A method and apparatus is provided for enhancing an HMI (Human Machine Interface) mechanism to include continuous, sequential, and time-based navigation capabilities. Airspace data associated with a flight plan is received, and the airspace data associated with a region of the flight plan is displayed. A time scale substantially coextensive with the region is also displayed. To view a future region of the airspace, the time scale on the display is moved in a first direction, and to view a previous region, the time scale on the display is moved in a second, substantially opposite direction.