Paragliding Pilot Retrieve

Android App Analysis and Review: Paragliding Pilot Retrieve, Developed by Jan Cees Venema. Listed in Sports Category. Current Version Is v5.0, Updated On 06/11/2024 . According to users reviews on Google Play: Paragliding Pilot Retrieve. Achieved Over 2 thousand Installs. Paragliding Pilot Retrieve Currently Has 1 Reviews, Average Rating 5.0 Stars

As a XC paragliding pilot, you might land in a different location than anticipated. In this case you may want to inform the retrieve team where they can pick you up or just inform them on your status.

This app determines your location, and allows you to send a message with a few clicks to the retrieve team.

You just pick the message from a list, which might be quite handy given the situation.

How to use the app

1. Switch on your GPS

2. Start the app
After having enabled the GPS, give it 20-45 seconds to perform an accurate location fix. The location will be presented in Google Maps pin format.

3. Select message
Click on the ‘Select message’ button. A screen opens and will display a list of 12 messages of which you can select one. Just click on the required message and you will be returned to the main screen where the button will now display the text 'Message selected' and where the message is also displayed. You can always change the text by clicking this button again.

4. Send message without location
If you have selected a text stating that you are making your own way back or are back at base, there’s no need to add location information. In that case just click the ‘Send message’ button. Your smartphone will now open a screen allowing you to select the messaging service you want to use. Follow the steps indicated by the messaging service. The app will send the selected message, but will allow you to add more text if you like.

5. Send message with location
If you want to also send the location information, the process is the same as under 6. but the location information is added in Google Maps pin (with latitude/longitude) format.

App properties

Minimal data transfer
The app is designed to be extremely ‘light’ on the data transfer, in order to cope with marginal internet connections often encountered in the field. Around 150 bytes are sent in the retrieve message.

What if there’s no internet connection?
Most of your messaging services won’t work. Except one: SMS. Your GPS works independent of your internet connection, as does SMS. So that’s the fallback option. You will still get your location and message across.

Mind the GPS performance
Obviously the app is meant to be used in open spaces, our natural flying habitat. In this way reception of the GPS signals is optimal and allows for accuracies of several meters. The app is not meant to be used indoors.

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