AeroTexas Update

2008 Annual Flight Check
As promised, the annual flight check has returned. This year we've put together a solid check-ride from Austin to Waco and it uses a special version of ATAVS Version 6 (more on that later). The 2008 Annual Flight Check is a mandatory activity for all members, staff, and Partners. This is really important, because there is roughly a three-week window for you to complete the check-ride and make your report. The flight check period starts now, and continues until October 15, 2008 at 11:59 P.M. Members who do not complete the check-ride by then will be dropped from the roster on October 16th. Everyone must complete the check-ride in order to continue their membership. Fortunately there is no written exam, and it's actually a pretty fun and not a very long route, plus the check-ride will count as an active member flight - that is, it will be logged so you get credit for it. We really don't want to lose any members, but this is a sure-fire way for us to know if you're still interested in AeroTexas - all ya gotta do is fly.

http://aerotexas.com/checkride2008/


ATAVS Version 6
A new major version of ATAVS is in the very final stages of development. As noted above, the check-ride uses a special version of ATAVS 6, so you get a peek at the latest and greatest when you take the check-ride. With Version 6 you get a built-in logbook, ACARS-like automatic position reporting, and super easy flight reporting. Not so quick though! Only after the flight check you will get a link that will take you to the newest version of ATAVS. Until then, enjoy the check ride. Please note that after 11/1/08 all flight reports must be made with ATAVS 6.


Position Reporting System Display
The Position Reporting System is getting a facelift - actually it's getting much more than that! As you know, with every flight ATAVS sends packets of telemetry to AeroTexas where your flight is displayed online with everyone else at AeroTexas. This is a fun feature and by checking the display you can see who is flying right now in real-time. For past few years we've used a combination of tally systems and Google Maps to display position reports. The new display system, dubbed "PROTO-ACARS III" is a brand new Java-based presentation of aircraft in the AeroTexas system. Built with Processing, the graphics are superior and design intelligent - with stale self-sensing and standard ATC symbologies. Final development of PROTO-ACARS III should be finished in just a few days.


Off-site Notams
AeroTexas Notams are now delivered through an off-site web log and the result is much improved. Now you get all the NOTAMS when you want, even if AeroTexas servers are down (not that they go down much anymore - thank goodness!). The ATX blog also makes it easier to keep up with important news and upcoming events with RSS feeds and subscription services.


New Features

AeroTexas is working on a more personal online experience. This will likely begin with a login system and access to all the data in your online flight logs. Do you have an idea or suggestion to help improve AeroTexas? If you do, please feel free to send me or any of the AeroTexas Partners an e-mail.

ACARS Display Development

Development of a new display environment for the position reporting system (PRS/ACARS) began yesterday. The goal is to display all aircraft that have issued position reports using ATAVS, and have a near-real-time display of airborne aircraft along with a bit of telemetry - airspeed and altitude. I developed a prototype of the display yesterday with Processing and it should be ready to go pretty soon - by weekend I hope.

Welcome to the new NOTAMS page

Effective today, AeroTexas is using a new web log to manage general messages to AeroTexas members. I think this will be a step in the right direction, and will make delivery of timely information to members much more efficient. If you look around you'll notice that I've archived NOTAMs back for the past few years - wow - we're 8 years old! Time sure has flown.

AeroTexas Aviation is a virtual airline with headquarters in Austin, Texas at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the heart of Texas. We were chartered on September 1st, 2000 when the aerotexas.com domain was registered. Since that time we have become a first class airline with a top notch website, useful and interesting tools, and an ambitious and dedicated staff.

AeroTexas Aviation International - Lone Star Service to the World!