CFIT Warnings

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CFIT Warnings

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fdemon	fdemon posted 7/16/2024 11:21:58 AM Topic Details Share Topic
Group: Forum Members Posts: 15, Visits: 88	I asked ChatGPT whether SkyDemon warns of CFIT. It said: SkyDemon, a popular navigation software for pilots, does include terrain warnings as part of its safety features. The software is designed to enhance situational awareness and safety during flight, particularly when it comes to avoiding terrain and obstacles. Here's how SkyDemon handles terrain warnings: ### Terrain and Obstacle Warnings - Proactive Warnings: SkyDemon provides proactive warnings if the software detects that the aircraft is descending towards the ground or if there is a risk of collision with terrain or obstacles. - Visual Alerts: Pilots receive visual alerts on the moving map display. These alerts typically involve the coloration of the terrain on the map, turning yellow or red depending on the level of threat. - Audio Alerts: In addition to visual alerts, SkyDemon can also issue audio warnings to capture the pilot's attention and prompt immediate corrective action. ### How It Works - Terrain Database: SkyDemon uses a detailed terrain database to calculate the aircraft's relative altitude to the ground. - Real-Time Monitoring: The software continuously monitors the aircraft's altitude and position against the terrain data. - Descent Monitoring: If the aircraft is descending and approaching terrain, the software will issue warnings to the pilot. ### Customization and Settings - Sensitivity Settings: Pilots can customize the sensitivity of terrain warnings according to their preferences and the type of flight operation. For example, higher sensitivity might be set for mountainous areas. - Altitude Buffers: SkyDemon allows pilots to set altitude buffers to ensure that alerts are given with sufficient time to take corrective action. ### Limitations and Best Practices - GNSS Dependence: The accuracy of SkyDemon's terrain warnings depends on the accuracy of the GNSS data. It’s important for the GNSS receiver to have a clear view of the sky and for the software to have the latest terrain data updates. - Pilot Vigilance: While SkyDemon provides valuable warnings, pilots should not rely solely on it. Continuous situational awareness and cross-checking with other instruments and visual observations are essential. ### Conclusion SkyDemon does warn of terrain if an aircraft is descending towards the ground. It uses a combination of visual and audio alerts to enhance safety and situational awareness. By continuously monitoring the aircraft's altitude relative to the terrain, SkyDemon helps pilots avoid collisions with the ground and maintain safe flight operations. SkyDemon has specific rules for suppressing terrain warnings to avoid unnecessary alerts when an aircraft is coming in to land. These rules are designed to distinguish between normal approach and landing operations and potential safety hazards. Here's how SkyDemon manages this: ### Suppression of Terrain Warnings During Approach and Landing 1. Airport Proximity: SkyDemon recognizes when the aircraft is in close proximity to an airport. If the software detects that the aircraft is within the vicinity of a designated landing area, it suppresses terrain warnings that would otherwise be triggered by a descent towards the ground. 2. Descent Profile: The software monitors the descent profile of the aircraft. If the descent profile matches typical approach patterns (e.g., steady descent rate, aligned with runway heading), SkyDemon understands that the aircraft is likely landing and suppresses terrain warnings accordingly. 3. Runway Alignments: SkyDemon uses the known locations and alignments of runways to determine when an aircraft is on final approach. When the aircraft’s trajectory aligns with a runway heading and the descent rate is consistent with landing, the software reduces the sensitivity of terrain warnings. 4. Flight Plan Awareness: If the flight plan includes a landing at a particular airport, SkyDemon uses this information to anticipate the landing phase. Terrain warnings are adjusted based on the expected descent and approach path. ### User Customization - Approach Zones: Pilots can set approach zones or "funnels" around airports in SkyDemon. Within these zones, the software automatically suppresses terrain warnings. - Manual Override: Pilots have the option to manually adjust the sensitivity of terrain warnings or temporarily disable them if they are aware of an impending landing. ### Situational Awareness - Contextual Warnings: SkyDemon ensures that any potential suppression of warnings does not compromise safety. If there is a significant deviation from the expected approach path or an unusual descent rate, the software may still issue a warning. ### Conclusion SkyDemon intelligently suppresses terrain warnings during landing by using airport proximity, descent profile, runway alignments, and flight plan information. This ensures that pilots are not overwhelmed with unnecessary alerts during normal landing procedures while maintaining safety by continuing to monitor for any unusual or unsafe descent patterns. This seems amazing but I couldn't find any details in the manual. Is ChatGPT correct?
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Tim Dawson	Tim Dawson posted 7/17/2024 8:37:26 AM Post Details Share Post
Group: Forum Members Posts: 8K, Visits: 8.9K	I didn't read most of it, because a casual glance told me it was largely nonsense. That's what you get for asking ChatGPT about anything.
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Fabrizio Albonico	F Fabrizio Albonico posted 7/24/2024 7:10:00 AM Post Details Share Post
F Group: Forum Members Posts: 32, Visits: 33	As Tim wrote, mostly nonsense. Your best bet is to have a look at the excellent Skydemon Manual, especially the part about mapping and "Colour high terrain". It always amazes me how incoherent the GPT engine can be. -- LSZA based DA40 / SR20 / S22T / PIVI / TWEN
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fdemon	fdemon posted 7/30/2024 5:10:06 PM Post Details Share Post
Group: Forum Members Posts: 15, Visits: 88	Certainly not nonsense. Very well thought-out and skilfully written. OK - pack of lies but it must have got this hallucination from somewhere. Maybe there is a tablet app somewhere that does do these things.
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Tim Dawson	Tim Dawson posted 8/1/2024 9:20:57 AM Post Details Share Post
Group: Forum Members Posts: 8K, Visits: 8.9K	Why do I get the impression this whole post might be a wind-up? It is nonsense.
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