Now available, Land Now, is a pilot-developed aviation safety app designed to help general aviation pilots answer a critical question during deteriorating weather, mechanical problems, or other high-workload situations: Where is the best nearby airport to land right now?
Land Now was created around a deliberately simple concept, according to the developer. The pilot opens the app, presses LAND NOW, and receives a ranked list of nearby airports rather than having to search a map and individually compare possible diversion options.
“I wanted something that answered a very simple question,” said Land Now developer Daniel Cramer. “If I decide that I need to get on the ground, where should I go? I didn’t want the pilot to have to explore a map and compare five different airports while also flying the airplane. I wanted the app to do that initial comparison and give the pilot a clear list.”
The app evaluates nearby airports using landing-related information, including distance, current aviation weather, runway characteristics, and other suitability factors. Each result also provides a heading toward the airport, allowing the pilot to quickly begin evaluating or acting on a diversion, he noted.
Land Now uses an onboard airport database so core airport and runway information remains available even when internet connectivity is limited. Live aviation weather is incorporated when a connection is available.
Land Now is not intended to replace normal flight planning, navigation equipment, weather briefings, or pilot judgment, according to Cramer.
“Instead, it is designed as a decision-support tool for circumstances in which quickly identifying suitable nearby landing options can become especially important,” he added.
The app is available for iPhone through Apple’s App Store for $4.99.
What a fabulous and helpful app!