IMPORTANT NOTE for iPad users regarding iOS 5.0

18 OCT 2011

Apple's iOS 5.0 includes a change that can DELETE ALL PLATES AND CHARTS WITHOUT WARNING. This change affects Reader Plates and many other apps storing maps for offline viewing. The data removal is the result of cache "cleaning" and may occur any time the app is not running and there is insufficient storage space available on the device.

What to do:

1. Preflight the app before each use. Preflighting is always a good idea and is very easy in Reader Plates. Simply activate the dark gray Updates tab and verify all the needed regions are downloaded & effective or "in the green". Then leave the app running if possible or avoid large downloads in other apps that would use the remaining storage space.
2. Monitor the storage space available on your iPad and try to maintain at least 1 GB of space available by deleting unneeded data or apps if necessary. This will help avoid situations where iOS determines "Cleaning" is necessary. The storage space available can be examined in the "Settings" app on the "General" page under "About" on the line titled "Available". And iOS 5.0 provides detailed usage for each installed app on the "General" page under "Usage". (Also please remember Reader Plates requires only about 5 GB to store data for the entire country-- much less than many other aviation charting apps.)

Reader Plates 2.3.0 for the iPad

19 SEP 2011

Reader Plates for the iPad™ includes new routing features in the latest update. Routes may now be specified using Arrival & Departure codes, Victor & Jet airways, or even Q & T route codes. For example, "KAUS CWK4 ILEXY COACH1 KHOU" will generate the complete route using both the departure and arrival procedures. Or enter "KCRP ATHIS V568 SAT KAUS" and the nav log will include all the waypoints with heading changes along V568 from ATHIS to SAT.

And when it comes to approaches there's a great new feature for them too. With version 2.3.0 the fixes for many approach procedures may be displayed overlaying the IFR enroute and VFR charts. This makes it very easy to visualize the transition enroute to an approach. Or plan a training flight with approaches into multiple airports. Approach fixes are color coded to match the airport tabs, so approaches at nearby airports may be displayed simultaneously.

Click here for more details...

Reader Plates Version 2 for the iPad

22 JUL 2011

Reader Plates version 2 is now available for the iPad™. The app comes with many new charting features including:

• Visual hazard overlays of AIRMETs, SIGMETs, TFRs, and "Worst-case" TAFs on top of VFR or IFR enroute charts.
• Draggable route lines for fast & easy changes.
• Flight planning based on winds aloft forecasts and your own aircraft performance profiles.
• High resolution VFR WAC and TAC charts that are easy to read just like our VFR Sectionals and IFR enroute charts.

Click here for more details...