Blog

Happy New Year! I’m kicking off 2026 with a major update (v0.5) for PaperMETAR. This release includes the new interactive Quiz Mode, improved display visuals, and faster WiFi connections; all in preparation for the Kickstarter launch on January 13th!

Published on January 1, 2026Firmware

I’m planning on supercharging PaperMETAR’s Quiz Mode with a new generator that builds dynamic, context-aware questions directly from live METAR data, covering everything from wind gusts to uncommon abbreviations.

Published on December 27, 2025TechnicalFirmware

The PaperMETAR Kickstarter is officially set to launch on January 13th, 2026! It has been a long journey, but a strong prelaunch is the most critical step for success. The focus is now on intensely building significant interest and following before the official launch. Please help spread the word and sign up for the launch mailing list now to get an exclusive, limited-time discount.

Published on December 26, 2025

I’m making a slight change to the blog by renaming "Airport of the Week" to "Airport Spotlight" to better reflect my current schedule as I focus on the upcoming Kickstarter. While I love researching new airfields, building the PaperMETAR device takes priority, and I have some exciting updates to share on that front; including news about the first prototypes getting into users' hands and the feedback I've received so far.

Published on December 8, 2025Airport Spotlight

Catalina Airport earns its “Airport in the Sky” title the moment you realize the runway sits on a mesa sixteen hundred feet above the Pacific with cliffs dropping away in nearly every direction. Built by blasting and leveling the island’s ridge, KAVX blends dramatic terrain, short-field skills and island weather into one unforgettable destination. With a sloped runway, frequent marine-layer surprises and no fuel on the field, it is an airport that rewards preparation and respect, and one that has become a rite of passage for Southern California pilots.

Published on November 16, 2025Airport SpotlightAirport of the Week

This week's Airport of the Week, KMMH - Mammoth Yosemite, is all about respecting two of aviation's biggest challenges: density altitude and mountain weather. At a field elevation of 7,135 feet, summer DA regularly soars past 10,000 feet, demanding ruthless POH calculations. But the second threat is the "Sierra engine," strong westerly winds that pour over the peaks, creating severe turbulence and mountain waves. This is a bucket-list destination that truly tests your skills as a weather-savvy pilot.

Published on November 9, 2025Airport SpotlightAirport of the Week

KMCD is pure aviation weirdness in the best way: 3,501 feet of concrete on a car-free island, no fuel, and your taxi after shutdown is a horse. In winter this little strip keeps the whole island alive. I talk weather traps, snow, fog, and why you don’t just “wing it” here.

Published on November 2, 2025Airport SpotlightAirport of the Week

After a month of intense coding, the device's ePaper display is now faster than ever, with sub-second refreshes. Plus, the mobile app hits TestFlight, and the 3D printer is back online. Check out the latest update on the project!

Published on October 10, 2025