About
LK8000 is a powerful, open-source tactical flight computer tailored for pilots of gliders, paragliders, hang gliders, and general aviation aircraft. Completely free of charge, it provides a comprehensive suite of navigation tools including moving maps with turn-points, airports, and airspace overlays, a thermal assistant, and the innovative VisualGlide system that automatically interprets the terrain ahead and guides pilots without manual querying. The software supports cross-country flights as well as competitive flying, making it valuable for both recreational and professional pilots. LK8000 is available on Android (via Google Play) and on Kobo e-reader devices, and historically supported Windows CE platforms. It integrates with third-party hardware such as variometers and loggers (including IGC-approved devices), and is compatible with systems like Flarm radar. The application offers user-configurable navigation boxes, multi-map display modes, and speed command functionality. With support for 17 languages and an active international community spanning 67+ countries, LK8000 has become a standard tool in gliding training courses and competitions globally. Its open-source nature allows community-driven development and continuous hardware integration, ensuring it remains relevant across evolving aviation technology.
Key Features
- VisualGlide Navigation: Automatically interprets terrain ahead and tells pilots how to get there — no manual input required.
- Multi-Aircraft Support: Supports gliders, paragliders, hang gliders, and general aviation aircraft for both cross-country and competition flights.
- Moving Map with Airspace Overlay: Displays turn-points, airports, and airspace information on an interactive moving map for real-time situational awareness.
- Third-Party Hardware Integration: Compatible with variometers, IGC-approved loggers, Flarm radar, and devices like RC Electronics Fenix via Bluetooth.
- Multilingual & Cross-Platform: Available in 17 languages, runs on Android and Kobo devices, and has been used in over 67 countries.
Use Cases
- Cross-country gliding navigation with real-time moving maps and airspace awareness
- Competition flight assistance with speed command and turn-point navigation
- Paraglider and hang glider route planning in mountainous or complex terrain
- Gliding school training using the thermal assistant and VisualGlide guidance system
- Integration with third-party variometers and loggers for comprehensive flight data recording
Pros
- Completely Free & Open Source: No cost to use and fully open-source, allowing community contributions and transparent development.
- Wide Community Adoption: Used by gliding schools, clubs, and pilots in over 67 countries, with active forums and ongoing development.
- Broad Hardware Compatibility: Integrates with a variety of third-party instruments and supports Android, Kobo, and legacy Windows CE devices.
Cons
- Windows CE Support Discontinued: Version 7.5 is the last to support Windows CE, leaving users with older hardware without future updates.
- Android Version Still Maturing: The Android version launched as a beta and may still have rough edges compared to more established platforms.
- Niche Use Case: Designed specifically for aviation pilots; not useful outside of gliding, paragliding, or general aviation contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LK8000 really free?
Yes, LK8000 is completely free of charge and open-source. You can download it without any cost from the official website or Google Play Store.
What platforms does LK8000 support?
LK8000 is available on Android (via Google Play), Kobo e-readers, and historically supported Windows CE devices. Version 7.5 is the final release for Windows CE.
What types of aircraft does LK8000 support?
LK8000 supports gliders, paragliders, hang gliders, and general aviation aircraft, making it versatile for a wide range of non-powered and powered flight activities.
Can LK8000 be used in competitions?
Yes, LK8000 is designed for both cross-country flights and competitions, and includes features like speed command, IGC-approved logger support, and compliant competition navigation.
Does LK8000 work with third-party instruments?
Yes, LK8000 integrates with devices like variometers, Flarm radar, and IGC loggers. It supports hardware such as the RC Electronics Fenix via Bluetooth connectivity.
