New Feature Request : Bearing Line

[akarmy]

Hi guys, Now that I'm flying behind Skyview. I have a new feature request. It's the including of an option to replace the course line on the map with a bearing line to the next waypoint. This is something that I've been using for the last 15 years with my Garmin handhelds and really like the feature. So here's how it works.

In the simplest case, you are flying along and select direct-to a destination. Skyview draws you a course line to fly there. Then you decide you go look at that lake over there 2 miles to the right. When done looking you return to your course, but the line is way off to the left now. There's no reason to return to that course I can think of, I would rather have a constantly updating rubber banded bearing line that when I'm ready to continue the course you simply turn to match the line and you are on your way.

It's also really helpful to avoid airspace etc as you just start turning until your bearing line falls outside the airspace you don't want to bust. You can try it out if you have any of the Garmin 196-496 handhelds (maybe the 696 too but I haven't see one).

 

[thibault]

You already get a new course line on the map.  I use it to avoid airspace already.  If you change the Hdg/Trk the map shows the new line.  It only shows you this for a few seconds, but that is enough to know you will avoid the airspace.  If you want an update, just nudge the knob again.

This does not answer the bearing to next waypoint issue you raised.

 

[mmarien]

I just press the DTO button twice to move the line to the current position. The first press brings up the selection page which already has the current DTO waypoint. Pressing DTO again selects it and changes the line on the map. If you don't reselect the waypoint, re-engaging the AP will take you back to the original course.

I also use the HDG/TRK Tom suggested when flying thru valleys. The line on the map makes it easy to navigate using the terrain map and AP.

 

[dynonsupport]

Andy,
Generally, aviation units do not do this because you can't really fly a bearing line in a plane. Because it continuously updates, you will fly a J pattern towards your point if there is any wind. This means you can't engage an autopilot to it, and even hand flying it is a challenge since it acts like an NDB. Not an issue from far away, but it means if you have a flight plan, it's impossible for the system to sequence to the next point since the system has no idea when you have flown by the point, since you will be turning towards the point all the time. This is the whole reason we upgraded from NDBs to VORs!

I think as others have mentioned, we have good solutions in SkyView. Double click DTO and it will re-initialize from where you are. If you want a temporary line, spin the heading bug. Finally, if you really want to fly around a point, use the cursor to add a point outside the airspace and make a multi-leg plan to have the system give you guidance the whole way.

 

[akarmy]

Ok ok, I get it... Jus remember not all of us out there are flying autopilots and IFR. some of us like just want wander around and eventually get there!

I'll fly it some more and see how it goes!

 

[akarmy]

Generally, aviation units do not do this because you can't really fly a bearing line in a plane. Because it continuously updates, you will fly a J pattern towards your point if there is any wind.

So I'm not so sure about this. As I said all the Garmin units have this feature. So today I was out flying and already on the skyview is the "bearing to waypoint" where it gives you a heading. So by looking at that heading and flying the gps track you go directly to the waypoint. Only thing missing is the line, as my course line was off to the side.

Seems like all the logic is already inside, it's just a display issue.

I agree it's not that big of a deal to press D-To twice now and then, but hey, there's a new feature list for a reason right?

 

[Dynon]

Ah, I see what you're saying now. Basically you want a second line or arrow that always points to the waypoint, whether or not you're on-course or not at any given moment. Got it and added to our feature request list.

 

[dynonsupport]

I totally forgot- we can do this today!

It's just not on the MAP, it's on the HSI.

Over on the HSI, go into the PFD menu and choose BRG SRC (not HSI SRC). Click this until you see "SKYVIEW".

Now you have a needle that always points to the "station" which is your next waypoint. Keep this pointed straight up and you'll fly there.

 

[akarmy]

Nice. I'll check that out. I had never used the HSI since I always have the G-meter up! It's an RV-8 after all

 

[60av8tor]

Keep this pointed straight up and you'll fly there.

And the best part of doing it this way is that you can get some good ol' NDB course tracking training! Remember push the head, pull the tail ;D

 

[dynonsupport]

Use the auto G meter pop-up option - HSI when straight and level, G meter when flying the airplane in anger