Pilots viewing the visual debriefing of their flight on CloudAhoy’s postflight analysis platform can now see a depiction of the flight path vector (FPV) in all phases of flight. The FPV, which shows the path being flown, is a feature in head-up displays and many modern primary flight displays, helping pilots fly more precisely. As depicted in the CloudAhoy postflight debriefing tool, the FPV shows a pilot whether the aiming point is lined up properly with the runway; if the pilot is compensating correctly for wind during an approach or on final; and whether the pilot is maintaining altitude in a turn or when flying straight-and-level.
In an example from a flight shown in CloudAhoy, during slow flight and just before stalling, the FPV is below the horizon line, indicating the aircraft is not able to stay level and is already descending. The pilot would have seen the nose of the aircraft above the horizon, and CloudAhoy shows that as well, with the aircraft pitched up. But the FPV tells the pilot what is really happening and illustrates the trajectory of the aircraft, not just its attitude.
CloudAhoy computes the FPV in the debriefing animation using GPS position data recorded by the avionics or portable devices. The new feature was developed working with and at the suggestion and request of faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.