Websites

I wasn't going to write anything else about FlightPrep and their self-damaging legal tactics against free online flight planning resources like RunwayFinder.com; however, I was browsing ANN, the Aero-News Network, and came across an article about GA's boycott of FlightPrep. The article has some interesting tidbits and links to a site called BoycottFlightPrep.com where over a thousand pilots have already stated their outrage at FlightPrep's actions and pledged to boycott all their products.

I was surprised that people had gotten angry enough to make an entire website opposed to FlightPrep, but what really shocked me was reading that FlightPrep has been making direct threats to several other companies, including ANN.

I used to frequent a flight planning website called RunwayFinder.com. It was a really nice interface for basic, big-picture flight planning or just perusing aeronautical charts online. I tried it recently and the page wouldn't load. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it turns out that Runway Finder has been involved in a huge and very unfortunate battle.

Another company called FlightPrep filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Runway Finder. This action effectively forced Runway Finder to shut down (though FlightPrep will never concede that fact.) FlightPrep also makes flight planning software and seems to think that Runway Finder's existence is hurting their business.

Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut? ever wanted to experience weightlessness? Well a company in Florida, Zero G, can make your dream come true. Ok so they won't put you in space, but their modified airliner will give you a chance to experience brief bouts of weightlessness.

Now the experience isn't cheap, but for just over $5000 you can saddle up for a few short minutes of weightlessness. However they are an excellent option for movies and researcher and just the curious to experience a true zero gravity moment. Now to figure out how to do the same thing in the Champ!

I've been writing about some pretty heavy aviation issues lately. Aviation is a very important freedom to me and there are definitely some forces out there threatening it right now. As important as aviation is for commerce and industry, I feel about airplanes like Disney's Captain Jack Sparrow feels about ships. (Answers.com has the quote.)

Thankfully, there's at least one company out there that helps me remember this: Paradise Aircraft.