Blog

iFlightPlanner for iPad v1.0.4 was released to the App Store on Thursday, May 24.  Soon after, we discovered that on some iPads, the new version would display the splash screen, and then shut down.

The reason for this issue is that during app startup, iFlightPlanner for iPad upgrades its internal database from v1.0.3 to v1.0.4.  This includes storage of AIRMETs and SIGMETs and other new data in this version.  However, if the startup process for an app takes longer than 10 seconds, the iPad software (iOS) will close the app.  On some iPads, particularly the iPad 1s with less processing power, the startup process takes longer than 10 seconds.

As soon as we discovered the issue on Thursday, we modified iFlightPlanner for iPad to correct the issue.  On Thursday afternoon we submitted v1.0.5 to Apple as we knew this issue was affecting a number of our users.  App reviews typically take 5-7 days, but fortunately we received an expedited review on Friday.  To our surprise, Apple rejected v1.0.5 for an issue unrelated to the fix included in v1.0.5, yet we are working closely with Apple to resolve the issue. 

In the meantime, there is a workaround for our members: If you delete the app (by holding down the iFlightPlanner icon on your iPad, then tapping the red " - " symbol in the upper left corner), you can download v1.0.4 from the App Store and everything will work correctly as it is a fresh install of v1.0.4.  The downside of this workaround is that you will need to redownload any chart and data packages from the Downloads tab.

Needless to say, we apologize to our members for the inconvenience and are working diligently to remedy the situation!

Sincerely,

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

This free 32-page booklet is an absolute must if you're flying an aircraft to Oshkosh.  The AirVenture 2012 NOTAM outlines all arrival/departure procedures, radio frequencies, Wittman Regional Airport details, and much more. Although many of the procedures are similar to previous years, there are updates in nearly every area to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience for the thousands of airplanes expected at the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. The EAA AirVenture NOTAM is required reading and should be part of every pilot's preflight preparation.  Fly safe and we'll look forward to seeing you in Oshkosh!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG. ™

The May/June 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing is now available online and focuses on extreme weather. 

The articles in this issue provide important tips on how to detect, prepare, and avoid some of the more extreme varieties of weather conditions you may encounter in your region of the country, as well as offer tools and resources for improving general aviation safety.

Official FAA data for the 5/3/12 cycle was updated today at 09:01Z.

As always, whenever you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, 'Check for Updates' in the top-right corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will tell you which files need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

This month the FAA will be testing the GPS system which may result in an unreliable or unavailable GPS signals in the southeastern United States.

The test will be centered at 3020000/08010000 off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida and conducted May 4-15, 2012 from 2000Z–0145Z (0200-0545 EDT).  Each event may last up to 45 minutes with 15 minutes off and may start at any time during the requested periods.

During testing, the GPS signal may be unreliable or unavailable within a 332NMR centered at 3020000/08010000 or the CRG VORTAC 090 degree radial at 69.6 NM at FL400 and above, decreasing in area with decrease in altitude to 283NMR at FL250, 210NMR at 10,000' MSL, 170NMR at 4,000' AGL and 127NMR at 50' AGL.

Pilots are strongly encouraged to report anomalies during testing to the appropriate ARTCC to assist in the determination of the extent of GPS degradation during tests.  The time periods may be reduced or cancelled with little or no notice, so pilots are strongly advised to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area.  NOTAMs will be published at least 24 hours in advance of any GPS tests.