FlyQ EFB 3.2.1 Just Released to Apple

Steve Podradchik

Shh…. We just released a new version of FlyQ EFB to Apple for their review.  As always, they have to approve it before release.  This may happen as early as tomorrow or perhaps next week (they may have a lot of apps to look at due to the release of iOS 12).  Over the last few weeks, we’ve done several beta (test) releases of 3.2.1 to our external beta testers to validate the changes.  If you’re a beta tester, you should have a notice in your inbox now asking you to test version 3.1.2.12 as it’s the same build that we released to Apple (that email also mentions what bugs we fixed since the previous beta).

The vast, vast, vast majority of work in this release was about fixing bugs, including some long-standing ones, and dramatically improving reliability — esp. when downloading data.  It also adds one major, and highly-requested, new feature.  When the release is ready, I’ll give you the details on the new feature 😉

 

iOS 12 Conditionally Approved

Steve Podradchik

Seattle Avionics has conditionally approved the use of Apple iOS version 12.0 with current shipping version of FlyQ EFB, FlyQ InSight, and SmartPlates & Charts for both iPhone and iPad.  We have found no problems so far in testing but we use “conditionally” because it’s never a bad idea to wait a bit before installing a major new iOS release.  Also, we have not yet exhaustively tested every GPS and ADS-B receiver with FlyQ EFB.  If further testing reveals any problems, we’ll issue an update here.

How to find the version number for FlyQ EFB

  1. Open FlyQ EFB app
  2. Go to the Settings screen (gear icon)
  3. The version number is located at the top right. Example: v3.2.0

How to find the version number for Apple iOS

  1. Open the Settings app for iPad/iPhone
  2. Go to General
  3. Go to About
  4. The iOS version number is under ‘Version’. Example: 11.2.1 (15C153)

How to update a Seattle Avionics app

  1. Open the App Store app
  2. Go to the Updates screen (bottom right)
  3. Look for the app icon and tap on Update

How to update Apple iOS

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Go to General
  3. Go to Software Update
  4. Tap on Download and Install

*Please note that beta (aka “test”) versions of Apple iOS are not finished, have not been fully tested, and contains bugs. Seattle Avionics does not support beta versions of Apple iOS for use with any of its apps.

Next Stop: The World!

Steve Podradchik

visited_countries.php

A huge part of our business is providing geo-referenced approach plates, airport diagrams, and our own original Seattle Avionics Airport Diagrams for many apps and devices (Bendix-King, Dynon, Aspen, AFS, GRT, etc.).  We’ve had US, European, and Australian data for several years but, for this data cycle, we substantially increased our coverage by adding more than 4,000 approach plates, airport diagrams, SIDs, STARs, etc. for Brazil, Venezuela, Israel, and UAE (United Arab Emirates).  Plus we added complete Mexican VFR map coverage in this same data cycle (and the Bahamas not too long ago).  Many more places are in the works.  In fact, our current coverage area (image above) includes a whole lot of the places where folks fly.

If you’re using an app or device that accepts our European data, you’ll see these four new regions right now.   And, if you’re using the Bendix-King xVue Touch (or several other devices shortly), you can even use our incredible (and patent-pending) Slingshot wireless feature to get the data almost instantly transferred from FlyQ EFB.

VZBrazilUAEIsrael

 

9/11 Visit to the Flying Heritage Museum

Steve Podradchik

9/11 is clearly about remembering victims and the heroes who gave their lives while saving so many others plus doing everything necessary to ensure that this horrible act cannot be repeated.  It’s a day that no American living 17 years ago will ever forget and I definitely remember exactly where I was when it unfolded.  I’m sure you do, too.

Yesterday, I spent several hours with my friend Marc Merlin (in from California) visiting Paul Allen’s amazing Flying Heritage Museum and being reminded of the heroes of another generation – often called the Greatest Generation.  Here, most of the planes, generally WWII-era, are still in flying condition (hence the museum’s name) and actually fly a few times a year.  Moreover, especially when seeing mock-ups of the German V2 missile and the first two atomic bombs (Little Man and Fat Boy), it was quite sobering.  If you’re in the Seattle area one day, I very strongly suggest a visit.

The British Mosquito. Larger than I expected.
German ME 163 Komet rocket plane
B25
Mosquito
A mechanic (forget his name) who was working on the engine in this P40. Very interesting.
F105
Our new friend Tom the docent. He spent a lot of time with us. Marc is on the right.
105
German V2 rocket. Not as tall as I expected. Engine on the bottom, fuel tanks on the top.
Tom and Marc
Name this plane!
V2
Marc and the 105
Huey!
Little Boy (front) and Fat Man – mock-ups of the only atomic weapons ever used in a war. Very sobering.
Infamous SCUD missle and launcher.
V2

 

September 13, 2018 ChartData Released – With New Mexican Coverage!

Steve Podradchik

The next FAA data cycle begins next Thursday, September 13, 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 September 13.

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

New!  Now includes official Mexican VFR maps!  As you may remember, we removed the ancient and out-of-date WAC charts a few cycles ago.  That meant losing the VFR map coverage of northern Mexico that the WACs covered.  We’ve now replaced that with something much better — the official Mexican VFR charts (click to see more info).  These charts are seamlessly combined with the US charts to produce contiguous, crystal-clear VFR map coverage from Maine to Tapachula (look it up;).  The Mexican maps are produced at two different resolutions so you’ll see a great overview when zoomed out and, when zoomed to more than 30 high-traffic areas, very detailed maps equivalent to US TAC charts.  These new maps are available to FlyQ EFB, Dynon SkyView, and Bendix-King xVue Touch users now.  We expect them to be available to AFS users in the near future.  They are not available to older systems such as Voyager and the AV8OR ACE.  As a reminder, Mexican and Central American IFR plates and Airport Diagrams are also part of our base ChartData.

European data will be available shortly (with dramatically expanded coverage — more later!).  Australian data is unchanged since last 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 there 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.

¡Olé! Official Mexican VFR Charts Now Available!

Steve Podradchik

As you may recall, we removed the ancient WAC charts from our ChartData a few months ago.  A major effect of that was to remove all Mexican VFR maps (the IFR Low and High coverage remained).  Now we more than plugged that hole by getting the official Mexican VFR charts that cover all of Mexico.  And they look terrific!

MxLarge

We combine the US and Mexican charts to create one seamless coverage area.  Like the US charts, Mexico provides their charts at multiple resolutions — effectively WAC and TAC resolution (oddly, not at native Sectional resolution).  The Mexican-produced “WAC” charts cover the entire country and their TAC-level charts cover about 30 regions.  We merge these together so you see the lower-resoultion data when zoomed out and the high-resolution (TAC-like) resolution when you zoom in.  This is the same way we handle the combination of US Sectionals and TACS (and also US IFR Low Altitude charts and IFR Area charts).

MX-USBorder2MX-USBorder

HermosilloMexicoCityCabo

This new data applies to systems that use our most recent data format: FlyQ EFB, Bendix-King xVue Touch / AeroVue Touch, and Dynon SkyView.  This format should soon be available to AFS users as well.  The newer format maps are not used with Voyager, GRT, or the AV8OR ACE so the new Mexican maps are not available for these systems.

To get the new maps for these systems, just select the regions of Mexico you want and click Update Now.

Note:  If you are using FlyQ EFB and already have these regions downloaded (or areas of the US along the border), you may want to use the Delete button in the ChartData Manager portion of the app to remove all current Sectionals and begin again with the new seamless set or you may see an odd mix of US and Mexican maps in areas near the border.

48 Hour Sale. 40% Off!

Steve Podradchik
Oshkosh attendees got incredible Show Specials. Now, for just 48 hours, we’re making these Oshkosh prices available to everyone!
These offers are available for just 48 hours so buy now and don’t miss out!

Merlin ADS-B Only $199.  Buy Now

The magical Merlin ADS-B receiver includes everything found in $800 systems – dual channel weather and traffic, WAAS GPS, AHRS, battery, and a comprehensive Pilot’s Guide.  Each unit individually tested and calibrated.  Works with FlyQ, ForeFlight, and virtually all other iPad, iPhone, and Android apps.
Regular price: $249
Oshkosh price: $199
Or combine with a year of FlyQ VFR + IFR: $249
Very limited quantities available.

FlyQ EFB:

VFR: $49 / VFR + IFR: $99.  Buy Now

Simply the highest-rated, easiest to use aviation app around.  New version 3.2 runs on the iPhone and iPad, adds Augmented Reality, Data Recorder, includes our revolutionary Slingshot wireless data system, Stratus 3 support, Helicopter charts and Mexico/Central America charts.
Regular VFR price: $69
Oshkosh VFR price: $49
Regular VFR + IFR price: $139
Oshkosh VFR + IFR price: $99!
Or get 3 years VFR + IFR for only $249!

Dynon: VFR + IFR: $99 + 3 months free.  Buy Now

Get the IFR and VFR charts and plates you want for your SkyView.  Sectionals with TACs, geo-referenced FAA Airport Diagrams, IFR plates, IFR Low and High, 4700+ Seattle Avionics Airport Diagrams.   Now includes Bahamas, Mexico, and Central America.
Regular price: $99
Oshkosh price: $99 + 3 free months

Aspen: $199.  Buy Now

Seattle Avionics provides the FAA DO-200A certified approach plates, airport diagrams, SIDs, STARs, etc. you need for your Aspen Evolution.  Once you use them, you’ll never fly without them again!
Flash:  Just added Mexico, Bahamas, and Central America!
Regular price: $299
Oshkosh price: $199

BendixKing KSN 770: $199

BendixKing xVue Touch: $99

Buy Now

Add the Seattle Avionics IFR approach plates and airport diagrams (FAA DO-200A certified) to your KSN 770.  And now includes Bahamas, Mexico, and Central America for free.
The brand new xVue Touch includes IFR approach plates and airport diagrams plus adds VFR sectionals, high and low enroute charts. The xVue Touch also supports our incredible Slingshot wireless ChartData transfer system!
KSN 770 Regular price: $299
KSN 770 Oshkosh price: $199
xVue Regular price: $99
xVue Oshkosh price: $99 + 3 free months

GRT: $69 / $129.  Buy Now

Your GRT Horizon is a pretty amazing device.  Now add the Seattle Avionics approach plates, airport diagrams, Sectionals, and IFR Low and High Charts and it becomes spectacular.
Regular VFR + IFR price: $199
Oshkosh VFR + IFR price: $129
Regular VFR price: $99
Oshkosh VFR price: $69

AFS: VFR + IFR  $99 + 3 months free.  Buy Now

You love your AF-5000!  But even love can be made better — by adding Seattle Avionics charts and plates!  700 geo-referenced FAA Airport Diagrams, 4700 geo-ref’d Seattle Avionics Airport Diagrams, IFR plates, Sectionals, IFR Low and High!

New!  Now includes Mexico, Bahamas, and Central America!
Regular price: $199
Oshkosh price: $99 with 3 months free!