Cloud Topper vs Radar Performance

Pilots, it's time to get rid of your sight level, water bottle or whatever "old school" method you have been using to determine cloud height. Introducing Cloud Topper, a revolutionary new sight level designed specifically for the iPad and iPhone. With Cloud Topper you can use your device camera, gyroscope and accelerometer as a traditional sight level. Plus you can enter the distance to a cloud and Cloud Topper will calculate your height above or below that cloud. The displayed cloud height is even corrected for the curvature of the earth. Cloud topper is a fun, easy to use app that should be included in every pilots EFB. Cloud Topper is not an FAA approved source to determine cloud height. Cloud Topper is not intended to replace weather radar or pilot skills and judgement. Always consult the Aircraft Manufacturer’s Aircraft Flight Manuals, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) websites and publications, and individual company policies.

Radar Performance calculates the geometry of aircraft weather radar beams with respect to the earth, the freezing level, and the band of altitudes that provide the maximum weather radar returns (the "bright band"). It also shows the areas on the radar display where the beam is too high or low to effectively detect active weather and areas where you may see ground returns. Radar Performance also includes an Overfly mode for confirming that the tops of lower-level convective weather remain safely below your aircraft. You choose a safe clearance altitude and a tactical range, and the app calculates the radar tilt at which the bottom of the beam just reaches that altitude at that range. With this tilt set, any weather returns indicate that the tops have penetrated your safety margin, so going around the weather is advised. Overfly mode is available at aircraft altitudes of 15,000 ft and above, and is inspired by Tom McGrath's "Snowplow" technique. Radar Performance supports a variety of weather radar models as well as a "generic" model. It is not specific to any aircraft type.