Max talks with Cole Crawford from ForeFlight about the company’s latest innovation: Dynamic Procedures. Built to replace the static, legacy approach chart paradigm, Dynamic Procedures enables pilots to access IFR approach information dynamically, contextually, and interactively—right from the ForeFlight map screen.

Cole explains that most pilots spend their time in ForeFlight’s moving map, but approach procedures often pulled them out of that environment into static “plates.” Dynamic Procedures changes that by embedding approach information into the map itself, using a smart sidebar that adjusts to what’s relevant—no more scanning through unnecessary minimums or ambiguous notes.

Max and Cole walk through an ILS approach into Austin, Texas, highlighting features like:

A dynamic sidebar showing stepdowns, minimums, and missed instructions
Color-coded segments that reflect which part of the procedure is active
Integrated 3D lighting views showing actual approach light systems
Compatibility with both FAA and Jeppesen charts
One-tap toggling between chart and chartless views

Cole also introduces the revamped “Approach Mode” in Profile View. It declutters the horizontal profile to focus solely on the approach, making threshold crossing height, descent angles, and fix altitudes easier to interpret. The profile also includes range tick marks so pilots can visualize their distance from the runway—helpful when sequencing into an uncontrolled field or estimating when to descend.

The conversation explores how this feature enhances safety—particularly by minimizing the chance of referencing incorrect minimums or missing key notes during busy phases of flight. Cole shares how the sidebar automatically selects the applicable minimum for the aircraft category, based on user input. And the system can handle complex logic, such as adjusting minimums for altimeter source changes—automatically, without the pilot having to do the math.

They demonstrate several unique procedures, including RNAV approaches with course reversals and circling minimums. In circling scenarios, the system visually depicts the circling area boundary on the map, helping pilots better visualize protected airspace—especially when flying at non-standard pattern altitudes.

The discussion wraps up with insights into how ForeFlight builds this feature using raw procedural data from global ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers). Instead of pre-composed charts, Dynamic Procedures generates visuals on-the-fly using Jeppesen data, allowing more flexibility, better legibility, and real-time filtering. The app dynamically renders labels, declutters unnecessary data, and tailors the view to your position and approach segment.

Cole offers practical advice for pilots transitioning to this new paradigm. He encourages users not to discard traditional charts immediately, but to use Dynamic Procedures alongside plates at first, eventually growing comfortable with the new tool as a primary briefing method—similar to how many pilots gradually adopted ForeFlight’s aeronautical map over VFR sectionals and low-altitude charts.

The feature will roll out with a preview to all ForeFlight subscribers in supported regions (U.S., Canada, Pacific Islands), after which it will be available to Essential-tier and above subscribers. Extensive documentation, webinars, and in-app support will help pilots get up to speed.

This episode is essential listening for IFR pilots interested in the future of digital flight planning and safety—especially those ready to reimagine how they brief and fly approaches.

If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets
Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1299
NEW - Lightspeed Zulu 4 Headset $1099
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $949
Lightspeed Sierra Headset $749
My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway
NTSB News Talk Podcast
UAV News Talk Podcast
Rotary Wing Show Podcast
BONUS Video of this Episode! Free access to this Patreon video

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

"Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com

If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

392 ForeFlight’s Dynamic Procedures: Interactive Approach Charts on the Moving Map

Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News