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Navigation Tools
Every tool you need to prepare a flight properly.
A well-prepared helicopter navigation always starts on the ground: flight plan, weather, NOTAMs, regulated airspace and aerodrome charts. Whether you're preparing a local flight from Aix-les-Milles aerodrome or a longer cross-country as part of your PPL(H) training, here are the official tools and apps our instructors recommend to their students and our pilots use every day.
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SOFIA-Briefing
Check before every flight: METAR, TAF, NOTAMs, AIP Supplements. Also used to file a flight plan online (French official briefing service).
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SIA — AIP Viewer (VAIP)
Aerodrome charts (VAC) and aeronautical information publication, from the French Aeronautical Information Service.
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SIA — AZBA Charts
Low-altitude military activity zones and time slots (RTBA) — always check before a low-level helicopter flight.
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OrbiFly
Aviation weather charts.
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Sat24
Real-time weather satellite imagery.
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cartes.gouv.fr — SCAN OACI
ICAO VFR chart (IGN), updated yearly by the French aeronautical information service. New public mapping service succeeding Géoportail.
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FFA — Flight Preparation
Official checklist from the French Aeronautical Federation (FFA), plus the VFR Memo, to make sure nothing is forgotten before a flight.
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SkyDemon
VFR flight-planning and GPS navigation app (charts, weather, NOTAMs) widely used across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check all these tools before every flight?
At a minimum, check SOFIA-Briefing for NOTAMs and weather, along with the VAC charts for the aerodromes involved. The other tools (satellite weather, ICAO charts, planning apps) usefully complement your preparation depending on the flight.
Do I need to file a flight plan for a local VFR flight?
A flight plan isn't always mandatory for a local VFR flight in France, but it's recommended as soon as you leave the club's usual area or fly over certain airspace. SOFIA-Briefing lets you file one online if needed.
What is an AZBA chart and why check it?
AZBA charts (low-altitude activities) show low-altitude military activity zones and time slots (RTBA). Since helicopters often fly at low level, it's essential to check them before a cross-country flight.
Does an app like SkyDemon replace regulatory flight preparation?
No, it complements it. A planning app helps visualise the route, airspace and weather, but doesn't remove the need to check official sources (SIA, SOFIA-Briefing) for NOTAMs and current regulatory information.
Does the club help students use these tools?
Yes, navigation preparation is a core part of PPL(H) training: your instructor guides you step by step through using these tools before your first solo cross-country flights.