VIRFuel

September 2, 2024

Updated for iOS15 and later. Various algorithm and layout updates. FREQ input for en-route fuel calculations can now be entered to 3 decimal places. Weight-adjusted RCF DP fuel can now be viewed by toggling the FREQ button - this respects the requirement for 5% contingency on remaining FREQ. The TD button can be toggled to show MIN FUEL with respect to FRES. The Weather page now uses the updated NOAA dataserver for METARs and TAFs. The selected list of airfields can be copied to the clipboard for pasting into the FDPro app 'alternates' field. Grouping of the selected airfields is now done by earmarking each airfield as a 'Destination', 'Diversion', or 'En-route' using a swipe-to-select action. For airfields selected as 'Destination' an additional function allows the current airfields selection to be saved or retrieved hence creating a collection of frequently used airfields appropriate to that route.

October 21, 2021

iOS15 compatibility. Copy function to export to the paste board a list of airfields used in the weather section. For convenience, this list can be pasted into the "Alternates" field of the Jepp FD Pro X app.

June 4, 2020

Updated for iOS13 compatibility, new device screen layouts and Dark Mode. Added initial information for A350-1000 limitations. Tracks calculator temporarily disabled pending compatible upgraded module.

June 5, 2018

The Refuel calculator now includes a representation of a completed Aircraft Fuel Book entry for direct copying and/or checking. The Pre-flight fuel calculator now allows a maximum ZFW to be calculated for max weight flight plans where Std and Aft CG RTOW limits are limiting. In limiting cases, a maximum ZFW is displayed next to the Ramp fuel required for that weight. Any Extra fuel required is respected in the max ZFW declaration. (nb the calculated ZFW & Ramp may allow a 0.1T margin to ensure no limit exceeded.)

April 27, 2018

Updates to the databases including a revised maximum take-off weight for the 747-400.

March 3, 2016

iPad and iPhone version - rebuilt in universal code. iPad version runs in split screen mode with additional information visible on the right-hand side in portrait and landscape orientations. Additional ability to specify desired landing fuel (TD) at pre-flight input stage.

April 14, 2015

Minor cosmetic details. Keyboard input should now work when device regional language set to one which uses comma decimal separator rather than the point decimal separator. TAF/Metar downloads feature a colour coded system for drawing attention to wind/visibility/weather/cloud elements that may be pertinent. Although the reports will be valid if shown without error messages, the system is released as a "not for operational use' mode pending further robust error and format crosschecking algorithms. B787-9 settings will show an anticipated fuel distribution on the fuel uplift page - this will be sensitive to the provided SG figure as it evaluates the maximum main tank volume as a mass. In practice, slight variations in tank shut-off volumes and sensed SG will vary EICAS indicated quantities.

October 30, 2014

Support for limit checking on B787-9/-8 and A330-3 types with 3 additional user-defined custom types (when limits differ for other operators). Option on performance weight calculation to swap between TODC with 1T buffer or use Boeing OPT weight of ZFW+Ramp Fuel. Refuel uplift calculation updated to reflect updated limit checks and has the ability to enter fuel density as either SG, kg/m3, lb/USG or lb/ft3: the entry will be automatically converted to SG. iOS7 and 8 updates to screen layout and code. BETA function: display of waypoints on iOS world map. BETA function: Metars and TAFs A database of favourite airfields can be compiled and used to maintain a list of Metars and TAFs from the NOAA data server. The airfields also appear on the above waypoint map and can be selected to display the weather information. This feature is being developed and included for evaluation only - although the weather reports are accurately sourced from NOAA, robust format error checking is yet to be implemented. All requests for new features have been noted! Known Issue: Devices set to European "region formats" (Setttings>General>Language&Region) may have an issue with the interpretation of decimal points (versus commas) - an interim fix is to reset the device region to 'UK'. This wasn't evident in simulated testing but will address shortly in next update.

May 24, 2012

'Fuel Used' now an option on the 'In Flight' page for Airbus users. Press the 'FOB' button to cycle this mode. Like the 'waypoint' option this dynamically recalculates the burn correction based on instantaneous aircraft weight at the waypoint versus planned weight. The instantaneous difference in weight is shown on the page as 'Plan AUW=+/-...' Some OS5 updates including the option to define EXTRA fuel in terms of time (minutes) at the burn rate used for holding.

October 31, 2011

Tracks (°T), distances (NM) and times between listed waypoints (Lat/Lon or named Oceanic Entry Points). 'Swipe-to-reveal' calculator available from each main page. The calculator features time addition modes and a unit conversion function. (Note: a negative duration result from the time duration addition calculator is currently invalid) EXTRA fuel can now be input in the equivalent number of minutes it adds to holding fuel and touchdown fuel is similarly presented as a time over CMR. A340 pilots can now swap types from the plan input page.