iBFD 2.20

The Integrated Backup Flight Display (iBFD) has been designed with the pilot's safety in mind, particularly addressing the inherent risks associated with primary flight instrument failure. In critical situations, the absence of an Attitude Indicator can be particularly perilous, making tools like the iBFD essential for enhancing cockpit safety.

The iBFD application, built for iPhone, provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution to mitigate risks when primary instruments fail, especially when no alternative backup is in operation. It features a comprehensive set of instruments, including:

• Attitude Indicator
• Heading Indicator
• Altimeter
• Vertical Speed Indicator
• Speed Indicator
• Side Slip Indicator
• Clock

When operating in portrait mode on an iPad, users can benefit from an added map display situated below the Attitude Indicator. Entering an airport code, such as KFTW, provides vital information regarding the direction and distance to the airport.

The application also functions as a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), with recording capabilities accessible via a simple touch on the red circle in the upper left corner. Recording ceases either by touching the circle again or automatically upon significant G-forces being detected.

The performance of iBFD is enhanced through its effective use of the iPhone's 3-axis gyro sensor, which calculates pitch and roll angles based on gyro data utilizing algorithms akin to those found in strap-down Inertial Reference Systems (IRS). To counteract gyro drift and improve overall accuracy, GPS and accelerometer data are integrated through a Kalman filter.

While the iBFD demonstrates superior performance compared to other applications in its category, it is important to note that it does not possess FAA certification. Consequently, its reliability is not sufficient for use as a primary flight instrument. Furthermore, neither the software nor the iPhone have undergone thorough certification testing, and the accuracy of map and airport information cannot be guaranteed.

All displayed information on the iBFD is intended solely for reference purposes, necessitating that users proceed at their own risk. The application serves as a valuable aid during in-flight emergencies, particularly in scenarios involving limited visibility with an inoperative Attitude Indicator.

Caution should be exercised regarding engine vibrations that may affect iBFD accuracy; therefore, careful mounting of the iPhone on the cockpit instrument panel or glare shield is advisable.

Additional features of the iBFD include:

1. Three display color modes: Day, Night, or NVC.
2. Selectability of altitude/speed units: feet/knots, feet/MPH, or meters/kilometers per hour.
3. Airspeed calculations based on GPS speed and manual input of wind direction and velocity obtained via ATIS.
4. Manual adjustment of pitch angle zero through display interaction.
5. Selectability between Magnetic Heading or True Heading and GPS or Magnetic Sensor (M.S.).
6. A settings window for entering parameters and user preferences.
7. Battery icon indication for monitoring power status.
8. Access to recorded data via Files.
9. Adjustment capabilities for Magnetic Heading using a slider.
10. A function to correct roll angle; however, horizontal placement of the iPhone is necessary during this adjustment.
11. Selection between local time or UTC.
12. Support for both GPS Altimeter and Barometric Altimeter readings.
13. Roll indication provided by Sky pointer and Ground pointer.

It is noteworthy that initial roll and pitch angles are derived from accelerometer data at alignment time—an approach similar to real IRS systems. Any acceleration during this process may introduce angle errors; however, these inaccuracies diminish over time and are typically resolved after several minutes of level flight.