METAR data is translated into green, yellow, and red dots on the flight planning map showing VFR, marginal VFR, and IFR weather conditions, respectively. The dots are presented in segments to also show cloud conditions, such as clear, or partly or mostly cloudy. TAF data is similarly shown as the pilot uses a time slider at the bottom of the screen to look at forecast conditions. Clicking on a dot brings up the text of the report in abbreviated and decoded format.
In addition, the program overlays traditional weather symbols to show weather activity at a reporting station, such as a hollow triangle pointing down with a black dot on top to note the location of rain showers. At a glance, the user can see the visibility, ceiling, and weather conditions in a particular area.
The program also depicts graphical TFRs, as do many other flight planners. However, Flitesoft also checks alternative government sites to make sure that last-minute text TFRs have not been posted but not yet depicted on the primary government Web site. Flitesoft compares the list of text TFRs to the graphical TFRs. If there are any last-minute differences, it shows the user the text description of the late-breaking TFR.
The Flitesoft flight planning is part of a trio of products from RMS. Vista is the companion moving map product and Flitesoft Express is designed for mobile devices.
