January 3, 2019 ChartData Released

Steve Podradchik

The next FAA data cycle begins next Thursday, January 3, 2019.  We try to release ChartData the Friday before the new cycle starts but, given the holidays, we’re a few days later than usual.  As of now, the new data for the US and Europe is now ready for download. Australian data is unchanged this cycle.  However, be sure not to fly with this data until January 3.

If you’re using another data provider, check with them about availability.

Important notes for FlyQ EFB user:  Please do not download this new data if you plan to fly before next Thursday as the app does not currently (hint hint) have any concept of “current” versus “next” data cycle.  However, FlyQ EFB downloads TFRs, fuel prices, and weather automatically so rest assured that this data will always be current even without doing a manual update

Also, read this terrific post from Keith R if you use our ChartData Managerapplication for Windows to update your data.  It explains how to automatically download data and even copy data to a card or USB memory stick without any clicks!  No need to sit and wait for data to download or copy.

If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to update your ChartData before you fly.
  • In FlyQ EFB:  Tap the ChartData Manager icon (the “down arrow” icon), review which states you have selected, then tap Update Now.
  • In FlyQ InSight or FlyQ Pocket: Select the Downloads tab on the bottom of the screen and tap Update Now.
  • In FlyQ Online:  Nothing to download.  Just go to https://flyq.seattleavionics.com and the new data is automatically used when the new cycle begins on Thursday (but not before).
  • For apps and devices that use our Data Manager, run the ChartData Manager (or select Settings from the little icon at the lower right corner of your Windows screen) and tap Update Now.
  • In Voyager, select Update Data from the Tools menu then choose the All Monthly ChartData item.

If you need to renew your subscription, click the appropriate link below:

Note that FlyQ Online (our Web-based flight planner) ChartData is enabled automatically on the day the new cycle begins (next Thursday) so what you see is always the current, legal data.  Unlike data for our apps and devices, we do not release FlyQ Online ChartData ahead of time since there is nothing to download.

Closed During the Holidays

Steve Podradchik

Everyone at Seattle Avionics wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  We hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones.

In general, Seattle Avionics is closed between Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24) and New Years Day so our staff can enjoy the time with family and friends.  We will re-open on Tuesday, Jan 2.  I said “in general” because some of the ChartData  team has volunteered to work during that time as the next FAA and European data cycle begins on January 3 so that work needs to be done Christmas week.  We’ll try to get the data out on Friday, Dec 28 (our usual 6 days before the cycle change), but it may be delayed somewhat if the team hits any unusual snags.

Sales, Technical Support, and Customer Service is out that during that time so we suggest using the My Account section of our web site (the top of every web page) and the Support tab on each web page to help resolve any issues you may have.  We also have more than 70 training videos at https://YouTube.com/FlyQEFB.  We’re very sorry for an inconvenience this may cause.

December 6, 2018 ChartData Released

Steve Podradchik

The next FAA data cycle begins next Thursday, December 6, 2018.  We try to release ChartData the Friday before the new cycle starts.  As that’s today, the new data is now ready for download.  However, be sure not to fly with this data until December 8.

Important notes for FlyQ EFB user:  Please do not download this new data if you plan to fly before next Thursday as the app does not currently (hint hint) have any concept of “current” versus “next” data cycle.  However, FlyQ EFB downloads TFRs, fuel prices, and weather automatically so rest assured that this data will always be current even without doing a manual update

European data will be available shortly.  Australian data is unchanged this cycle.  If you’re using another data provider, check with them about availability.

Also, read this terrific post from Keith R if you use our ChartData Manager application for Windows to update your data.  It explains how to automatically download data and even copy data to a card or USB memory stick without any clicks!  No need to sit and wait for data to download or copy.

If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to update your ChartData before you fly.
  • In FlyQ EFB:  Tap the ChartData Manager icon (the “down arrow” icon), review which states you have selected, then tap Update Now.
  • In FlyQ InSight or FlyQ Pocket: Select the Downloads tab on the bottom of the screen and tap Update Now.
  • In FlyQ Online:  Nothing to download.  Just go to https://flyq.seattleavionics.com and the new data is automatically used when the new cycle begins on Thursday (but not before).
  • For apps and devices that use our Data Manager, run the ChartData Manager (or select Settings from the little icon at the lower right corner of your Windows screen) and tap Update Now.
  • In Voyager, select Update Data from the Tools menu then choose the All Monthly ChartData item.

If you need to renew your subscription, click the appropriate link below:

Note that FlyQ Online (our Web-based flight planner) ChartData is enabled automatically on the day the new cycle begins (next Thursday) so what you see is always the current, legal data.  Unlike data for our apps and devices, we do not release FlyQ Online ChartData ahead of time since there is nothing to download.

iPad Sale at Costco

Steve Podradchik

In case you’re thinking of a shiny new iPad under the tree or menorah this year — Costco has a nice sale on the base model right now.  It’s $280 to Costco members, $40 off the usual price.  As you may have noticed, Apple products seldom get much of a discount so $40 off is quite good.  This is the 32 GB Wi-Fi only model so you’ll need to pair it with a Bluetooth GPS or an ADS-B receiver that include a GPS (for example, our Merlin now on sale for just $199).  Although it’s the bottom of Apple’s line, as a new model, it’s a powerful little unit that is more than sufficient for running FlyQ both now and in the future. And, for what it’s worth, I fly with basically the same unit (I did upgrade to the 128 GB model with cellular for my needs).

https://www.costco.com/New-Apple-iPad-A10-Fusion-Chip-32GB—Space-Gray—Latest-Model.product.100411461.html

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InSight on Mars

Steve Podradchik

As much as we’d like to take credit for putting the first Augmented Reality space probe on Mars, we have to tip our hats to the amazing men and women at NASA who managed the insanely difficult feat of soft landing a rocket-powered lander on Mars from 300 million miles away!

Welcome to Mars, InSight!  Fantastic job, NASA!

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-insight-lander-arrives-on-martian-surface-to-learn-what-lies-beneath

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– Steve