We’ve been working hard on our latest version of the software. In this version we’ve focused on developing new features that our users have requested. We are also working on improving our support for other countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Here are some things you can look forward to in the next version:

Map Improvements
The map code has been rewritten from the ground up. The code is much faster and supports more accurate information. We’ve added two important features to the basemap: the International Date Line and the line dividing Canadian Northern Domestic airspace with the Southern Domestic airspace.

NDA/SDA Line

International Date Line in South Pacific

We’ve expanded our SIGMET coverage to include the following areas:

• North Atlantic
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific

Example of SIGMET Coverage

A major bug with routes crossing the anti-meridian not working properly has been fixed. You can now be rest assured that your route will be displayed properly on the map if your route crosses -180°/180°.

An unusual route that crosses the IDL

Data for PIREPs located in the United States as well as NOTAMS for Canada will be available on the map.

PIREPs are now sorted by type (icing, turbulence, weather)

Canadian NOTAMs with information window

The winds aloft (upper winds) layer is being revamped and the addition of a new temperature aloft layer will be added. This new layer will allow pilots to determine the location of possible warm or cold fronts. A great tool to help you avoid icing conditions.

Temperatures at 3000'

Supported Countries
We’re officially bringing Australia out of Beta and adding initial support for New Zealand. This brings the count for Australian METAR and TAF stations in our system from ~50 to over 250. Airspace data for New Zealand will also make it into this new version.

Route Planning
We hope to have a “quick plan” function available to you. This will allow you to type in a routing directly without having to use a “point and click” interface.

This new input method will support airways as well as latitude and longitude coordinates. Your route will be validated first, then you will be able to generate a navigation log. On the flip side, we’re hoping to get better support for “rubber band” route generation using the map. Point and click where you want to go on the map and a route is generated for you.

Performance Calculations
Tools to allow you to calculate take-off and landing distances, cross wind components and other performance calculations will be made available in version 1.5. We feel that these tools are important in preparing for a safe flight.

Other Enhancements
Bug fixes and small user interface enhancements are also planned for this release. We’re laying the groundwork to support full internationalization and plan on having support for multiple languages in the near future. Our timeline to have 1.5 released is late March of this year. Stay tuned for the official announcement and feature list!