Flight planning with FlySkyHy and Sidekik

For paraglider pilots, good flight planning is essential for a safe and successful flight. FlySkyHy is probably one of the best iOS flying apps built for paragliding and hang gliding. You can build routes, import waypoints and fly the task. This guide walks through how to use FlySkyHy to plan and fly your route.

Plan a route with FlySkyHy

1. Download and set up FlySkyHy

If you do not have FlySkyHy yet, download it from the App Store and install it on your iPhone. It currently costs € 9.99 and is, in my view, worth it. Open the app and follow the setup. Make sure GPS and location access are on.

2. Install the Waypoints extension

To plan and fly routes with waypoints you need the Waypoints extension. You will find it in Settings → Extensions → Waypoints. For a small yearly fee you get full waypoints and route planning.

The extension covers waypoint and task management. Waypoints and routes are common in competitions, and FlySkyHy supports that fully. For recreational flying it is also rewarding to define a few waypoints and try to reach them. It gets especially good when friends are chasing the same ones.

3. Import waypoints

Waypoints are the core of a planned route. How to import them into FlySkyHy:

Choose a file format: FlySkyHy supports several waypoint formats, including .xctsk, .wpt, .gpx and .kml. Make sure your waypoints are in one of those. From Sidekik you can export .xctsk and .wpt from challenges. .xctsk files also include the radius. With .wpt you have to set the radius by hand afterwards.

Import the file: After you download the .xctsk from Sidekik — or get a waypoint file from a friend — open it with FlySkyHy. Use the share button; if the app is installed it should appear.

Create a new group: The easiest workflow is a new group per import. You keep a clear view of different flying areas and can plan later without clutter.

4. Add waypoints to a route

After the import, combine them into a route: under Waypoints the first item is your route. You can only have one route. Pick your waypoints and add them with the route icon. You can still change the order afterwards.

5. Set up a dedicated “route screen”

For Sidekik challenges it helps to have a dedicated screen for waypoints and routes. I use a large map so I can see the next waypoints, and instruments below that help me fly to the next one. I also have two buttons so I can skip a waypoint or jump back if needed.

6. Prepare the flight

Now the fun part — the last steps before launch.

Load the route: Open FlySkyHy and go to “Waypoints”. Open the waypoint group and add all waypoints (tap the route icon, bottom left) to the route. You can also add them one by one. Check that the order makes sense. Then plan the line you actually want to fly.

Start of the flight: When you are ready, open FlySkyHy. The app is automatically in “flight mode” — ready to record.

Launch and enjoy: When you take off the track starts automatically, and the first waypoint should appear on your screen. FlySkyHy guides you through the waypoints and gives you altitude, speed and direction.

Closing

FlySkyHy is a powerful tool for planning routes precisely and flying them safely. Use it for new adventures. Enjoy the flying — and always happy landings!