ForeFlight Update 16.9: New Helicopter, Runway Analysis, and International VFR Features

The latest ForeFlight update, version 16.9, introduces powerful new tools to enhance aviation planning and navigation. This ForeFlight release adds support for helicopter-only airways, enabling helicopter pilots to plan and file routes on dedicated airways. These can be accessed in Aeronautical Map Settings for both VFR and IFR modes.

Off Route Altitude Information

In addition, this ForeFlight update brings Grid MORA/LSALT functionality, providing minimum off-route altitudes to improve IFR navigation safety worldwide. For international flights, pilots can now access government-sourced VFR charts for Mexico, available by selecting the Latin America region in app settings.

Updates to Runway Analysis, Weight and Balance

This ForeFlight release also extends runway analysis capabilities for turbine aircraft, adding support for the Beechcraft King Air 360HW, King Air 350 with Blackhawk engines, and Beechcraft 1900D. Moreover, a new graphical Weight & Balance feature allows pilots to visually manage loading by tapping on a cabin layout.

ForeFlight Release Highlights Over Time

Each ForeFlight release this year has added innovative features to support a broad range of aviation needs. Recent updates have included notable tools for both practical flight planning and in-flight safety:

• 16.8 (August 2024): Enhanced the FPL Drawer, introduced support for Civil Twilight, and added new Profile View layers.
• 16.7 (July 2024): Launched an aviation-specific keyboard and new turbulence categories for increased safety and convenience.
• 16.6 (June 2024): Added a Discover tab for navigation tips, and AI-powered airport comment summaries.
• 16.5 (May 2024): Introduced Wake Turbulence Alerts and new VFR chart options for safer, more versatile navigation.
• 16.4 (April 2024): Unveiled a Turbulence Map Layer and Lowest-Tilt Radar for real-time weather insights.
• 16.3 (March 2024): Brought an Aeronautical Map Drawer, a basic Navlog template, and power line overlays to the basemap for safer route planning.

With each ForeFlight release, pilots gain more control, convenience, and safety. The 16.9 update continues this tradition by adding new navigation and planning options for a diverse set of users across the aviation community.