FlashPass 1.4 Released

[Update: V1.4.1 current. Links will provide for 1.4.1]

This is a major release of FlashPass. We skipped 1.3 for public release. 1.4 is the next release from 1.2.

1.4, includes the following changes/features and/or bug fixes:

• Introduction to multi document model.   (Open / Save as / New)  (*1)
• Overall tune up and General bug fixes in stability issues.
• Fixed preview window errors.
• Fixed demo and registration flow and bugs.
• Streamlined launch process and fixed some minor license issues.
• We now filter “-” dashes in the N number of the aircraft.  (*2)
• We now sanitize XML files for more unaccepted characters by the CBP processor.
• We now issue a warning when creating a manifest XML file that happens in the past.
• Cleaned the XML processor for better processing and cleaner generation.
• Fixed a bug when using new categories and creating a manifest immediately afterwards.
• Lastname field now conforms to CBP character length standard of 25 max chars instead of 20.
• Fixed an issue where quote characters in some fields (like categories for persons) crashed the software.
• We now apply basic validation for eApis authorized airports for arrival and departures to and from the USA.
• Added a feature to search for authorized airports within the USA for manifest creation. (*3).
• Fixed a bug where Puerto Rico, U.S Virgin Islands and other ‘countries’ where not recognized as USA territory for eApis porpoises.
• U.K is now known as United Kingdom for the country list.
• Other country names replaced with their common names instead of formal names for easier recognition. (will not affect manifest)
• ReWrote the auto update engine. You no longer need to leave the app to download new software.
• We now check for updates whenever FlashPass get’s a chance. This is due to the nature of the software and criticality.
• Improved drawing engine for windows. It should feel snapier and smoother
• Snow Leopard 100% Compatible (MAC).
• All bugs known to date have been fixed or addressed.
• 1.4.1 = Fixed a licensing issue that occured on brand new installations.
• 1.4.1 = Fixed a problem with databases stored externally on unmounted devices
• 1.4.1 = We now import/export contacts with categories. This fixes a bug where persons will not be available if no category is added.
• 1.4.1 = Minor stability issues and minor bugs.

*1 .- FlashPass no longer will store the database on a central place. If you are upgrading from an older version, it will move your database file to your documents folder automatically and it will open it for you every time you open FlashPass, if you like the old model, this process should be transparent to you.

*2.- For persons upgrading from our beta phase, there was a possibility where it was possible to enter dashes in the N number field for the aircraft. If this is the case, we no longer allow this character to go to your manifests.

*3.- Try the new pushbutton  on the right of the airport field in the manifest window. This should make easier to identify which airports are authorized for departure or arrival according to CBP. NOTE: This does not means that you can land in the USA on any airport authorized. It has to be a port of entry and you need to check with customs if its authorized for landing. Not all departure airports are arrivals!. You can depart any airport from the US, authorized or not, you just have to specify the closest authorized airport in the airport field and use the (departure place description) field to specify the actual airport you are departing from. Please consult CBP rules for more information.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:
FlashPass 1.4.1 (WIN) (882)
FlashPass 1.4.1 (MAC) (423) 

FlashPass 1.2 released

VERSION 1.2 RELEASE

We are happy to announce the release of FlashPass version 1.2
This release solves all known bugs to date. We also did some house keeping tweaks for efficiency. We also added some features that we are sure you will like.

Here is a list of improvements and changes :

• We now support categories for persons/contacts, so you can organize the list better.
• Auto Update will not freeze the app when checking for updates or when internet is down/slow
• Allows the option to unlock state names from 2 digit abbreviations to full state names (read warning)
• Fixes an issue on manifest window where tab order was wrong.
• Zulu gathering from Internet is now handled faster without hanging the program.
• Fixed an issue under windows, where the .xml extension was not parsed correctly.
• Added sort capabilities to all the lists.
• Occupant lists now sort by category and then by name.
• Added a better preview window for the basic details of the manifest. (Turn on feature using prefs window)
• Used a newer compiler for better performance across platforms.
• Improved overall stability and memory management.

Download

FlashPass 1.2 (WIN) (422)
FlashPass 1.2 (MAC) (219)

FlashPass 1.1 released

VERSION 1.1 RELEASE

Hi All!
We are happy to announce the next release of FlashPass, version 1.1
This release solves minor problems and changes a bit the way the manifest is entered to better suit the flow of information.

We hope you like this release!

Here is a list of improvements and changes :

•  We put a filter in place to prevent ilegal XML characters from being inserted into the XML.
•  Fixed a rare issue on Windows that prevented the drawing of the window in the screen.
•  Fixed some capitalization errors in the XML generation for all UPPERCASE, for better processing by CBP.
•  Added warnings for missing information on the pre XML generation report.
•  Improved manifest window for a more logical input flow.
•  Added an option to specify the duration of flight and calculate arrival times using this field.
•  Cloning now changes the name of the cloned manifest to ether (cloned) or (return) depending on operation.
•  Manifest list title of (route) changed to (from/to) 

Download

FlashPass 1.1 (WIN) (423)
FlashPass 1.1 (MAC) (196) 

Reminder

We added new videos on our new ‘videos’ section, check them out!
here

FlashPass 1.0 is out!

V1.0 RELEASED

This is it… Our first full blown gold master release is out. Version 1.0 will be our first non-testing release, and we hope we have done along with your help a good job of killing little nasty bugs. Developement will continue if we find any new bugs, but mostly will continue to bring some cool new features to you, so stay put!

Make sure you download the 1.0 version here, and uninstall all prior versions of FlashPass betas and release candidates. Your database will remain unchanged and untouched. Once you install 1.0 your data will be back and alive. Also make sure you create new desktop shortcuts so that you are actually running version 1.0 and not an older one.

Quick reminder that on May 18th of this year, eApis will become mandatory. It is recommended that you practice some submissions using FlashPass before it actually becomes mandatory.

DOWNLOADS
FlashPass 1.0 (WIN) (499)
FlashPass 1.0 (MAC) (163) 

-Fixes from RC7 to 1.0-

1) Made the registration process a bit more tight for validation.
2) On New Person dialogs, we marked what’s mandatory and what’s optional.
3) Fixed some minor issues with validation of new persons.
4) Fixed a minor issue in MAC when closing the application.
5) Changed the label of ‘Lope Mode’ to ‘LARGE FONTS’

FP featured on Ray Maxwell’s & Leo Laporte Podcast

FlashPass was featured on a technology podcast by Ray Maxwell & Leo Laporte. Ray is a private pilot, and found FlashPass searching for a solution to the eApis problem. He evaluated all the options, and found FlashPass to be the best option.

FlashPass 0.17 RC7 - Now Released.

This release addresses some minor issues, and is recommended for everyone using FlashPass. We are a step closer for 1.0, we aim to release on the first quarter of May, well before the rule goes into effect.

LIST OF CHANGES AND FIXES

• Changed validation rules for ‘Persons’ , now you have the option to add persons with partial data with only a warning. 
• Added a pref field where you can specify default countries and states for new entries.
• Mini Calendar day’s are now in English
• Fixed ‘new aircraft’, when creating an aircraft, the new record has no default data.
• Fixed a bug where deleting data from a field was difficult.

Please don’t hassitate to report any bugs or suggestions!

DOWNLOAD LINKS

FlashPass 0.17 RC7 (WIN) (174)
FlashPass 0.17 RC7 (MAC) (118)

FlashPass 0.16 RC6 - Now Released.

FlashPass 0.15 RC5 - Now released.

This is the newest release of FlashPass, it incorporates proven XML generation, fixed some minor issues in our race to a final release, and we think this is our last release before we do 1.0 if no bugs or problems are found. We have also logged several border crossings using this version and we have had the thumbs up from the CBP people. We think this version is our gold master version, but we won’t mind if you find something that needs to be fixed. 

DOWNLOAD LINKS
FlashPass 0.15 RC5 (MAC) (111)
FlashPass 0.15 RC5 (WIN) (116)

RELEASE NOTES

•  FIX:  All known bugs reported to date have been killed. 
•  ADD: We now provide basic validation in accordance with CBP Business Rules.
•  ADD: It is now possible to use actual zulu offsets based on your airport using the internet as a source.
  •  NOTE: We also allow the use of system standard zulu times like old versions (see prefs).
• ADD: Verifies if an occupant has an expired document and notifies you if you intend to use if for a manifest.
• ADD: A color code in the ‘persons’ window to see if an expired document is coming soon or has allready expired.
• FIX: Windows problem when selecting an airport from a list, it dissapeared after selecting it.
• ADD: Contact sharing now validates the file before attempting an import to protect your database.
• ADD: A new section to specify common used addresses for “while on the USA” and re-used them as required.
  • See under the ‘EDIT” menu
  • See also on the manifest detailed window on the left side of the ‘address while in the US’ field.
• FIX: Form 178 issues with some names not showing complete due to font issues.
• FIX: “Case” issues with the 178 that made some fields look strange. We now use pure Uppercases to avoid that issue.
• FIX:  Canada ZIP codes are now allowed on the fields. (Sorry about this folks).
• FIX: Fixed several minor and one major issue on the XML generation.
• ADD: Added departure place description field.

Most bugs and feedback has been contributed by users like you. Please use the built in form in the software to polish our 1.0 release.

We are targeting our release for May 12~15 right before eApis goes live. 

KNOWN ISSUES

• WINDOWS: There is an issue with some installations under Windows Vista and some XP installations.
  • The issue happens when you install the software under a certain user profile, and then attempt to run it under another user, it seems the software doesn’t like some permission issues and crashes ugly on startup. 
  • The workaround offcourse is to run it under the same user that installed it, but we are looking into fixing this issue for 1.0

Store now online!

FlashPass
now available for sale!

With the May deadline coming fast, we are ready to process orders for FlashPass

Once your transaction is done and PayPal confirms your payment, we will e-mail you your license keys. Its fast, safe and easy.

Visit our online store and pay securely using PayPal or your credit card

FlashPass 0.12 RC4 - PreRelease

Big Release Today,

We are very happy on how things are turning out. We think we are getting real close to the final release, and what first started as a thing for my own use its now evolving into a very robust and powerful application. we fixed all of the bugs known to date, and made several tests with actual eApis filings and its working like a charm. We had to make some changes since the last version to be 100% compliant with CBP requirements, but we have been in ample talk with them and i think we have most of the gremlin out. We also added a lot of features since our last release, this is in reality our first release candidate with feature freeze. What this means is that there will be no more features added to this version, only bug hunting. Once we are done squishing any remaining bugs, we will do our goldmaster release which will be version 1.0