Welcome to the AviationReviews Blog ...
News: Apple iPhone SDK Prohibits Moving Maps
Published Jun 26, 2008 by Matthew Justice
As we closer to the July 11th launch of the Application Store and iPhone 3G more and more details are starting to surface. One item that is important to us in aviation is the clause in the SDK license that reads "Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes."
As a developer I can see both sides to this, Apple appears to be trying to reduce their liability but this also restricts the creative ability of developers that want to port their applications to the iPhone. Hopefully as more and more applications come out Apple will reword their license agreement to allow developers to build moving maps.
I for one have been trying to decide if I should replace my old reliable Treo 700P but am now thinking I might hold-off or purchase a Centro.
Site: Using Your Phone World-Wide
Published Jun 24, 2008 by Matthew Justice
I came across this phone site awhile ago and thought it might be of interest to our readers. I have always wondered what would be involved with taking my phone overseas. The site below breaks down every aspect from checking to see if your phone will work, how to unlock it (if needed) and roaming rates for places around the globe. There are many companies that will sell you a SIM card that can be used in your destination country and according to them thet can offer a discounted roaming rates.
Based on what I have read if you have a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) phone you can use it in any county that supports the service as long as you have a valid SIM card installed. Below, I have also included a link to the GSM Roaming Guide, this will show what countries support GSM and the networks that are available.
So in summary "Buyer Beware" when it comes to unlocking your phone. You should start by contacting your mobile phone carrier (prior to departure) to get prices and check compatibility for your phone.
News: F16's To Fly On Coal
Published Jun 24, 2008 by Matthew Justice
The Air Force (USAF) has built a new facility by the Missouri River to test ways to turn coal into a faster burning synthetic fuel to potentially power their planes. This could wean our military's dependence on foreign oil, but possibly at the cost of the oxygen we breath.
News: Top 10 Most Annoying Airline Fees
Published May 31, 2008 by Matthew Justice
Forbes Traveler has put together a list of the top 10 most annoying airline fees. Airlines (as well as others) are feeling the effect of sky rocking fuel prices and they're trying their best to pass the costs along to you without loosing customers or decreasing ticket sales.
Forbes Traveler's 10 Most Annoying Airline Fees
1. Checked Baggage: $10-$100
American Airlines now charges $15 for the first checked bag, other are following.
2. Talking to Real People: $10-$25
"It costs $20 to book through a representative at American Airlines, and US Airways charges $15—the same as discount airlines JetBlue and Southwest."
3. Seat Preference: $10-$20
"United Airlines' Economy Plus plan is unique: For a $349 annual fee, one member and his or her companion are seated at the front of economy section whenever possible."
4. Rewards Redemption: $75-$100
Expect to pay this fee if miles are redeemed without "sufficient notice," and because you can't redeem the miles through the website, get ready to "pay for the convenience of booking through a ticket agent."
5. Curbside Check-In: $2-$3+
Remember, this fee doesn't include the tip.
6. Traveling with a Child or a Pet: $10-$100 and up
"Delta recently doubled its [unaccompanied minor] rate to $100 and Continental upped its charge to $75 on direct flights and $100 on trips with connections."
7. Changing a Reservation: $30-$200
"United Airlines has hiked its ticket-changing charge from $100 to $150. "
8. Paper Ticket: $50-$70
"Delta charges $50 to customers who still want a physical copy of their ticket."
9. Airport improvement: $4.50-$20+
"...the airport-improvement fee has one short-term impact: It makes your ticket more expensive."
10. Fuel Surcharge: $30-$300
"Fuel now accounts for 40 percent of a ticket's price, and surcharges are regularly $65 each way on most major carriers."
News: Unsuspecting Passenger Receives Free Cannabis From Security
Published May 26, 2008 by Matthew Justice
