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METAR and TAF by Text Message

Many times it would be great to learn an airport’s weather while not having ready access to a computer or tablet? At work or in a meeting, and ForeFlight is available?

Leidos is now offering weather text messaging from a phone.

Liedos Logo

It’s simple and easy, text keyword M or METAR or T or TAF and ICAO airport code to 358-782‬ or FLT SVC. Scroll down for menu of commands.

Examples: M or METAR then an airport’s ICAO identifier like KSFO

METAR example

Leidos weather by text message commands:

Text 358-782‬ or FLT SVC plus any of the following commands:
HELP for menu of options
M or Metar plus airport ICAO code
T or TAF plus airport ICAO code
ACU plus active flight plan ID for adverse conditions update
PT for Plain Text. Adding PT to the end of any command replies in plain text instead of the standard abbreviations.

Example: M KSNS PT

METAR example comparison of plain text verses abbreviated

Give it try. Pretty cool service.

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Comparison of ForeFlight 3D to Google Maps

I just upgraded to Foreflight Pro today because of the new 3D feature they have been promoting.

Here’s an example of the approach to San Carlos KSQL rwy 30. KSQL has a couple of prominent visual checkpoints like the Cement plant and the Diamond lake. Neither of those is visible in Foreflight, but are present in google maps from the same perspective. The examples below don’t include these landmarks to adjust the size constraints. However from those examples you can clearly see the difference in usability. There are no landmarks in Foreflight’s view.

Even the Slough around the edge of the airport is not represented correctly.

  • KSQL Approach from Google Maps
  • ForeFlight 3D KSQL Approach

They tout the advantage is to help pilots find new to them airports. Maybe “where’s Waldo” can find this one. 

This is the prime feature of the ForeFlight Pro upgrade, I don’t think t’s worth the extra $100 a year.

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Picking up the Plane

N46PG was purchased from the estate of the previous owner in Alice Texas.  Just coming out of annual, the plane needed a new prop and other maintenance upon acquisition. Most of all she needed to be flown after sitting for 2 years in the local FBO’s hangar. From KALI she was flown to 10C Galt Field East of Chicago for necessary work.

46PG in Alice Texas
46PG in Alice Texas

The early Autumn skies in at KALI are quite dramatic in the afternoon.  Like clockwork, thunder storms rolled in to Corpus Christi Texas. Lightning and dark clouds are seen looking East towards the Gulf of Mexico, but never quit reached KALI.

David+Plane-Alice-Texas
David next to N46PG in Alice Texas

The weather made for very dramatic skies!