We have completed our testing for iOS 11 and deem it fine for use with our iOS apps – FlyQ EFB, FlyQ InSight, and SmartPlates & Charts. Note that we did new releases to FlyQ EFB and FlyQ InSight to address one minor iOS 11 related bug so you should update to those releases: FlyQ EFB v 2.5.1, FlyQ InSight v 4.0.2
Month: September 2017
Minor releases of FlyQ EFB and FlyQ InSight
Minor releases of both FlyQ InSight (augmented reality) and FlyQ EFB are now available in the App Store. They primarily address an issue where creating a new aircraft profile under iOS 11 would cause a crash in either app. The new FlyQ EFB is 2.5.1 and FlyQ InSight is 4.0.2.
FlyQ EFB 2.5, released last week, is a major release that adds annotation (scribble) on FAA and SA Airport Diagrams and Approach Procedures. In addition to the iOS 11 fix, version 2.5.1 also fixes problems with:
- A procedure or diagram sometimes disappearing during annotation under a rare combination of two-finger and one-finger manipulation.
- The wind arrow not always sized correctly on the Satellite image
- The wind arrow occasionally appearing during annotation
- A problem with sending approach plates/diagrams to the Documents tab
- A problem with emailing or printing approach plates/diagrams in some cases
- A message about annotating an SA Diagram before sending a problem report not showing up in some cases
FlyQ InSight 4.0.2 fixes the iOS 11 new aircraft problem and also a problem where the app would continually prompt to use the camera (for Augmented Reality) even after a user said No.
Apple iOS 11 Compatibility
Apple is expected to publicly release iOS 11 later today. iOS 11 looks like a great new release but none of the new features (except one) seem to have any benefit to an aviation app. Therefore, as with all major iOS releases, we do not recommend updating immediately if your iPad is primarily used for flight.
We always reserve our analysis of a major new Apple iOS release until after the public release has been made because Apple sometimes makes changes after all the betas have been released.
Of course we do test with the betas and our initial findings show only one minor incompatibility between FlyQ EFB and FlyQ InSight when using iOS 11. Specifically, going into Settings and creating a new aircraft profile will cause both apps to crash. We already have the fixes made and revised versions of both FlyQ EFB and FlyQ InSight should be published this week. In the meantime, the workaround is easy: Create a new aircraft profile using FlyQ Online. The new profile will be automatically recognized and imported by both FlyQ EFB and FlyQ InSight when they’re connected to the Internet.
No issues have been found so far with SmartPlates & Charts.
We wil continue to test each app more deeply for the next few days and let everyone know what we find.
Fly safe!
Steve
FlyQ EFB 2.5 Released!
We’re extremely happy to announce that FlyQ EFB, version 2.5, is now available from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
FlyQ EFB 2.5 is a major release that adds annotation support for approach plates and airport diagrans, enhances the Scratchpad, improves existing Avidyne support (adds full ADS-B weather and traffic), and dramatically improves the timeliness of METARs and TAFs. It also fixes several crashes (esp. with ADS-B), performance issues, minor bugs, and more. Watch the v2.5 video and read the new Pilot’s Guide for details.
What’s is New in 2.5
- ADDED: Now write on plates and airport diagrams with your choice of colors, pens widths, and opacity
- ADDED: Dramatically improves Scratchpad performance and new choice of colors and pens widths
- ADDED: Full Avidyne ADS-B support (GPS, AHRS, Flight plan transfer, ADS-B traffic, ADS-B weather)
- ADDED: Much larger text on the Roads map layer
- ADDED: Allow a SAR pattern with a buffer < 1 NM
- ADDED: Now you can turn off the 15 NM traffic ring when using ADS-B
- ADDED: Shows approach plates/airport diagrams from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and more
- FIXED: Gauge bar on/off state not retained between sessions
- FIXED: ETE and GS incorrect when adding SIDs and STARs
- FIXED: Cannot alter the initial fuel in some ICAO flight plans
- FIXED: Crash when reversing some flight plans
- FIXED: Crashes and performance issues with the iPad 4
- FIXED: Stratux version # not properly displayed in ADS-B details (always says v 1.0).
- FIXED: Altitude sometimes incorrectly displayed for Stratux users with an AHRS
- FIXED: Multiple problems with Avidne support (heading, altitude, battery and status indicators, send/receive flight plans)
- FIXED: New weather data not properly integrated throughout the app in some ADS-B usage scenarios
- FIXED: Surface winds on airport diagram not properly updated in some cases.
- FIXED: Preflight checklist sometimes reports downloads needed when they are not
To upgrade FlyQ EFB:
Upgrades to FlyQ EFB are free.
If you’re reading this on your iPad, just click below (won’t work on a PC or Mac):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flyq-efb/id915571252?mt=8
If you’re reading this on a PC or Mac, go to your iPad then:
1. Open the App Store app on your iPad (usually on the first Home page).
2. Within the App Store, tap the Updates tab at the bottom.
3. Look for FlyQ EFB and tap the Update button next to it.
Tip: You can have the iPad automatically do updates for all apps in the future. This saves a lot of time! To do that:
1. Go to the Settings app on the iPad
2. Tap the iTunes & App Store item on the left side of the screen (might need to scroll down to see it).
3. Turn the switch next to Updates to ON (green).
Note: Turning on automatic updates does not automatically install new OS releases, just apps like FlyQ EFB.
As a reminder, the following changes were made in version 2.4.5
- ADDED: Faster mapping performance
- FIXED: Frequent startup crashes for some users
- FIXED: Crash when viewing an airport satellite image in full screen when wind arrows are on
- FIXED: Crash when switching between 2D and 3D modes in a few cases
- FIXED: Crash when reversing some flight plans
- FIXED: Inability to turn fluorescent life jackets off once on
- FIXED: Minor text size problem in some 3D views
And what was changed in version 2.4.4:
- ADDED: ICAO flight plan filing
- FIXED: Crash when switching from 2D to 3D when the Rings or Extended Courseline layer is on.
- FIXED: Calculation error when editing offline flight plans.
- FIXED: Cardinal directions on Terrain X-Ray incorrect in one case.
- FIXED: Original 2D map zoom is not restored when switching from 2D to 3D then back 2D.
And what was new in 2.4:
- ADDED: Document Management. The all-new Documents tab gives you immediate access to a library of more than 200 FAA publications and charts (Flyway charts, helicopter charts, etc.), weather documents, Seattle Avionics documents, legends, and more. Or easily add your own documents by entering a URL or emailing them to your iPad. Even tap to add photos already on your iPad.
- ADDED: Support for Avidyne IFD540 and IFD440 wireless data transfer (GPS, AHRS, bi-directional flight plan transfers). Avidyne software release 10.2 required (GPS works with 10.1). More Avidyne support to come.
- ADDED: Support for ADS-B weather and traffic from the Dynon SkyView. SkyView software release 15 required (GPS, AHRS, bi-directional flight plan transfers already available with SkyView 14).
- FIXED: An unusual server error state can cause the app to logout and not allow users to log back in.
- FIXED: Detailed device status information not immediately updated
- FIXED: NavLog printing results in a clipped document.
- FIXED: Edits to the FAA Plan form not submitted to Lockheed/DUATS in some cases.
- FIXED: A few airports with fuel prices do not show the price on the map.
- FIXED: Takeoff time cannot be set when creating a new flight plan.
- FIXED: Downloads for Michigan do not include some of the state.
- FIXED: Last-selected pilot not remembered in New Plan.
- FIXED: Play/Pause button in sim too small on Retina iPad.
- FIXED: Editing a flight plan can produce a negative MHdg.
- FIXED: Tapping the Done button in the ChartData Manager takes so long to respond that it’s often tapped twice.
New Merlin ADS-B Receiver. Just $249. Dual Channel, WAAS GPS, AHRS, Battery
Seattle Avionics today announced the immediate availability of its new Merlin ADS-B receiver. For just $249, the Merlin includes functionality normally found in receivers costing upwards of $800 including dual-channels, WAAS GPS, an AHRS, and battery power.
“The Merlin is no stripped-down device that looks like a PEZ dispenser and locks you into one app,” says John Rutter, President of Seattle Avionics. “Rather, it’s a world-class device, at a world-beating price, with all the features in expensive receivers that works with FlyQ EFB and virtually all other iPad and Android apps.”
The Merlin is based on the respected and reliable Stratux software but with added Seattle Avionics touches. Each unit comes fully assembled and is not a kit. Every device undergoes individual testing and calibration and comes with a professionally written, thorough, printed Pilot’s Guide that describes setting up and using the device as well as how to interpret ADS-B traffic and weather. It’s backed by the Seattle Avionics’ technical support team and customer service department.
Key Features
- Dual-channel ADS-B In on both 978 MHz (UAT) and 1090 MHz
- Integrated WAAS GPS
- AHRS for true synthetic vision display
- Comes with a four-hour battery pack and high-quality USB charging cable
- Built-in fan to ensure operation even in hot areas
- Receives traffic (including ADS-R / TIS-B) and weather (FIS-B) information
- Dual antennas optimized for each ADS-B frequency
- Includes a comprehensive Pilot’s Guide
- Based on the reliable Stratux core
- Connects to your device via Wi-Fi for maximum compatibility
- Fully assembled and individually tested / calibrated. Not a kit.
- Only available from Seattle Avionics
- Integrates with most popular iPad and Android apps including FlyQ EFB and ForeFlight
The Merlin is in-stock and shipping today.
For more information or to purchase, please see: https://seattleavionics.com/Merlin.aspx
September 14, 2017 ChartData Released
The next FAA data cycle begins next Thursday, September 14, 2017. We try to release ChartData the Friday before the new cycle starts. We’re a day later than usual because our Quality Assurance team caught something that needed to be corrected. US data for the next cycle has been activated and is available right now. European data will be available shortly. Australian data is unchanged from the last cycle.
Recently, we added ChartData for the Bahamas – airport diagrams, approach plates, SIDs, and STARs. Have a look! The new Bahamian ChartData is included in our US ChartData set so there is no additional charge for US subscribers.
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. And keep in mind that we recently made the ChartData Manager faster and more reliable with the release of ChartData Manager 5.3.
Special note for Voyager users: You must install an update for Voyager before this ChartData can be downloaded if you haven’t already installed the new version of Voyager (version 4.7.3.30473). Simply start Voyager and, if you haven’t run it yet today, the app should say that an update is available and have a button to download. If you have used it today, select Update Applicationfrom the Tools menu.
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 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 new 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.
36 Hours
I spoke with my sister and my parents yesterday. My sister and her family live in southwestern Florida (Ft. Myers), along the predicted path for Hurricane Irma. My parents live an hour east of them, maybe 10 miles from the Atlantic in Boynton Beach. Note the word “Beach.” Neither is currently in a mandatory evacuation zone so they’ve been told to stay in their houses and, literally, batten down the hatches. Authorities ask them NOT to migrate away and clog vital freeways. All of them have been through hurricanes before and came through relatively unscathed.
But this time they’re worried. They’ve done everything they should do to prepare but they’re still worried. As my sister put it yesterday, they have “36 hours to wait.” I literally cannot imagine what that wait must be like. And it makes me worried, of course. Just like everyone with friends and family in Florida is. Just like everyone with friends and family in Texas was last week.
While waiting, I can’t help but think about how natural tragedies bring out the best in people but that it’s often short lived. And how hypocrisy and short-sightedness seem to coexist with love in the hearts of men.
My parents are in their mid 70’s. My mom said that neighbors helped them put up the storm shutters over their windows because the relatives that helped them last time had died of old age. Their front door is made of ornate glass, very common in their complex and very vulnerable. A young man walked the neighborhood and put some kind of barriers up in front of such doors. By the time my dad came out to pay him, he had already left and moved on to the next house.
Immediately after Hurricane Harvey, Congress passed an $8 billion relief package after some welcome action from President Trump. Sadly, $8 billion will barely make a scratch at the recover but it’s a start and was done quickly without too much political bickering. In contrast, relief for Hurricane Sandy was met with political fighting that stalled the aid and materially hurt people. Ironically, many of the politicians who opposed aid for Sandy saying that it was “filled with unrelated pork” are in Texas and now are strongly advocating for massive federal dollars — as they should. The “pork” comment, by the way, was widely debunked. Maybe we’ve learned something since Sandy. Or maybe not.
For those in affected areas of Texas and Florida, the next months and years will be hard. I don’t live there so can’t quite grasp it. Thankfully. But I do want to offer some thoughts on what to do to lessen the odds of similar events happening in the future and I invite everyone to add their thoughts and ideas. We have to prevent future tragedies from happening, not just pray afterwards for those hurt. Our pets can sympathize with us when we’re hurt but only humans can take proactive steps to prevent them from happening again. Time to stand upright and be human.
First, when tragedies happen, respond immediately with assistance. That means being prepared to do so. There is much to this but making sure that FEMA is well funded and well managed is a start. This is the easy part. The next parts are harder.
Flood insurance needs to be about recovery and prevention, not about politics. In 1968, the federal government set up a program to help people whose houses were damaged or destroyed by flooding. The 1960’s were the height of new social programs in many ways. Since that time, Congress has not properly funded the program, has not been actuarially efficient, and has not taken the obvious steps to run it soundly. For example, in 2012, Congress took action to raise premiums for those in dangerous areas. It made sense but was not popular so Congress rescinded the changes in 2014. Not only that, an astonishing $5.5 billion has been spent rebuilding and rebuilding and rebuilding the same 30,000 homes — sometimes five times per home in just a two or three year period! That’s insane. While I feel for those home owners, I don’t want to subsidize their stupidity with my tax dollars. When you build in an area that is prone to flooding, you shouldn’t get five tries to figure it out. Live somewhere else.
Building codes and land use ordinances need to take the long view, not favor quick profits for builders. After 1992’s Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida, Florida wisely enacted much more stringent rules to ensure that new construction withstand high winds and flooding. Florida has seen many hurricanes and floods since and has come through them well. But memories are fleeting and Wall Street is unforgiving about quarterly profits so Florida just started to relax these regulations. I don’t know the specifics and am not an expert but with some vested interest in Florida, it doesn’t make me happy.
While Florida seemed to have generally learned from their mistakes, I’m having trouble finding anyone saying that Houston has. Rather the opposite. Again, I don’t live there and could easily be wrong but there are lots and lots of stories, many predating Hurricane Harvey by months or years, that predicted just such a disaster given the local ordinances. The one I just cited was from the Texas Tribune, a non-partisan, nonprofit news organization, not a bastion of spotted-owl tree huggers that hate development. Apparently wetlands are supposed to be wet and pavement doesn’t drain well.
And why must oil refineries be put at the most vulnerable locations possible? Places like Seattle have great ports with no risk of hurricanes. For the record, some say that the refineries are in exactly the right place. The problem with that story is that the logic is circular. It says that the refineries are there because the oil industry is there. Duh. Maybe the oil industry should be somewhere safer? I’m sure lots of states would love a chance to offer a new and safer home to the industry. By putting them along the Gulf coast, tax payers and gasoline buyers get to subsidize and bail out the oil industry when predictable disaster strikes.
Science is good; it’s not fake news. There I said it. For the last hundred years, science has propelled this country forward with innovation and genius that has made the world jealous. It has been a key reason for the strength of American industry and the ascendence of America in general. But now it’s under attack from politicians who call it fake and ignore or even bury its sound conclusions. Yes, human activities have dramatically affected our climate and the effects will get exponentially worse as the ocean’s ability to absorb our carbon dioxide dwindles. That means temperature increases, sea levels rising, and more flooding. Dead people, billions of dollars of damage. Don’t take my word for this; as some politicians like to say, I’m not a scientist. But do take the word of the 97% of environmental scientists who have spent their lives studying it. Oh, it’s these same people who give us the exceptional storm prediction algorithms that have and will save thousands of lives during hurricanes. The same people. No one has been questioning their conclusions about the storms yet some politicians question their conclusions about climate change. While climate change didn’t cause the recent storms, the increased ocean temperature has made them worse.
I don’t claim to have the answers (well maybe a few) but a lot of good people are thinking about preventing the next disaster. That’s great. We need it.
If you have thoughts on how to prevent or mitigate these kinds of disasters, please share below and, more importantly, with your elected representatives.
In the meantime, about 15 hours until Irma hits Florida. My love, hope, and prayers are with them and I’m sure yours are as well.
Flying with Seattle Avionics 