Tips

These are simple, practical things that have made GlideScope more useful for me in real-world flying. None of this is required — just ideas that may help you get more out of it.

If you discover something that works well, I’d love to add it here.

1. Turn On AGL as a Data Field

One of the most helpful things you can do is display AGL (Above Ground Level) directly on your map screen.

When you can instantly see your height above terrain, GlideScope becomes much more intuitive. You’re no longer guessing — you can quickly assess what kind of glide picture you’re working with.

2. Use Glide Advisor Alongside GlideScope

ForeFlight’s Glide Advisor is a powerful complement.

Glide Advisor shows:

• Where you can glide based on current altitude and wind
• Which airports are reachable
  

GlideScope adds:

• Off-airport landing options
• Visual terrain context
• Additional decision-making information

Together, they give you both the big picture and the finer detail.

3. Helpful Map Combinations

The combinations I’ve found most useful:

• Aeronautical Layer
• GlideScope Layer
• Sectional or IFR charts as needed (I've found 95% of the information I typically use during flight can be found on the aeronautical layer)

At night especially, having pre-identified open areas changes the mental picture significantly.

4. Think in “Options,” Not Certainty

GlideScope isn’t about perfect landing sites.

It’s about:

• Increasing options
• Reducing surprise
• Improving decision-making under pressure
  

It’s a tool to help you think more clearly when it matters.

5. Try It in the Simulator

One of the best ways to build familiarity is to simulate engine-out scenarios in:

• Night conditions
• Low-altitude cruise
• Different terrain regions
  

It's an interesting exercise to take the emergency all the way to the ground at night.