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1989-10-08
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AVPLAN
Version 3.0
(C) Copyright 1987, 1989
Written by
Dale C. Metz
INDEX
Disclaimer ........................................... 1
Introduction ......................................... 2
Requirements ......................................... 2
Installation ......................................... 3
MAIN MENU
Main Menu (content) .................................. 4
Creating a flight log ................................ 4 - 5
Calculating wind corrections and ground speeds........ 5
Performing weather calculations ...................... 6
Performing weight and balance ........................ 6
Creating a flight plan form .......................... 6
Calculating a cost analysis .......................... 7
DISK OPERATIONS
Disk operations (content) ............................ 7
View waypoints in database ........................... 7
Retrieving and deleting flight logs .................. 7
Saving a flight log .................................. 8
Sorting a waypoint datafile .......................... 8
Defining default entries for the flight plan form .... 8
Program setup - drives, directories, colors, mouse ... 8
Exit to DOS and return ............................... 9
PRINT OPERATIONS
Print menu (content) ................................. 9
AVPLAN DATABASE
Avplan program and data files listing ................ 9
Database description and discussion .................. 9 - 10
Known program bugs ................................... 10
Warranty disclaimer .................................. 11
PROGRAM CHANGES
Version 2.0 .......................................... 12
Version 2.2 .......................................... 12 - 13
Version 3.0 .......................................... 13
Avplan order form .................................... 14 - 15
i
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
AVPLAN Version 3.0 06/01/89 (C) Copyright D.Metz
*****************************************************************
THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM
IS ASSUMED BY YOU. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF, OR THE RESULTS OF
THE USE OF, THE PROGRAM IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY,
RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE; AND YOU RELY ON THE
PROGRAM AND THE RESULTS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PROGRAM IS
AN AID TO FLIGHT PLANNING AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS THE
SOLE RESOURCE FOR FLIGHT PLANNING.
*****************************************************************
1
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
AVPLAN was written to assist the pilot in preflight planning.
Much care has been taken to assure the accuracy of the program
but the possibility of errors always exists. Because of the
importance of this possibility, it is essential that this program
be used only as an aid during your preflight planning. All
program results should be verified with other flight planning
devices and aids. The data listed in the database is subject to
change. Database updates may eventually be available for
registered users but this will depend on the interest and support
for the program.
This program was designed to provide some basic information
for the pilot in his flight planning phase. In talking with
general aviation pilots, I have concluded that many of these
pilots place a limited role on computer flight planners. I too
question the importance of flight planners incorporating every
facet of aircraft performance when calculating flight plan
output. The reality is that flight planners can only provide
predictions. The pilot using this data, must monitor all aspects
of the flight and vary those predictions as required. Variables
such as winds and ATC routing can alter the flight plan data
drastically. With this in mind, I have tried to create a program
that is easy to use and requires a minimal amount of input and
data to provide some basic flight plan predictions. I hope that
you find the program effective in meeting this objective.
HARDWARE REQUIRED
o IBM or compatible
o DOS v2.1 or higher
o dual floppy or a hard drive system
o 512K or higher
o optionally, a mouse
2
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
INSTALLATION
An installation batch file has been included for those
persons installing AVPLAN in a subdirectory on a hard drive or on
a high capacity floppy disk. - (720K or greater). The batch file
INSTALL.BAT, will execute the installation program for AVPLAN. If
you are using a hard disk, you should run INSTALL.BAT from DOS.
You will need to specify a single drive and directory for your
program and data files. The directory will be created and
verified and all of the files copied to that directory. Insert
the program and data disk as directed during installation.
eg. from DOS type INSTALL.BAT and press the <ENTER> key to begin
program installation.
If your files are to be copied to a single floppy you should
exit the INSTALL routine when directed by holding the control key
down and pressing "C". Then use the DOS copy command to copy all
of the files from your AVPLAN disk onto a single floppy. If you
are running AVPLAN from a single floppy drive then you should not
specify a drive and directory for the program unless you will
always use that same drive and directory.
If you inadvertently specify a drive and directory that is
inaccurate or unnecessary you may create a new AVPLAN.PRO file.
Delete the old file in DOS using the command DEL AVPLAN.PRO.
Execute the program AVINSTAL.EXE from DOS and a new AVPLAN.PRO
file will be created.
To copy your AVPLAN files from disk A: to B: - (AVPLAN in A:
drive)
COPY *.* B:
Do this for both the program and data disk.
If your are operating from dual 360K drives, you will need to
specify the floppy drive where the program will find the waypoint
or airport files. These files have the extension "FIL" and will
be found on the data disk. The drive letter can be assigned
using the option to select a drive and directory when executing
the installation batch file, or AVINSTAL.EXE, or select - <7>
Disk Operations from AVPLAN's main menu and then - <6> Program
Setup and Colors.
3
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
I. USING AVPLAN
The program provides a main menu for selection of program
applications. Of these choices, some will provide a sub menu
allowing more specific choices. The main menu choices are as
follows:
[1] Flight Log
[2] Wind Corrections
[3] Weather Calculations
[4] Weight and Balance
[5] Flight Plan
[6] Cost Analysis
[7] Disk Operations
[8] Print Operations
[X] Exit to DOS
F1 - Provides help screens for each menu. <ESC> - The
escape key allows you to exit most screens and menus.
Flight Planning usually begins by loading or creating a
flight log
[1] FLIGHT LOG
This selection will allow you to enter your waypoint
identifiers for retrieval from the database. The waypoints are
identified in the database using standard FAA designations,
usually three characters. For example Orlando Executive Airport
is listed as `ORL'. If you are specifying the VOR as your
waypoint, add `V' to the identifier, in this example `VORL'. See
the section describing the database for additional information.
If you are not sure of the designation for your waypoint you
may enter <L>ist at the prompt. This will allow you to list all
of the available waypoints by state, using a two letter data-file
identifier. You then return to the flight log screen to complete
your log.
If the desired waypoint is not in the database, you may be
enter the waypoint. A name, the latitude and longitude
coordinates, magnetic variation and the frequency are required to
enter a waypoint. You will be prompted then to save the
waypoint, continue without a save, or to abandon the operation.
You will then be returned to the screen for flight log creation.
Ten waypoints are allowed in any one flight log. When you have
completed your waypoint entries you may press the <ENTER> key
only or <D>one at the prompt. A screen will appear requesting
your true airspeed, gallon usage per hour and time to allot for
climb-out. The log will then be computed and displayed.
4
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
====================[ Please Note ]=====================
The log will be based on your True Airspeed entry and may be
inaccurate if your groundspeed varies greatly. You can figure
groundspeed corrections based on winds aloft estimates using that
selection in the main menu. You will be prompted to recalculate
the flight log based on your groundspeed selection from the
groundspeed and wind correction display.
[2] WIND CORRECTIONS
To figure wind correction after you have created a flight
log or loaded a previous log from your program/data disk,
select: WIND CORRECTIONS from the main menu. It is not necessary
to have a flight log in memory to use this option. You can
directly enter the headings and magnetic variations. If you
choose to do this, the flight log in memory will be lost, so save
it if it will be used again.
You may enter the wind velocities and direction for each
altitude between the surface and 12,000 feet at 3,000 feet
increments. Enter the true airspeed for your aircraft. The
program will provide the groundspeeds and headings for each
course and altitude, correcting speed, and heading for the wind
conditions specified for your log. Also provided is the distance
of each leg and estimated time in route for each altitude. You
may select <R>ecalculate Flight Log to enter the groundspeed you
desire based on the information provided. You may return to the
Wind Correction and Groundspeed screen by selecting that choice
from the Print Operations Menu.
=====================[ Please Note ]======================
Wind corrections and groundspeed calculations are done on the
entire log and do not allow for separate wind entries on a leg by
leg basis. This should be adequate for most general aviation
applications and makes for quick flight planning. If winds aloft
change significantly from departure to destination it will be
necessary to create more than one log and combine the totals.
This allows wind corrections based on winds-aloft-estimates for
specific legs.
[3] WEATHER CALCULATIONS
A sub menu is provided allowing for simple weather
conversions and utilities. The facilities in this area may be
expanded in subsequent versions.
5
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
[4] WEIGHT AND BALANCE
This selection calls a routine that computes the total weight
and center of gravity for your aircraft. The program design
allows seven stations for passenger and baggage loading and two
stations for fuel. The program automatically calculates fuel
weight based on the fuel quantity in gallons. The routine
requires the user to enter the weight and arm for each station
involved. This information can be saved for each aircraft and
does not need to be reentered. The file for aircraft data will
hold information on forty aircraft. It is IMPERATIVE that the
data entered in this program be accurate from the aircraft weight
and balance charts and data sheet. The results should be
compared with loading charts to insure they are within acceptable
limits.
REMEMBER: Weight x Arm = Moment
Some aircraft manuals or weight and balance sheets may not
specify the ARM figure for the aircraft or each station. The ARM
can be calculated by dividing the moment by weight.
[5] FLIGHT PLAN
This option provides a screen that allows you to list a
flight plan using stored values. If you do not use these
defaults, then you will have to enter manually all the
information for the plan. This screen display resembles the FAA
flight plan form 7233-1. You should enter the information for
each category as you would in filling out the FAA Flight Plan
form. The stored values are loaded from the file `PLAN.DAT'
which must be on your data disk and can be created by selecting:
ENTER DEFAULTS FOR FLIGHT PLAN from the Disk Operations Sub Menu.
If you have previously created a flight log or loaded one from
disk, some of the data will be automatically inserted into the
plan. If you wish to change this data type over it when prompted
for that category. This form can be printed and used for
reference. I have not used this form in an official capacity for
filing a flight plan and therefore cannot anticipate the response
from various FSS offices. It is my hope that they will accept
the form but I cannot assure they will.
6
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
[6] COST ANALYSIS
To execute this routine you must have a flight log in memory
from previous execution or load one from your program/data disk.
The steps for running a cost analysis are simple to follow and
will provide you with a rough cost analysis based on your true
airspeed. This does not take into account your ground time. The
analysis will probably reflect your cost most accurately if you
use a tach time figure for aircraft cost, especially if renting.
As an aircraft owner you may specify fuel cost, engine reserve
time, and miscellaneous cost of operation towards calculating the
flight cost for a flight log.
[7] DISK OPERATIONS
Selecting this option from the Main Menu will provide the
following Sub Menu:
[1] View Waypoints in Database
[2] Retrieve/Delete a Flight Log
[3] Save Flight Log to Disk
[4] Sort Waypoints in Database
[5] Enter Defaults for Flight Plan
[6] Program Setup and Colors
[7] Exit to DOS and Return
[6] Return to Main Menu
<ESC> - escape will return to main menu
VIEW WAYPOINTS IN DATABASE - Prompts you to enter the two
letter file or state identifier for the data file you would like
to view. The state abbreviations used in the creation of the
database are those listed by the U.S. Post Office. For example,
Florida would be abbreviated FL and is in the database as FL.FIL.
The <Pg Up> and <Pg Down> keys allow you to browse up and down
the waypoint file names to locate an airport or waypoint. You
can return to the screen for creating flight logs by pressing
<RETURN> or press <ESC> for the Main Menu.
RETRIEVE/DELETE A FLIGHT LOG - Will list all available flight
logs from your program/data disk. You then load a file into the
program by typing the filename at the prompt exactly as it
appears. To delete a log simply type `DELETE' `filename' where
`filename' is the name of your log.
7
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
SAVE FLIGHT TO DISK - Stores your flight log to the disk naming
it with the departure waypoint and the destination waypoint. A
trip to Tallahassee from Orlando would be named ORL-TLH . There
is no file extension. Note that because a file is limited to
eight characters, two VOR waypoints might appear like this:
VORL-VTL where the H in VTLH has been dropped.
SORT WAYPOINTS IN DATABASE - Allows the user to sort the
database according to waypoint name. The sort is not based on
the waypoint designation! This routine may be useful if you have
entered additional waypoints from the program. The data file is
sequential and all additions are appended to the end of that data
file. This sort operation allows the file to be recreated in
alphabetical order based on the waypoint name for ease of
retrieval when creating a flight log.
ENTER DEFAULTS FOR FLIGHT PLAN - This selection will create the
file PLAN.DAT, which contains the data to be automatically loaded
into your flight plan form if you so desire. DO NOT use commas
when entering information at the prompts in this screen. To do
so will result in inappropriate assignment of information into
your flight plan.
PROGRAM SETUP AND COLORS - The user may define program colors or
select monochrome operation. The colors may be chosen from three
colorsets. There is also a choice which enables the user to
specify the colors that he prefers for program operation.
An option to specify mouse support in using AVPLAN is also
available. The mouse support offered in this version is in the
initial stages of development and further refinement will
probably take place. AVPLAN supports two button mouse control.
The left button is used for menu or activity selection. The
right button is used to provide a <RETURN> keystroke when
required.
You may select a default disk drive and directory from which to
run AVPLAN. It is particularly important that this be done if
you use the Exit to DOS facility. Rejoining AVPLAN after an exit
to DOS and a change in drive or directory would prevent the
program from finding the necessary files for operation. Defining
these defaults will overcome this problem. When specifying the
drive and directory from which to run the program you may also
define the disk drive and directory for your data or waypoint
files. When specifying the drive, enter only the drive letter.
When typing the directory, if one is used, enter a backslash, "\"
and the directory name. eg; \AVPLAN Do not include a backslash
at the end of the subdirectory name.
8
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
EXIT TO DOS AND RETURN - The user may drop to DOS, perform DOS
operations, and return to the program. Type EXIT to return to
AVPLAN. The default drive and directory should be specified in
setup or you must return to the AVPLAN drive and directory before
rejoining the program.
[8] PRINT OPERATIONS
This selection in the Main Menu allows you to print to screen
each of the data screens as listed below:
[1] Flight Log
[2] Flight Plan
[3] Wind Correction and Groundspeed
[4] Cost Analysis
[5] Return to Main Menu or <ESC>
You may then type <P>rint at the prompt to print a hardcopy.
**** To do repetitive Flight Log calculations specifying
different groundspeeds, you must recall the Wind
Correction and Groundspeed screen from this menu.
ABOUT THE DATABASE
Avplan30 is being distributed in Archived format. The
Archive should contain the following files:
- AVPLAN30.EXE - executable program file
- AVINSTAL.EXE - required to create avplan.pro in setup
- WTBAL10.EXE - program for weight and balance
- AC.DAT - weight and balance data file
- INSTALL.BAT - batch file for program installation
- AVPLAN30.DOC - avplan documentation
- AVPLAN.HLP - avplan help file for program access
- DATAFILE.ZIP - archive contains state data files
- AVPLAN.PRO - file contains program setup data
- PRINTDOC.BAT - allows printing AVPLAN.DOC to printer
You must de-archive the file DATAFILE.ZIP in order to use
the program as this contains the data base. This file will
produce 55 individual files. All of the United States are
included plus Canada (CN.FIL), Puerto Rico (PR.FIL) the Bahamas
Islands (BI.FIL) and the Virgin Islands (VI.FIL)
All fifty-one of the state files contain data but the four
listed above are empty. It is necessary, however for the file to
be present on the data disk if you are to add a waypoint from
within the program. The files are therefore included on the
disk.
9
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
The database files are sequential in design. There is no way
of modifying the data files through Avplan, except by sort and
append operations. Any deletions or other file maintenance will
need to be accomplished through an ascii file editor or ascii
word processor. You must review the database for accuracy if you
receive it via a public mode such as over a bulletin board.
THERE IS NO CONTROL OVER HOW PUBLIC FILES MAY BE MODIFIED.
The data file structure is as follows:
WP Designation, WP Name, Lat Degrees, Lat Minutes, Lon Degrees,
Lon Minutes, Magnetic Variation, Waypoint Frequency
eg. ORL,ORLANDO EXECUTIVE,28,33,81,20,2,118.7
or VORL,ORLANDO EXEC VOR,28,33,81,20,2,112.2
Latitude and Longitude coordinates in the original database
are accurate to within .5 seconds. Magnetic Variations are
accurate, in most cases, to within 2 degrees. Frequencies are
listed in order of priority and availability as follows.
- Tower frequency (controlled airport)
- Unicom frequency (uncontrolled airport)
- Clearance delivery
- None if unavailable - 000.0
- If VOR Waypoint - VOR frequency
You must confirm listed frequencies with current charts,
facilities directories or other official sources for this
information.
=====================[ Please Note ]======================
Avplan version 1.0 was distributed in the Central Florida
area only. I have discovered a critical bug in that version and
request that any copies of the program be destroyed. I will
provide you with a copy of version 3.0 on request.
Avplan version 2.0 has a known problem with file appends.
You will notice this in both AVPLAN20.EXE and FILTYPE.EXE. A
problem in the compiler used on that version caused the end of
file character to remain at the same location in the file even
after an append operation. Any attempts to add airports or
waypoints through these programs were unsuccessful. The data
file would grow in size but the new information could not be
accessed by the program. This problem has been corrected in
version 2.2.
10
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
AVPLAN Version 3.0 06/01/89 (C) Copyright D.Metz
*****************************************************************
THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM
IS ASSUMED BY YOU. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF, OR THE RESULTS OF
THE USE OF, THE PROGRAM IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY,
RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE; AND YOU RELY ON THE
PROGRAM AND THE RESULTS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PROGRAM IS
AN AID TO FLIGHT PLANNING AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS THE
SOLE RESOURCE FOR FLIGHT PLANNING.
*****************************************************************
The author grants limited permission to copy and distribute this
program provided that the following conditions are met:
1: THE PROGRAM OR ITS DOCUMENTATION MAY NOT BE CHANGED OR
ALTERED
2: THE PROGRAM MUST BE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE PROGRAM
DOCUMENTATION
3: THE PROGRAM MUST BE DISTRIBUTED ON A NONPROFIT BASIS
4: THE DATA FILES MUST BE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE PROGRAM IN AN
UNALTERED CONDITION
5: THE PROGRAM AND OTHER FILES MUST BE CIRCULATED IN THE
UNALTERED ARCHIVED FILE CALLED AVPLAN30.ZIP
*****************************************************************
11
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
CHANGES
VERSION 2.0
- Compiled September 1987
- Major aesthetic changes to the program
- Corrected bug in Version 1.0 that caused errors
in heading calculations
- Provided submenus for disk and file functions,
weather utilities, weight and balance, and print
functions (weight and balance not supported)
- Reorganized the sequential file structure in the
data files
- Added routine to print Flight Plan form similar to
FAA form 7233-1
- Included a routine to establish defaults for the
Flight Plan
- Provided options for sorting waypoint datafiles in
alphabetical sequence on first letter only
- Added a help routine for context sensitive help from
within the menus
- Distributed with FILTYP20.EXE for intensive database
expansion
- Database includes some entries for almost all of the
fifty state files
VERSION 2.2
- Compiled January 1989
- Changes in program aesthetics that include growing,
shaded windows
- Added the file AVINSTAL.EXE for configuring program
colors, default directories and mouse control
- Added limited mouse support
- Restructured the program code to a structured basic
12
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
CHANGES (Continued)
- Excluded FILTYPxx.EXE starting with this version
- Resolved a previous problem with file appends to the
data files
- Program Linked with ADVBAS.LIB routines
- Eliminated the need to enter waypoints in capitals
- Added capability to Drop to DOS and return
- Corrected integer problems in the weather routines
VERSION 3.0
- Compiled September 1989
- Corrected a bug in version 2.2 that resulted in an
infinite loop when using a mouse and adding a
waypoint to the database
- Added a weight and balance program
- Database listing includes coordinates, variation, and
frequency
- Added forward and reverse scrolling to database listing
and help screens
- Provides for calculation and display of a return trip
- Allows total of ten waypoints
- Additional minor aesthetic changes
- Allows specification of database drive and directory
- Structure of AVPLAN.PRO changed
- User specific colors available in setup
- Improved routines for data entry
- Improved datafile sort routine
- Added over 1000 VOR waypoints to the database
- Changed the file structure of flight logs saved to disk
(past version flight log files will not work with version 3.0)
13
AVPLAN Version 3.0
___________________________________________________________________________
If you are interested in receiving information about new
versions of AVPLAN send a SASE to this address:
DCM ENTERPRISES
attn: AVPLAN
3619 Stonehaven Court
Orlando, Florida 32817
Please use the order form at the end of the documentation.
I will send you information on product registration and support.
AVPLAN development has been slow. I hope that I can continue to
improve on the project. I appreciate any contributions in the
form of database supplements and can try to provide you with
expanded database files in return. Your comments about the
program and discovered program bugs are appreciated.
In rewriting AVPLAN version 2.2 to a structured basic for
compilation, I utilized Thomas Hanlin's ADVBAS.LIB v4.0. Many of
the improvements made in this version rely on these routines. I
am sincerely grateful to Mr. Hanlin for writing and circulating
these routines for general use.
I would like also, to acknowledge those people who have been
instrumental in helping to develop AVPLAN. My wife and daughter
have provided unlimited support and patience in allowing me the
time to pursue this project. Allen McGraw has spent many hours
helping to beta test the program and has encouraged many of the
upgrades. Richard Wiederhold helped to develop much of my early
knowledge of Basic. Rich has continued to the support the
project with his recommendations and editing talent.
14
DCM ENTERPRISES
attn: AVPLAN
3619 Stonehaven Court
Orlando, Florida 32817
ORDER FORM
Name: _____________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
State: ___________________
Zip: ___________________
Home Phone: ( ) -
Bus Phone: ( ) -
Pilot: yes no Grade: __________________
Comments or Suggestions: ________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
There are three levels of registration listed below:
specify type of disk for level 2 and 3 - (3.5) or (5.25)
number of _____ x 10.00 (level 1) __________
copies _____ x 15.00 (level 2) __________
_____ x 20.00 (level 3) __________
Total __________
Level 1 - Program registration only, with notification of major
updates
Level 2 - Level 1, with program disk and database
Level 3 - Level 1, 2, with a bound manual and database listing
o Please send check or money order made out to Dale C. Metz
o If you are interested in receiving information only, send
this form with a self addressed stamped envelope
o If your copy of AVPLAN was purchased at a retail outlet,
please send this form with a copy of your purchase receipt so
that you can be included as a registered user. (notification
of updates)
15