Secret reply.
Well I'll be stuffed.
I got a prompt reply this morning, which prompted more questions, which also got a prompt reply. Out of courtesy, I asked if she'd mind if I posted the response here, and was told:
Every request we get for data is reviewed from a safety, regulatory and legal aspect, and is not just released without due consideration. I do not want any preconceived interpretation of our discussions and would therefore request that you do not release our discussion on the website.
She also took issue with my "4,000 pilot friends" remark.
Also, I noted your comment re the number of pilot friends that use navigational equipment, and their need for Airservices charts. Maptrax indicated that the numbers were quite low and that was why it was not financially viable for them.
Watch our online store for release dates.
So I could tell you the answers, but I'd have to shoot you. Why don't you all just email them at
[email protected] and ask the questions again.
So, I won't release our discussion, but I owe you the salient points.
Basically, they won't be available until the next release cycle (if then). They won't retain the original geo-references because everyone wants them in different formats and they couldn't keep up with the technology. They will be in packs, not singular, at a similar price (plus some) to Maptrax.
You can scan the paper charts only if you buy a license from Airservices. Minimum fee is $275. You may also need an approval from CASA under CAR 233 (1)(h).
If you want to sell them to others, they are happy to discuss licensing you as they did Maptrax.
They are also worried about inadequately regulated provision of data being an increased safety risk - even though we cannot use this data as a primary means of navigation.
Nothing is in concrete yet (except their feet).