I am asking your help in fighting the FlightPrep patent that in recent days has caused some "Flight Planning" web sites to shutdown. Some may not think I should be posting this information on the iFly site, but I believe it is of extreme importants to all pilots. I am doing my best to get this information to as many pilots as possible.
I first noticed Navmonster.com, a "Flight Planning" web site, was shutdown on Dec 22. The owner said in part ..."I make little to no money off this site, and have neither the time, resources, nor money to defend myself against absurd patents." I have found out that numerous other sites have shutdown because of threats from FlightPrep. I have included some links so you can read up on it. Please help by emailing and calling AOPA, EAA, Jeppesen and anyone else that you think might be able to help us small GA pilots win this battle. I have used Navmonster.com almost daily and in my opinion, it is by far the best flight planning web site available and I want it back.
Web site where you can add you name to the list that are willing to boycott FlightPrep. You may also, if you wish, leave a comment.
http://boycottflightprep.com/
Some web sites with comments about the patent.
http://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=51764&start=0
http://boycottflightprep.com/?page_id=2
A very well written comment from the boycott web site by an anonymous person:
This patent should never have been granted in the first place. A cursory glance through the text of the patent reveals it to be far too broad in its scope. Additionally, the owners of the newly minted patent should realize that patents can be challenged after they have been granted. It would appear that in this particular case the patent owners and the IP lawyers are taking a serious gamble on the eventual outcome. I am guessing they should not underestimate the passion of what is still a rather small community of users. Aviation is special for a variety of reasons, some are easy to understand and others exceedingly difficult to quantify. However there truly is a common denominator that binds this group together. The patent owners would do well to abandon their futile quest and instead work feverishly toward developing a superbly competitive product. The American consumer prefers this approach and rewards it with loyalty.
I think the above comment would send a message to the FlighPrep owners and wish you all would cut and paste it and send it to them.
Thanks,
Dennis