Seattle Avionics Software has released version 2.0 of its FlyQ EFB for the iPad. Version 2.0 puts the emphasis on maps and plates rather than tab bars, button bars, and other non-essential elements, according to company officials.
“The software industry tends to devolve into a battle to add features, even when they clutter and complicate apps,” said Steve Podradchik, CEO. “We think that’s fundamentally wrong. With FlyQ EFB 2.0, we made the common tasks easier to keep the pilot’s focus on charts and plates. A pilot should fly the plane, not the iPad.”
Existing FlyQ EFB users will see all the enhancements without removing familiar buttons or functions.
FlyQ EFB 2.0’s ultimate emphasis is on pilot safety. This was accomplished by focusing on usability, performance, and reliability, company officials said.
Usability
All versions of FlyQ EFB employ the “Rule of 2” concept that requires common tasks to be just a tap or two away. With FlyQ EFB version 2.0, the concept was expanded by requiring the screen to be devoted to key flight information with charts and plates taking precedence over tab bars and tool bars. Tool bars and button bars automatically hide themselves when not needed and appear with a tap. The new auto-hide feature is especially useful in FlyQ’s split-screen mode where screen space is even more limited.
A pilot needs to be alerted immediately if a connection to GPS or ADS-B is lost or when weather data is getting too old to be reliable. FlyQ EFB 2.0 includes always visible status indicators at the upper right corner of the screen. Four indicators (GPS, Weather, ADS-B Connection, and ADS-B Battery) use green, yellow, and red to instantly show status at a glance.
Performance
FlyQ EFB 2.0 has an all-new 2D mapping system that is up to 300% faster than the previous system, producing far more fluid map movements, company officials said. The new mapping system, paired with new higher resolution ChartData maps, produce clearer map images that make reading text easier than ever.
FlyQ EFB 2.0 can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. All pilots can use the app and all VFR and IFR features for 30 days for free. VFR annual subscriptions are $69 and IFR + VFR subscriptions are $119.
FlyQ EFB supports more than 15 ADS-B receivers and transceivers including virtually all portable, certified, and experimental systems.
If you’d like to try FlyQ again, Seattle Avionics has cleared records of previous 30-day trials, company officials note.