaces font
• Detailed airport information: runways, elevations, frequencies, coordinates
• Portrait-optimized interface for cockpit and handheld use
NAVIGATION DATA:
• 55,000+ airports with complete runway and frequency information• 10,000+ navigation aids (VOR, NDB, TACAN, DME)
• Real-time bearing and distance calculations using great circle navigation
• Magnetic declination correction using NOAA World Magnetic Model
• ETA calculations with timezone detection and local time display
PROFESSIONAL FEATURES:
• Configurable auto-switching between track and heading modes
• Vertical speed monitoring with precision filtering
• GPS coordinate display
• Instant-response touch interface with visual feedback
• Aviation-standard color coding and typography
Perfect for flight training, cross-country navigation, airport familiarization, and aviation education. Built-in aviation database with no internet
required.
The ENTER DEST (Enter Destination) search function allows pilots to quickly find and select airports or navigation aids from a comprehensive global database of over 65,000 aviation destinations.
How to Access
- Tap the DESTINATION field in the main data grid (top-left field showing current
destination or "NO DEST")
- The search interface opens in full-screen mode with a black aviation-style
background
Search Capabilities
1. Airport Code Search:
- Enter 3-letter codes: BOS, LAX, DFW
- Enter 4-letter ICAO codes: KBOS, EGLL, LFPG
- Search is case-insensitive
2. Airport Name Search:
- Full names: "Boston Logan International"
- Partial names: "San Fran" finds San Francisco airports
- City names: "Miami" finds all Miami-area airports
3. Navigation Aid Search:
- VOR identifiers: BOS, JFK, LAX
- NDB identifiers: Regional navigation beacons
- All navaid types supported (VOR, NDB, TACAN, DME)
Smart Search Features
Real-Time Results:
- Results appear automatically as you type (180ms debounce)
- No need to press "Search" - instant feedback
Intelligent Prioritization:
- Airports listed first, then navigation aids
- Nearest destinations first when multiple matches
- Exact code matches prioritized over partial name matches
Result Information Display:
- Destination type: AIRPORT, VOR, NDB, etc. (simplified format)
- Distance and bearing: Real-time from current GPS position
- Full name: Complete official designation
- Location details: City, country/region information
Search Results Layout
KBOS - BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT • 045° 12.3NM
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
BOS - BOSTON
VOR • 045° 12.1NM
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Selection Process
- Tap any result to select it as your destination
- Search closes automatically
- Selected destination appears in DESTINATION field
- Navigation calculations begin immediately (bearing, distance, ETE)
Global Coverage
- 55,000+ airports worldwide including:
- Major international airports
- Regional airports
- Private airstrips
- Military airfields (when permitted)
- 10,000+ navigation aids including:
- VOR stations
- NDB beacons
- TACAN facilities
- DME stations
Database Filtering
The search respects your settings preferences:
- USE CLOSED APTS: Controls visibility of closed airports
- USE NATL APTS: Shows/hides airports with national identifiers
- USE OTHER APTS: Controls other airport types
- USE NAVAIDS: Enables/disables navigation aid results
Search Tips
For Quick Results:
- Use airport codes when known (LAX vs Los Angeles International)
- Use partial names for broader searches ("New York" finds JFK, LGA, EWR)
For Specific Airports:
- Use full ICAO codes for precision (KJFK vs JFK)
- Include city names to narrow results ("Miami International")
For Navigation Planning:
- Search shows bearing and distance for route planning
- Results update in real-time as aircraft position changes
- Nearest matches help find alternate airports
Integration with Navigation
Once selected, the destination:
- Updates all navigation displays (bearing, distance, ETE)
- Enables HSI/OBS modes for precision navigation
- Provides DEST INFO access for detailed airport information
- Updates compass displays with real-time bearing arrows
The ENTER DEST function serves as the primary method for flight planning and
navigation setup, providing pilots with immediate access to comprehensive global
aviation database for efficient route planning and navigation.
Access DEST INFO
- From the main navigation screen, tap the "DEST INFO" button
- This displays comprehensive information about your currently selected destination
Information Displayed
For Airports:
- Airport identifier and full name
- Latitude/longitude coordinates
- Elevation above sea level
- Current bearing and distance from your location
- All runways with length, width, and surface type
- Radio frequencies (CTAF, Tower, Ground, Approach, etc.)
For Navigation Aids:
- Navaid identifier and name
- Type (VOR, NDB, TACAN, DME, etc.)
- Operating frequency
- Latitude/longitude coordinates
- Current bearing and distance from your location
Key Features
- Real-time Updates: Bearing and distance update automatically as you move
- Aviation Standard Format: Information presented in professional aviation layout
- Complete Data: Includes all essential flight planning information
- Easy Navigation: Tap "BACK" to return to main navigation screen
Example Display
KBOS - BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
LAT/LON N42.3656 W071.0096
ELEV 19ft
BRG 045° DIS 12.3NM
RW 04L-22R 3048m x 46m ASPH
RW 04R-22L 2134m x 46m ASPH
CTAF 121.90
TWR 120.80
GND 121.90
This function provides pilots with all essential destination information needed for flight planning and navigation in a concise, aviation-standard format.
DATA FIELDS Configuration
Each data field in the grid can be customized by tapping on it in the main screen:
Available Field Types:
- DESTINATION - Selected airport/navaid identifier
- DIS - Distance to destination (NM/MI/KM based on unit setting)
- BRG - Magnetic bearing to destination
- HDG/TRK (AUTO) - Automatic heading/track switching
- DEVICE HDG - Device magnetic compass heading only
- TRK - GPS track over ground only
- GS - Ground speed
- ETE - Estimated Time Enroute
- ALTITUDE - GPS altitude
- VERTICAL SPEED - Rate of climb/descent
- VERT SPEED REQ - Required VS to reach destination +1000ft
- TIME LOCAL - Current local time
- TIME UTC - Current UTC/Zulu time
- ETA DEST - Estimated Time of Arrival
- POSITION - Current GPS coordinates
- BATTERY - Device battery percentage
- OFF - Disabled/blank field
Purpose
The SETTINGS page provides comprehensive configuration options for customizing the
Aviation GPS app's navigation displays, units, data layouts, and operational behaviors
to match pilot preferences and aircraft requirements.
How to Access
- Tap the SETTINGS button (magenta-bordered) from the main navigation screen
- Opens in full-screen mode with professional aviation styling
- Fixed header with scrollable settings content area
Page Layout Structure
Fixed Header:
- BACK button (magenta) - Returns to main navigation screen
- SETTINGS title - Centered page identifier
Scrollable Content Area:
- All configuration options in organized sections
- Smooth scrolling for long settings lists
Fixed Bottom Actions:
- DONE button (magenta-bordered) - Save and exit settings
- LOAD DEFAULT SETTINGS (magenta-bordered) - Reset to factory defaults
---
Navigation & Compass Settings
COMPASS MODE
Controls how the aircraft's orientation is determined and displayed.
Options:
- AUTO - Automatically switches between Track and Heading based on speed
- TRACK - Always uses GPS track over ground (moving direction)
- HEADING - Always uses device magnetic compass (aircraft pointing direction)
When to Use:
- AUTO: Recommended for most flying - uses track when moving, heading when stationary
- TRACK: Ground reference navigation, GPS-based flight following
- HEADING: Traditional compass navigation, maintaining specific headings
AUTO SPEED THRESHOLD
Sets the switching speed for AUTO compass mode.
Options:
- 3 KT - Traditional threshold for general aviation (default)
- 10 KT - Higher threshold for taxi operations or faster aircraft
- 30 KT - Commercial aviation threshold for high-speed aircraft
Technical Detail:
When in AUTO mode and ground speed drops below threshold, display switches from GPS
track to magnetic heading for more stable indication during slow flight or ground
operations.
---
Display & Layout Settings
DATA LAYOUT
Configures the main navigation data grid size and field count.
Grid Options:
- 2x2 - 4 data fields in 2 columns, 2 rows (compact display)
- 2x3 - 6 data fields in 2 columns, 3 rows (default layout)
- 2x4 - 8 data fields in 2 columns, 4 rows (extended display)
- 2x5 - 10 data fields in 2 columns, 5 rows (maximum information)
Field Management:
- Larger grids automatically add OFF fields when expanding
- Smaller grids truncate excess fields when contracting
- Individual fields customizable via tap-to-edit functionality
---
Advanced Navigation Settings
CDI SENSITIVITY
Controls the Course Deviation Indicator sensitivity for HSI navigation.
Options:
- AUTO - Automatic scaling based on distance to destination
- 30NM: 5NM sensitivity (enroute)
- 2-30NM: 1NM sensitivity (terminal)
- ≤2NM: 0.3NM sensitivity (approach)
- 5 NM - Fixed enroute sensitivity
- 1 NM - Fixed terminal area sensitivity
- 0.3 NM - Fixed precision approach sensitivity
Aviation Standards:
Follows ICAO/FAA guidelines for automatic CDI sensitivity switching during different
flight phases.
VERTICAL SPEED Settings
VS ROUND TO:
- EXACT - Display precise fpm values
- 50ft - Round to nearest 50 fpm increment
- 100ft - Round to nearest 100 fpm increment
MIN VS DISPLAYED:
- 5fpm - Show all vertical movement
- 25fpm - Filter minor GPS variations (default)
- 50fpm - Display only significant climbs/descents
Technical Features:
- 10-second startup suppression prevents false readings
- Adaptive smoothing optimized for airliner cruise detection
- Intelligent noise filtering for stable GPS-based calculations
---
Units & Measurements
DISTANCE UNIT
- NM - Nautical Miles (aviation standard)
- MI - Statute Miles
- KM - Kilometers
SPEED UNIT
- KT - Knots (aviation standard)
- MPH - Miles per Hour
- KM/H - Kilometers per Hour
ALTITUDE UNIT
- FEET - Feet above sea level (aviation standard)
- METERS - Meters above sea level
RUNWAY UNIT (DEST INFO display)
- METERS - Runway dimensions in meters
- FEET - Runway dimensions in feet
---
Database & Search Settings
SEARCH SORT
Controls result ordering in destination search.
Options:
- NEAREST FIRST - Sort by distance from current position (default)
- ALPHABETICAL - Sort by destination identifier/name
Database Filters
Control which types of destinations appear in search results.
USE NATL APTS:
- NO - Exclude airports with national identifiers
- HIDDEN - Show only when directly searched
- YES - Include in all searches
USE OTHER APTS:
- NO - Exclude miscellaneous airport types
- HIDDEN - Show only when directly searched
- YES - Include in all searches
USE NAVAIDS:
- NO - Exclude navigation aids from search
- HIDDEN - Show only when directly searched
- YES - Include VOR, NDB, TACAN in searches (default)
USE CLOSED APTS:
- NO - Exclude closed airports completely (default)
- HIDDEN - Show only when searched by exact identifier
- YES - Include closed airports in all searches
---
System Settings
DEMO MODE
- OFF - Use real GPS location (default)
- ON - Playback pre-recorded GPX track for demonstration
Demo Features:
- Plays realistic flight track with speed, altitude, and heading changes
- Useful for training, demonstrations, or testing app features
- Overrides real GPS with synthetic location data
GPS SOURCE
- DEVICE - Use built-in iOS location services (default)
- X-PLANE - Connect to X-Plane flight simulator via network
X-Plane Integration:
- Receives real-time position, speed, and altitude from simulator
- Enables realistic flight training scenarios
- Requires X-Plane with appropriate network plugin
---
Action Buttons
LOAD DEFAULT SETTINGS
Purpose: Resets all settings to factory defaults
What it resets:
- All navigation and display preferences
- Unit settings back to aviation standards (NM, KT, FEET)
- Compass mode to AUTO with 3KT threshold
- Data layout to 2x3 grid
- Database filters to recommended aviation settings
- All precision settings to optimal values
Data fields are preserved - use separate "LOAD DEFAULT DATA FIELDS" if needed.
LOAD DEFAULT DATA FIELDS
Purpose: Resets the data field layout to recommended aviation configuration
Default fields:
1. DESTINATION - Selected airport/navaid
2. ETE - Estimated Time Enroute
3. VERTICAL SPEED - Climb/descent rate
4. ETA DEST UTC - Arrival time in UTC
5. POSITION - GPS coordinates
6. ALTITUDE - Current altitude
DONE Button
Purpose: Saves all changes and returns to main navigation screen
Automatic saving: All settings changes are saved automatically as you make them
Immediate effect: Changes take effect immediately without restart required
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Professional Aviation Integration
Standards Compliance
- ICAO/FAA CDI sensitivity standards for approach procedures
- Aviation unit conventions (NM, KT, magnetic bearings)
- Professional color coding (magenta for user interface elements)
- FMC-style typography for authentic cockpit appearance
Operational Flexibility
- Configuration persistence - Settings saved between app sessions
- Real-time updates - Changes effective immediately
- Context sensitivity - Settings adapt to flight phase and conditions
- Pilot workflow optimization - Minimal taps for common adjustments
Safety Features
- Conservative defaults - Settings optimized for safe navigation
- Clear visual feedback - Selected options clearly highlighted
- Immediate effect preview - Changes visible in main screen instantly
- Easy reset capability - Quick return to known-good configuration
The SETTINGS page provides comprehensive customization while maintaining aviation
standards and operational safety, allowing pilots to configure the app for their
specific aircraft, mission requirements, and personal preferences.