They're coming, and not the brick-and-mortar type. Virtual communities at each and every US airport are just days away on FlightCentral. And it's time for you to get started right now. Here's the scoop.
A new feature at FlightCentral.net will create a virtual airport community for every airport. From the airport page, a button will click you right in. On these new pages you will be able to see everyone who has listed the particular airports as their home fields. You can communicate in the community via the airport's blog, its dedicated chat window, or via PMs (private messages). Additionally, each airport will have a classifieds section and community calendar.
This web2.0ish enhancement is truly user controlled - some airport communities will turn out to be vibrant and busy while others will remain largely idle.
You won't have to be a gregarious sort to take advantage of the new communities. Imagine that you're going to a new airport and want to check out tiedown options and restaurants. What better way than to ask the locals? Just go to the Airport's page in FlightCentral, click the "Community" button and ask away of the folks who actually call the airport home.
To prepare for this new feature (which is just days away...) go to the "Control Panel" page and select the "General Info" option. Along with your other information you will see two boxes. These allow you to become an active part of the community at the airport you have chosen as your home base. Check one or both of the boxes. That is it - that's all you have to do.
Now of course the issue of privacy has to be considered. As a community member, people will not see your real name or any other of your personal data. They will see either your first name and initials or your "nickname". (If you want your real name to be shown, set your nickname to be your full, real name.)
Let me stress this - none of your personal information will be shown in the community, not even your email address. People can PM you securely, but cannot email you directly. It is totally safe and you control your own involvement.
Go to the "Settings" page and click the box that will allow you to participate in the community. Do it right now.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
METARs and TAFs
There's always a lot of debate regarding METARs and TAFs. Should we show them raw or translate them? You know, some things are better seen raw and I believe METARs are one of them. The big complaint is that they are difficult to read. But they're only cryptic if you haven't made any effort at all to decipher one. I mean, how cryptic can "29005 10SM" be? The wind is out of 290 degrees at 5 knots and the visibility is 10 statute miles.
If you are having trouble figuring out METARs and TAFs, your first goal is to get past the psychological barrier. Stop telling yourself that they are cryptic. You don't have to be able to instantly decipher every thing in every METAR. Understand that the basics - wind, visibility, sky condition - are probably 90% of what you need, and they are easy as Paris Hilton to figure out. There's simply not much there, but it's all you need.
We do have a couple of resources to help you out if you're having problems. In the Online Ground School, take the lesson entitled "Understanding METARs and TAFs". It is narrated and if you'll go through it just a couple of times, you should be ready to tackle these reports without fear. Note: Your same email and password works in both places - FlightCentral and the Gold Seal Online Ground School use the same user database. Easy for you!
Second, in the Pilots Almanac, you will find a list of abbreviations commonly used.
Got any comments? Serve 'em up right here.
If you are having trouble figuring out METARs and TAFs, your first goal is to get past the psychological barrier. Stop telling yourself that they are cryptic. You don't have to be able to instantly decipher every thing in every METAR. Understand that the basics - wind, visibility, sky condition - are probably 90% of what you need, and they are easy as Paris Hilton to figure out. There's simply not much there, but it's all you need.
We do have a couple of resources to help you out if you're having problems. In the Online Ground School, take the lesson entitled "Understanding METARs and TAFs". It is narrated and if you'll go through it just a couple of times, you should be ready to tackle these reports without fear. Note: Your same email and password works in both places - FlightCentral and the Gold Seal Online Ground School use the same user database. Easy for you!
Second, in the Pilots Almanac, you will find a list of abbreviations commonly used.
Got any comments? Serve 'em up right here.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
What's New
While we will be alerting you to new features here, please check our "What's New" page available from FlightCentral's "About" menu at the bottom left of the website pages.
New things this week include our partnershipt with PilotMall.com. Now you can order sectionals and A/FDs online, directly from any Airport page. And make sure to visit StudentPilot.com. The message forums there are among the busiest on the internet. They're not just for student pilots, either.
Paul's most recent magic trick is the addition of crosswind components on runways. How to see that? Simply go to either an Airport or Planning page and move your mouse cursor over the runway numbers. It uses the current METAR for the airport to calculate it. Very slick.
New things this week include our partnershipt with PilotMall.com. Now you can order sectionals and A/FDs online, directly from any Airport page. And make sure to visit StudentPilot.com. The message forums there are among the busiest on the internet. They're not just for student pilots, either.
Paul's most recent magic trick is the addition of crosswind components on runways. How to see that? Simply go to either an Airport or Planning page and move your mouse cursor over the runway numbers. It uses the current METAR for the airport to calculate it. Very slick.
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