Simple to use, elegant design

Here’s how it works. Pilots configure the app with their airplane’s fuel system, including tank capacity, number of fuel tanks, and fuel burn per hour in cruise, climb, and descent—a familiar routine for pilots using popular EFB apps.

Where the SkyTimer differs is in the display, which shows users an easy-to-read green-on-black graphic representation of fuel remaining in each fuel tank. Simultaneously, a flight timer counts down the time on each tank, calculates fuel burn for situational awareness, and alerts pilots when to switch fuel tanks. Plus, the app “floats” on an iPad or iPad Mini with the latest Apple iOS, so it can be moved to work alongside ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and other EFBs running at the same time—instead of switching between screens.

Boles initially designed the SkyTimer app to lighten his mental load, but it wasn’t long before he harnessed the built-in GPS and motion capability of an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to automatically log airport locations for landings and takeoffs, determine whether they were full-stops or touch-and-goes, or if they were performed during daytime or at night. The app supports up to four engines and seven fuel tanks, including cross-feed systems, and all the flight data can be synchronized with devices using iCloud or select flight logging apps.

Boles recently updated the app to include count-up and countdown timers useful during instrument approaches and holding patterns. Pilots can choose from preset durations or enter their own.

“It’s not a flashy feature, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that helps in the cockpit, and it might come in handy as pilots work through their IFR training,” Boles said.

The overall result is a digital interface that’s informative, simple to use, and elegant in presentation. The SkyTimer is $17.99 per year or $2.49 per month. For comparison, a classic flight timer from an aviation retailer is $49.95.

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