Support & FAQ - Aerobatic Flight Logger

Aerobatic Flight Logger uses HealthKit Workout Sessions to keep the app active during your flight. This prevents the app from accidentally closing when you move your wrist or press the Digital Crown. The app does NOT read or store any health data - it only uses the Workout Session feature to maintain foreground status.

Version 1.0.1 introduces significant improvements with a completely redesigned measurement system featuring:

• 3D vector analysis - orientation-independent measurements
• Advanced multi-layer filtering - eliminates noise and false peaks
• Temporal validation - requires sustained G-forces (configurable 100-1000ms)
• Automatic calibration - adapts to your flying style

However, Apple Watch data should still be considered SECONDARY INFORMATION ONLY. Accuracy can be affected by:

• Watch position and fit on your wrist
• Brief arm movements during maneuvers
• Watch model and accelerometer sensitivity

Always rely on your aircraft's certified instruments as the primary source of G-force data. The watch is excellent for reference and post-flight logging, but never for safety-critical decisions during flight.

Tip: Adjust the Δt Validation parameter in Settings (default: 500ms) to fine-tune accuracy for your flying style.

When you start a flight, the app automatically starts a Workout Session which keeps it in the foreground. Make sure you've granted HealthKit permissions when first prompted. Additionally, set your watch's "Return to Clock Face" setting to 1 hour (the maximum) in your Apple Watch settings.

• Take-Off/Landing: Measures from take-off to landing + configurable taxi fee
• Hobbs: Based on manual Hobbs meter readings (departure and arrival)
• Block Time: From block start to block stop (chocks off to chocks on)

Version 1.0.1 features a revolutionary measurement system:

• Automatic calibration: Captures reference direction during your first +G maneuver (~2G)
• 3D hemisphere detection: Distinguishes G+ (angle < 90°) from G- (angle > 90°) regardless of wrist orientation
• 4-stage filtering pipeline: Physical limits → Median filter → Trimmed mean → Low-pass filter
• Temporal validation: Only records G-forces sustained for the configured duration (default: 500ms)
• Real-time display: Live G-forces shown during aerobatic sequences

Optional Alert System (OFF by default):

• Rule 1: Instant alert when max G exceeds threshold (default: 6.0G) - 4 pulses over 2 seconds
• Rule 2: Alert when G exceeds threshold for sustained duration (default: 4.0G for 5s) - continuous haptic over 2 seconds
• Δt Validation: Configurable minimum duration (100-1000ms) to validate max values

See User Guide Section 16 for complete technical details about the measurement system.

Remember: This data is for reference only. Always trust your aircraft's certified instruments.

Yes! Version 1.0.1 introduces intelligent G+/G- detection using 3D vector analysis:

• The system automatically calibrates during your first positive G maneuver (typically around +2G)
• It captures a reference direction for G+ in 3D space
• Any acceleration vector within 90° of this reference = G+
• Any acceleration vector beyond 90° = G-
• This works regardless of wrist orientation - whether you're upright, inverted, or in a roll

The app displays three values in the summary:

• G+ Max: Highest positive G-force sustained during flight
• G- Max: Highest negative G-force sustained during flight
• G Max: Highest absolute G-force regardless of direction

Note: Brief spikes from arm movements are automatically filtered out by the temporal validation system.

Δt Validation (delta-t) is the minimum duration a G-force must be sustained before being recorded as a maximum value. This prevents false peaks from brief arm movements.

Default: 500ms (0.5 seconds) - Suitable for most aerobatic flying

When to adjust:

• Lower (300-400ms): If the app isn't capturing your actual peak G-forces, try a shorter validation time. Useful for quick, dynamic figures.
• Higher (600-800ms): If you still see occasional false peaks in the summary (from arm movements), increase the validation time. Better for smooth, sustained figures.

How to adjust: Settings → G-Forces Alerts → Δt Validation slider (100-1000ms)

Tip: Start with the default 500ms, fly a session, then adjust based on your results. Most pilots find 400-600ms ideal.

The app automatically stores your last 10 flights. When you complete an 11th flight, the oldest flight is automatically deleted. All data is stored locally on your Apple Watch.

You can configure how each activity type starts:

• Manual: You manually press START and STOP for the activity
• Auto Take-Off: Activity starts automatically at take-off, you press STOP manually
• Auto Take-Off/Landing: Activity starts at take-off and stops automatically at landing

Configure these in Settings → Activity Rules.

The Workout Session feature and accelerometer monitoring do consume more battery than normal watch usage. For aerobatic flights with G-force monitoring, battery consumption is higher. We recommend starting with a fully charged watch for flights longer than 2 hours. The app stops all monitoring as soon as you end the flight to preserve battery.

Currently, flight data is stored locally on your Apple Watch and cannot be exported. Future versions may include export functionality. The app stores the last 10 flights with complete details including all timestamps, fuel data, and G-force information.

Yes, Aerobatic Flight Logger is completely free with all features unlocked. There are no in-app purchases, subscriptions, or locked features. If you find the app useful, you can support development via PayPal donation.

Aerobatic Flight Logger requires Apple Watch Series 5 or later running watchOS 10 or newer. The app has been optimized and tested on Series 5 (44mm) and newer models.