The Paragliding Variometer App for iPhone, Apple Watch & Android

Variometer

A complex algorithm combines gyroscope and barometer and responds instantly to every change in climb or sink rate. 18 frequency levels translate this directly into a beep – so you can keep your eyes on the sky, not the screen. On iPhone, the sensors are especially precise thanks to consistent hardware; on Android, accuracy depends on your device's built-in sensors. For full precision, pair a Bluetooth vario. Altitude, speed and glide ratio are of course displayed as well.

Wind Display

Automatic wind estimation from your flight pattern: 8 sectors are continuously analysed to precisely calculate direction and speed. A rotating compass always shows you where the wind comes from – crucial for take-off, landing and finding thermals.

After each complete circle, a timer starts and shows how long ago the last calculation was made. This way you always know whether your wind estimate is still current – crucial in changing conditions or after a longer straight section.

Real-time air traffic on the map

Live air traffic directly on the map: helicopters, powered aircraft and other pilots are displayed in real time before they become a problem – conflicts become visible before they happen. Critical approaches are shown directly in the flight display: distance and time remaining until the encounter – a yellow warning banner immediately draws attention. No need to look at the map, the warning comes to you. At no extra cost – fully included in the subscription.

Maps

All relevant map layers at a glance: thermal map, skyways, wind stations, DHV launch and landing sites worldwide. The vario is directly integrated into the map view – including a rotating wind indicator that always shows where the wind is coming from.

Airspaces

Real-time OpenAIP airspaces on the map – with automatic voice alerts as you approach an airspace. The integrated altitude cross-section shows whether your current climb rate will take you vertically into a restricted zone. Warnings escalate automatically based on time remaining – and can be briefly snoozed when needed.

Flight Logbook

Every flight is recorded automatically – with duration, max altitude, distance, climb rate, speed and glide ratio. IGC export with Ed25519 signature, XContest and DHV-XC upload directly from the app. Your entire flight history always with you.

Thermal Assistant

The Thermal Assistant automatically detects circling patterns and analyses the last 3 circles for thermal strength and best climb direction. Colour-coded visualisation on the map shows you where the energy is – and where you should fly next. The Thermal Assistant is currently experimental and only available on iOS.

Apple Watch

The watchOS app runs completely standalone – no iPhone needed. Climb rate, altitude, speed and wind compass right on your wrist. Automatic take-off/landing detection and individual pilot settings directly on the watch. Flights are automatically synced to the digital logbook. Also supports the Engo smart glasses.

Flying with friends

See your flying group's live positions right on the map – who's circling where, who's climbing best. Stay together in the air and find the thermals as a team.