www.skydemonlight.com is a free to download UK navigational software package developed by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and specialist aviation software company SkyDemon. It specifically to addresses the problems many pilots have experienced in using the NOTAM system and provides improved awareness of both controlled and temporary restricted airspace. It is very intuitive and easy to use, and  LAA strongly endorses it’s use by all GA pilots for VFR flights in the UK.

Route details are entered point-and-click on an on-screen version of the current CAA chart and the programme provides warnings of potential Controlled Airspace and Danger Areas at your intended level, enabling you to re-plan your intended route accordingly.  The software also provides a narrow route brief of relevant NOTAM, presented in plain English and as overlays on the map, helping you be better aware of exactly what is happening on your exact route, level, date and time.

The AIS free-phone number 0500 354 802 for current Temporary Restricted Airspace remains available for use before you fly. The combination of this, plus regular pre-flight use of SkyDemon Light certainly beats meeting the Red Arrows head on, in terms of both heart rate and wallet.

A review of SkyDemon Light and how to use it can be found here.