The topic of an electronic/mobile backcountry airport guide application came up in another thread recently. Since I've already got one half-baked, we might as well start talking about it. I'll add more information and request your input soon. After some discussion, if it looks like my application is worth finishing, then I'll increase my efforts and make something available.

I'm in if you need any beta testers!!

That'd be a great way to start building ideas for features.

What platform is the app going to be for?

Sounds great Chris!

If it's iOS and you want any help, let me know.

I'd love to have a look if its ios.

Since I drink the G kool aide, I'm voting for Android support. However, since I do use a nav app (Avilution) I'd prefer that the database be integrated with that. Its own app would be great, but an API that can be used by other apps could also be valuable. ...and, yes, I'd pay a small subscription for the service.

I'd be happy to beta test droid platform. Would love to see a shortfield app!

Rob and I were talking about is yesterday. Idaho Div of Aero put their airport guide on an app last year. Maybe that would be a starting point, could be integrated, or maybe they would be interested in being a partner. Just a thought.

I'd also beta test. It would be great to be able to take SF with you!

Hi all,
Sorry for the lack of updates on this topic. I've been offline a lot lately...busy on several fronts.

I'm circling-back on this project and will try to have something ready for testing soon. I'll probably start testing on the Android OS because it's' easier to deploy.

I have a few questions about the features you think are most important. I'll create a poll with a few questions.

Bump. Looks like a good number of votes on the poll already, but weigh in with your desired features for Chris. This could be a cool app.

My main request would be to cache the basic database locally with a bare bones schema: Coordinates, elevation, runway length, surface type, frequencies. Often is the case when you need this that there's no good data-capable cell signal for realtime requests.

Zzz wrote:Bump. Looks like a good number of votes on the poll already, but weigh in with your desired features for Chris. This could be a cool app.

My main request would be to cache the basic database locally with a bare bones schema: Coordinates, elevation, runway length, surface type, frequencies. Often is the case when you need this that there's no good data-capable cell signal for realtime requests.

I would add to what Zane said with the ability to Save Favorites to the local cache - so if there are pics, diagrams, etc. in the full-featured when-you're-online version, those goodies are available for your favorites all the time, even when you're not "within the datasphere."

The ability to put together a "Trip Book" might be nice, too - Select Departure/Destination strips and other strips of intended landing that can be saved into a route file. When you "Activate" the file or route before a flight, those strips listed in the Trip Book get cached locally for reference outside of the datasphere, just like your favorites. At the end of the flight, have a single button with a verification step to clear the Trip Book cache, which still keeps the saved route file, but clears memory of the extra goodies. The ability to swipe between fields within your Trip Book would make it easier to stay heads-up enroute.

Zzz wrote:Bump. Looks like a good number of votes on the poll already, but weigh in with your desired features for Chris. This could be a cool app.

My main request would be to cache the basic database locally with a bare bones schema: Coordinates, elevation, runway length, surface type, frequencies. Often is the case when you need this that there's no good data-capable cell signal for realtime requests.

X2. And Pireps! Having the most recent data on the strip available would be key I think.

Make it as much like the fly Idaho book as possible. I have my check book ready to buy. iPhone 5

Cheers...Rob

I am a windows guy....

so I'll be looking for Windows Phone and Tablet apps.

Windows? What's that?