As this year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have downloaded the Density Altitude Calculator, Aircraft Weight and Balance, and Cross Wind Assistant apps for Android this year. As of this writing, there are almost 650 combined, active users of these apps and the number is growing steadily. When I consider the amount of new programming skills I have developed over this past year, I feel privileged to have an audience of this size. I hope more people try these apps and use the information to fly safer! We can do something about the General Aviation accident rate.
A special thank you to those of you who have contacted me personally this year with suggestions and criticisms that have improved the convenience and accuracy of the apps. I encourage anyone with input or questions regarding any of the apps to contact me directly via email. I truly want the app to work for everyone and you will receive a better product in the long run. All it takes is a friendly email to ask for a feature or report a problem. I am an independent developer and private pilot who works on these projects in his spare time so please be patient with me.
Honestly, my goal this year was to pay for 1 hour of Complex Aircraft Flight Training on app revenue alone and unfortunately I have fallen short of that goal. I have made about $75 so far and that is not quite going to cut it to rent a Piper Arrow II and pay a flight instructor for an hour of complex. I am estimating about $160 for an hour of complex flight instruction with aircraft and fuel. Maybe by the end of 2013 I will earn that hour on App revenue. Sure, I could subsidize the flight time with a little money but it would defeat the core purpose of the goal (Flight Training paid for with App Revenue). Sorry, I will stop whining about it now and get back to work but as you can see, I’m certainly not in it for the money, though some money would be nice.
For 2013, I plan to continually move forward with enhancements of the existing Aircraft Weight and Balance, Density Altitude Calculator, and Cross Wind Assistant apps for Android. There are also a few new products in development pipeline that will be an asset for every pilot. Consider taking this survey to help define the direction my future development projects. I am also always looking for Beta Testers for new Apps. Any Volunteers?
A few features you can expect in the Aircraft Weight and Balance app is a new preference for English or Metric units of measurement on weight and volume throughout the entire app. There are also plans to add aircraft templates for additional common General Aviation Aircraft. If you have an aircraft suggestion, send me an email and I will add it to the list. Please provide a copy of Weight & Balance page of POH or the data to be used in the template.
The Density Altitude Calculator App for Android will receive a fresh Airport database update early in the year and add access to a number of private weather stations that are reported thru www.wunderground.com. This will provide you with a more accurate picture of the Density Altitude at your precise location and more weather station options.
Cross Wind Assistant App for Android will receive a makeover to enhance its compatibility with larger tablet screens and improve the readability of the text and numbers. There will also be an updated Airport and METAR station database along with access to www.wunderground.com private weather stations. Additional runway information such as length, width, surface condition, and other information will also be available for most US airports and many international airports.
Please consider purchasing one or more of these apps for your Android device and help support my General Aviation Addiction.
Thank you once again to all of the people who have downloaded any of my Android apps. I know 2013 will bring exciting new improvements and useful new apps that will benefit Student pilots and Airline Captains alike. I remain committed to the continued support and development of these apps well into the future.
-Rick
I can’t get rid of ads. It keeps saying I already own this, but it still has nag screen and ads.
Thanks,
Dave