Data sources and limitations

Each operational data module should identify its provider, report issue time where available, retrieval time, and any known limitations. The public beta currently uses the sources below.

Aviation weather

METAR, TAF, PIREP, SIGMET, G-AIRMET, and Center Weather Advisory information is requested server-side from the NOAA/NWS Aviation Weather Center Data API. The application preserves raw reports where available, shows retrieval times, and filters mapped advisory products to a broad route corridor. Weather availability can be delayed, incomplete, unavailable, or affected by upstream provider changes.

Maps and aviation charts

The interactive map uses MapLibre GL JS. OpenStreetMap provides geographic context. Selectable VFR Sectional, Terminal Area, IFR Low Enroute, and IFR High Enroute raster chart layers are requested from FAA Aeronautical Information Services map services. Chart tiles are scale-dependent, may be unavailable, and must be checked for current edition and effective date before use.

Airport database

The installed airport database supplies airport coordinates, runways, and frequencies where available. It remains supplemental and must be verified against current FAA publications and airport information.

Route calculations

Distances and true courses are calculated on the server using great-circle formulas. The planner applies user-entered winds and aircraft phase assumptions for taxi, climb, cruise, and descent. It does not currently calculate magnetic variation, terrain clearance, aircraft loading, or manufacturer performance-table interpolation. Density altitude is an approximation derived from observed temperature, altimeter setting, and airport elevation.