Coming Soon

Virtual PFD Complete Situational Awareness

We're developing a revolutionary Primary Flight Display with precise artificial horizon, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, magnetic heading, and G-force indicators. Coming soon to Pilot Kit!

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Planned Features

The PFD is the central instrument in modern aircraft, consolidating critical flight information on a single display. It combines artificial horizon, airspeed, altimeter, vertical speed, heading, and attitude in an integrated display for maximum efficiency and situational awareness.

Glass Cockpit Technology

Modern interface that replaces traditional analog instruments with integrated digital displays.

Real-Time Data

Instant updates of all flight parameters for quick and precise decision making.

Enhanced Awareness

Clear, consolidated visualization reduces cognitive load and improves decision making.

Complete Integrated Instruments

Attitude Indicator (Artificial Horizon)

The most critical instrument, showing aircraft attitude relative to the real horizon. Uses device gyroscopes and accelerometers for precise pitch and bank representation.

• Blue/brown display: Clearly distinguishable sky and ground
• Pitch markings: Increments of 2.5°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°
• Bank index: ±10°, ±20°, ±30°, ±45°, ±60°
• Fixed aircraft symbol: Yellow center reference
• Real-time update: 30+ Hz for smooth response

Airspeed Indicator

Shows current aircraft speed based on GPS data. Essential for maintaining safe and efficient operating speeds during all phases of flight.

• Dynamic scale: Automatic range adjustment
• Configurable units: Knots, MPH, km/h
• 10-unit increments: Quick and precise reading
• Digital speed box: Exact value highlighted
• GPS-based: Precise groundspeed independent of pitot

Digital Altimeter

Precise altitude using device barometer or GPS. Fundamental for traffic separation, ATC clearances, and safe operations in mountainous terrain.

• Barometric source: Uses phone pressure sensor
• GPS fallback: Geometric altitude when barometer unavailable
• Tape scale: Markings every 100 feet
• Digital display: Exact reading to 1 foot
• Kollsman adjustment: QNH setting (if available)

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

Indicates rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. Crucial for maintaining stable vertical speeds during approaches, climbs, and descents.

• Typical range: ±2000 fpm with automatic expansion
• Instantaneous indication: No lag typical of mechanical VSI
• Major markings: 0, ±500, ±1000, ±1500, ±2000 fpm
• Digital value: Precise current VSI reading
• Color coding: Green (normal), yellow (high), red (extreme)

Heading Indicator

Digital compass showing current magnetic heading. Uses calibrated device magnetometer for precise navigation and course maintenance.

• Magnetic heading: Compensated for local declination
• Complete compass rose: 360° with markings every 5°
• Highlighted cardinal points: N, S, E, W, NE, SE, SW, NW
• Course indicator: Fixed top reference line
• Digital display: Exact heading in numeric degrees

Turn Coordinator

Shows rate of turn and aircraft coordination. Essential for coordinated turns and avoiding skids or slips that can lead to dangerous situations.

• Miniature aircraft symbol: Banks with rate of turn
• Standard rate markings: 3° per second
• Slip ball: Indicates turn coordination
• Skid/slip detection: Alerts for lack of coordination
• Numeric turn rate: Exact degrees per second

G-Force Meter

Monitors G-forces experienced by aircraft. Important for aerobatic training, structural envelope awareness, and overload prevention.

• Real-time display: Current vertical G
• Peak recording: Maximum and minimum G of flight
• Limit alerts: Warnings for operation outside normal range
• ±0.1G precision: Reliable measurement up to 10G+
• Flight history: Complete log for post-flight review

Integrated AHRS System

Attitude and Heading Reference System uses sensor fusion for precise attitude. Combines accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer with advanced Kalman filter algorithms.

• Multi-sensor fusion: Accelerometer + gyroscope + magnetometer
• Extended Kalman filter: Noise and drift reduction
• Automatic calibration: Adapts to different devices
• Vibration compensation: High-frequency filtering
• High update rate: 50-100 Hz depending on hardware

Technical Specifications

Sensors Used

• 3-axis Accelerometer

• 3-axis Gyroscope

• 3-axis Magnetometer

• Barometer (pressure)

• GPS / GNSS

Update Rate

• Horizon: 30-60 Hz

• Airspeed: 1-10 Hz (GPS)

• Altitude: 1-10 Hz

• Heading: 10-50 Hz

• G-Forces: 30-60 Hz

Typical Accuracy

• Pitch/Bank: ±2-5°

• GPS Speed: ±1-3 knots

• Barometric Altitude: ±10-50 ft

• Magnetic Heading: ±5-10°

• G-Forces: ±0.1G

System Requirements

• iOS 12+ or Android 7+

• Integrated GPS

• Motion sensors

• Screen: 5" minimum recommended

• Memory: 100MB available

Operating Modes

• Portrait or landscape mode

• Automatic day/night

• Battery saver mode

• Flight recording

• Optional map overlay

Connectivity

• Works 100% offline

• External AHRS support (planned)

• Flight data export

• Cloud sync

• Logbook integration

Virtual PFD vs. Traditional Instruments

Comparison between our smartphone virtual PFD and certified analog/digital instruments

Feature	Virtual PFD (Pilot Kit)	Analog Instruments	Certified Glass Cockpit
Acquisition cost	Free	$5,000 - $20,000	$50,000 - $150,000+
FAA/EASA Certification	❌ Not certified	✅ TSO certified	✅ TSO certified
Installation required	No (portable)	Yes (panel)	Yes (integrated)
Portability between aircraft	✅ Total	❌ Fixed	❌ Fixed
Display update rate	30-60 Hz	Mechanical (lag)	30-60 Hz
Power source	Internal battery	Aircraft electrical	Aircraft electrical
Backup in electrical failure	Yes (independent)	Partial (vacuum)	Backup battery
Maintenance	None	Regular (expensive)	Periodic (expensive)
Flight data recording	✅ Included	❌ No	Optional (addon)
Logbook integration	✅ Automatic	❌ Manual	Possible
Legal use as primary	❌ Backup only	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Ideal for	Training, VFR backup	Certified aviation	Modern aviation

Important Note: Pilot Kit's Virtual PFD is excellent as a training tool and additional situational awareness, but should NEVER replace certified instruments in actual flight operations. Certified instruments are legally required for VFR and IFR flights.

Ideal Use Cases

📚 Ground Training and Simulator

Perfect for student pilots: Practice reading and interpreting instruments at home or in flight simulators.

• Familiarization with glass cockpit layout
• Training scan patterns (T-scan, radial scan)
• Unusual attitude recognition
• Instrument failure simulation
• Checkride practical preparation

🛡️ Additional VFR Situational Awareness

Non-certified backup for VFR flights: Additional reference during visual flights in good weather conditions.

• Attitude confirmation in turbulent flights
• Altitude and airspeed awareness
• Heading monitoring on cross-country flights
• Turn coordination verification
• Flight parameter recording for review

📊 Post-Flight Analysis and Debriefing

Detailed performance review: Analyze your flight technique with recorded data and complete statistics.

• Landing technique review (approach profile)
• Turn coordination analysis
• Identification of bad habits
• Sharing with instructor
• Progress tracking over time

🔧 Experimental Aviation and Ultralights

Economical solution for experimental aviation: Basic instrumentation for aircraft without full panels.

• Ultralights with minimal instrumentation
• Experimental aircraft under construction
• Initial test flights (always with backup)
• Paramotor and powered hang gliders
• Light balloons and airships (altitude and VSI)

Advanced Sensor Technology

Understand how we transform smartphone sensors into functional AHRS system

Kalman Filter Sensor Fusion

Modern smartphones contain high-quality MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors. Our algorithm combines data from multiple sensors to compensate for individual limitations:

🔄 Gyroscope

Measures angular rotation velocity. Excellent short-term response but suffers from cumulative drift over time.

⚖️ Accelerometer

Detects acceleration and gravity. Provides absolute "down" reference but sensitive to dynamic acceleration.

🧭 Magnetometer

Detects Earth's magnetic field. Provides absolute north reference but vulnerable to metallic interference.

The Extended Kalman Filter mathematically combines these sensors, using the strengths of each to compensate for the weaknesses of others. The result is more precise and stable attitude estimation than any individual sensor could provide.

Vibration and Noise Compensation

Aircraft produce significant vibration, especially from piston engines. We implement multiple layers of filtering:

• Low-pass filter: Removes high-frequency noise (engine vibration 50-200 Hz)
• Moving average: Smooths rapid fluctuations while maintaining responsiveness
• Outlier detection: Identifies and discards obviously incorrect readings
• Dynamic adaptation: Adjusts filter parameters based on detected flight conditions

Calibration and Compensation

Each device has unique sensor characteristics. Our system performs:

• Initial calibration: Determines bias and scale of each sensor on first use
• Temperature compensation: Adjusts for thermal drift of MEMS sensors
• Hard/soft iron correction: Compensates for device's own magnetic distortion
• Automatic recalibration: Continuously updates parameters during stable flight

Known Limitations

Be an informed pilot - understand smartphone sensor limitations

❌ Non-Certified Sensors

Smartphone sensors do not undergo TSO aeronautical certification. There is no guarantee of reliability in actual aviation environment. Always maintain external visual reference or certified instruments.

⚠️ Magnetic Interference

Magnetometer can be affected by aircraft metal, nearby electronics, and electric motor magnetic fields. Heading indication may be imprecise near metal panels or avionics.

📉 Limited Accuracy in Maneuvers

During high accelerations (steep turns, aerobatics), accelerometer cannot distinguish gravity from centrifugal force. Artificial horizon may show temporary deviations during aggressive maneuvers.

🔋 Battery Dependency

Display consumes significant battery. Smartphone may shut down on long flights without external power source. Always have backup plan and do not rely exclusively on mobile device.

🌡️ Thermal Sensitivity

Smartphones can overheat in sun-exposed cabins, causing thermal shutdown or performance degradation. Avoid mounting in direct sunlight areas without adequate ventilation.

📡 GPS Latency

GPS speed and altitude have 1-10 Hz update rate, slower than dedicated instruments. There may be perceptible lag during rapid speed or vertical altitude changes.

⚠️ Limitations Conclusion: Virtual PFD is an excellent educational tool and additional awareness, but these limitations reinforce why it CANNOT replace certified instruments in actual operations. Use wisely and always prioritize safety.

Available Now in Pilot Kit

While waiting for Virtual PFD, explore our powerful features already available

E6B Calculator

Complete flight computer with conversions, wind calculations, fuel, and navigation.

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Weather Decoder

METAR, TAF, and NOTAMs decoded instantly with detailed explanations.

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Digital Logbook

Record and track all your flight hours with complete digital logbook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will Virtual PFD be available?

We are actively working on developing Virtual PFD and expect to launch it soon. Sign up to receive notifications about the launch and be one of the first to try it when it becomes available.

What features will be included in Virtual PFD?

Virtual PFD will include real-time artificial horizon, GPS airspeed indicator, barometric and GPS altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), digital compass, turn coordinator, and G-force meter, all optimized for in-flight use.

Will Virtual PFD be free?

Yes! Virtual PFD will be included for free in the Pilot Kit app. Some advanced features may be available with a premium subscription, but the core functionality will always be free for all users.

What platforms will Virtual PFD work on?

Virtual PFD will be available for iOS, Android, and Huawei. It will work on smartphones and tablets that have the necessary motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer).

Get Notified When Virtual PFD Launches

Download Pilot Kit today and receive an automatic notification as soon as Virtual PFD becomes available. Start using our other powerful features while you wait!

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