Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 15:06:06 ET

Quick Update

It's been a busy summer.

I haven't been flying in a while. The last time was in June. This is for multiple reasons:

- Been hard at work on worldflightplanner.com.
- Saving up my cash to buy my own airplane ($170/hr. renting is nice chunk towards a down payment).

I haven't blogged in a while because, really, I don't have anything worth blogging.

I had originally planned on hitting up Oshkosh this year, but that didn't happen. Again for reasons stated above. I really, really, want to go. Perhaps next year.

One thing that I did find amazing about this years event is the story of Mattheiu de Quillaco. Get this: He built his own helicopter in France. Tore out the rear seat and installed an extra fuel tank. Then flew it across the Atlantic to the United States!

He did this trip because hes always wanted to be a part of Oshkosh, so when he arrived he was a volunteer during the event.

On the way home, he's going to be heading west through Russia. Awesome!

For those of you that are in Ontario, Transport Canada has released its 2010/2011 schedule for the Aviation Safety Seminars. The line-up looks good this year! I've marked them in my calendar.

At first I was disappointed that I was going to miss the Canadian International Air Show this weekend (for a friends wedding). After looking at the line-up, I'm no longer disappointed.

As they say: Keep the blue side up!

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 15:13:54 ET

Interesting Approach Plate

The guys at Jeppesen decided to put together the "Hudson Miracle" approach plate, as a thank you to Mr. Sullenburger.

Click for larger!

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 21:28:16 ET

Link to TC E-Bulletins

In the latest issue of the Aviation Safety Letter (you all read it, right?). There was an insert saying that you can now subscribe to Advisory Circulars and the Canadian Aviation Service Difficulty Reports.

Unfortunately the link in the publication is in correct. It should be http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/opssvs/menu-1152.htm.

I'm currently subscribed to the News Releases list, which is low traffic and mainly contains notices of when a new TSB report comes out. I've added my self to the Advisory Circulars mailings.

Now, when will NavCanada start notifying users by email of new AICs?

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - 03:07:46 ET

World Flight Planner 1.0 Launched!

After two years of development and a lot of hard work from Douglas and I, we're happy to announce that we're releasing our flight planning software to the public.

World Flight Planner was designed primarily for general aviation pilots but could also be used for commercial operators. It supports both IFR and VFR flight planning as well as weight and balance.

The biggest selling feature (in my mind) is the ability to access your plans from any Internet connected device, whether that be your desktop, the computer at the FBO, or your blackberry. Easily generate or update your flight plans while on the go!

World Flight Planner also visualizes for you some very important information such as SIGMETs, and PIREPs on your route map. You can quickly and easily see the type of weather by overlaying near real-time weather radar as well.

Right now we have support for planning flights within Canada and the United States. We're working on getting support for Australia as well in the near future.

Everyone is welcome to try it free for 30 days. After that, if you want to continue to use the software, it will only cost a cool $9 a month (if you pay for a year up front).

For being a loyal reader of the blog, use the coupon code "FLYWITHBLAKE" to get your self a free month!

COPA Members get a discount as well, which can be combined with the coupon code.

I want to thank all of those you helped beta test the software for us! It was your feedback that help shape version 1.0!

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Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 20:32:43 ET

St. Thomas (CYQS) This Saturday

I'm going to be at the St. Thomas airport this weekend from approx 1pm to 4pm this Saturday. If you're in the area, I'd love to meet you!

I will be renting an aircraft from the St. Thomas Flight Centre to give my girlfriend's dad his fathers day gift.

I will have to get checked out with an instructor. I will most likely have to do a few circuits to prove my proficiency with the school. This is the first time I would have done a circuit at an uncontrolled airport before. So I will have to review to make sure if there is anything different (I doubt it, you make the same calls right?).

Anyways, the plan is just a short sight seeing flight over some privately known landmarks and the city proper. I'll be sure to bring along my GPS to track the flight.

It's going to be good to be back in the air. Today two buddies of mine (Doug, and David) were flying (IFR of course) to various destinations. I'm going to be meeting David for lunch tomorrow downtown.

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 19:33:57 ET

90 Years ago, the ADF is "born"

On this day in 1920, the first ever flight using a "radio compass" was performed in Virginia.

It's destination? A ship 100 miles off shore. Using only an AM radio station on the ship and a directional antenna on the aircraft, the pilot was able to fly directly to the Navy Ship.

Since then ADF has been refined and in some countries replaced. However it it still one of the primary form of navigation in countries like Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world with large vast distances.

Wired has more information about the early uses of ADF.

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Friday, July 2, 2010 - 18:01:36 ET

The Queen is Coming! Check Your NOTAMs

The queen of Canada is currently touring Canada. Airspace restrictions are following her across the country.

This weekend, the airspace around Woodbine racetrack is to be restricted for the Queen's Plate (yup, she's going to be there).

On Monday, she is going to be touring the RIM offices. So a 2nm no fly zone has been erected around the building.

Keep an eye on those NOTAMs while she is in Canada. You'll find the oddest places declared no fly-zones as she makes her way west.

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