If using the IFR Timers screen on an iPhone, you will need to use the segmented control at the top of the screen to select which timers to show. If using an iPad, the segmented control is not necessary and is not present.
Also note that if using an iPhone and you hear an alarm sound while in the IFR Timers screen but do not have flashing or an alert popup (signifying an alarm on another screen), you will likely need to change the segmented control to see the appropriate timer(s). If you are in the “Clearance” segment, switch to “Approach” to check the Approach Timer. If looking at the Approach Timer, use the “Clearance” segment to view the Clearance Void Time and EFC Time.
Clearance
The Clearance timers include the Clearance Void Time and Expect Further Clearance Time. Simply tap on the dashes to set a time. A box will pop to set the appropriate time. By default, the time shown in the box will be roughly two minutes from the current time. Use the arrows to set the Zulu time and click the “Done” button. You will see a countdown showing the time remaining to that specific Zulu time. The Void timer can be set to roughly an hour from the current time (since Void times should be no more than a half hour), while the EFC timer can be set to roughly two hours in advance (in case your clearance limit is still a couple hours out).
Hold
The Hold timers are for your Inbound and Outbound legs for holds. As the inbound leg for a holding pattern is typically one minute or a minute and a half, the Hold timers will only count up to 10 minutes. This should allow plenty of time for each leg of the hold while keeping the font large. To use, simply tap the time to start. The appropriate timer will begin to count up. If the other timer is currently counting, it will be stopped so that only one timer is actively counting at a time. For example, if the Inbound timer is counting and you tap the Outbound timer to begin your outbound leg, the Inbound timer will stop so only the Outbound timer is counting. This should help reduce confusion as you won’t have both timers counting simultaneously, and also serves to stop a timer if you should forget or neglect to do so yourself. Of course, we suggest you manually tap each timer to stop it at the appropriate time (such as crossing the fix or beginning your inbound turn). When a timer is stopped, the app will update the Previous time for that particular leg to help you make adjustments to the times of your legs for each hold.
Approach
The Approach Timer is designed specifically with timed approaches in mind. Rather than using a standard timer set to a specific time as you’re used to, we took a different approach (pardon the pun). To use the Approach Timer, you actually set the distance. Yes, you read that right. You set the distance from the Final Approach Fix to the Missed Approach Point as shown on the table for the approach. The app will calculate the times from the distance given and give you five times to choose from as you would see in the approach plate. Since the times are based on your ground speed, this gives you the option to easily select a different time. For example, if you’re having to do a circling approach because of wind direction and coming in with a tailwind, you can select the time for the next higher speed because of your higher ground speed. We think having all five times available gives you greater flexibility in case adjustments are needed.
To use, find the following table from the approach:
Tap on the “FAF to MAP” area of the Approach Timer (it should say “Tap to Set Distance” as well). Use the popup box to enter the distance (in this example, 5.7 nm). Select the speed and time values at the bottom to select your time. (Such as 2:51 for 120 kts.) The timer will update with the time you selected (2:51 in this case). When you reach the Final Approach Fix, tap the time to start the timer. When the timer expires, an alarm will sound (if appropriate) and the Approach Timer will flash “MAP” to let you know you’ve reached the Missed Approach Point.