Tom Nery, the original PilotGEEK

About the Founder … the original pilotGeek

A 1976 graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Tom Nery may have earned his degree in mechanical engineering, but confesses his fondest memories of WPI are of his many hours spent learning about the then-fledgling computer industry.

Years before the PC era, Tom recognized the impact computers would have on all major commerce and knew he had to be a part of this emerging industry’s evolution. So intrigued by the aspect of household computers, Tom built his own PC in the late 1970s… and still dusts it off on occasion.

An engineer for three decades, Tom spent more than 20 of those years as a professional software developer, working for high technology companies both large and small. His love for the computer industry met its match several years ago when Tom finally realized a long-held dream of obtaining his private pilot’s license.

In the summer of 2003, Tom earned his “wings” and promptly purchased a 1966 Piper Cherokee. He attained his IFR rating a couple years later and now averages between 100 to 150 flight hours a year.

It was during one of his inaugural flights that Tom realized the need for a device that can provide instant weather and flight restriction information. With his first passenger (his dad) aboard, Tom was headed toward the Atlantic coastline. He called out over his destination airport and was told a TFR was in place … and then Tom was asked if he had checked the NOTAMs. OK, he hadn’t, so turning away before busting the TFR he filed a NASA report. Following that incident, he made it a practice to check TFRs and weather conditions several hours prior to a flight, but almost never checked those elements on the return flight home.

Software developer met aviator when Tom considered creating a software-based mechanism that checks for flight restrictions and weather easily, regardless of the whereabouts of the pilot. He figured if he wanted this critical information at his fingertips, so, too, would other pilots … and so the PilotGEEK Briefer was born.

The PilotGEEK Briefer

Designed to provide easy access to METARs, TAFs, local flight service numbers and supply presidential TFRs within a pilot’s traffic control area, the PilotGEEKBriefer works from either a web base or a cellular phone. The pilotGeek Briefer also supplies access to local ASOS and AWOS phone numbers, eliminating the need for pilots to go rummaging through their Airport Facilities Directory.

Additionally, the PilotGEEK Briefer implements an alert to send e-mail to your cell phone if a change in the weather or restrictions occurs. The PilotGEEK Briefer also checks for local NOTAMs and will e-mail any pop-ups in the area.

The computer version of the PilotGEEK Briefer allows you to see METARs, TAFs and TFRs all on one page, providing a snapshot of all that is going on in your flight area.

And the PilotGEEK Briefer will even tell you which airports “have weather reporting.” All you have to do is type in the airport you’re currently at and it will provide the 10 closest METARs and the five nearest TAFs.

The requirements to utilize the pilotGeek Briefer are minimal. All you need is a cellular phone with web access – either a web 1.0 or web 2.0 phone can be used.

Why you need the PilotGEEK Briefer

In this post 9/11 era, situational awareness takes on new meaning. Not being fully aware of flight restrictions can cost you a large fine at the very least … and your life at the most.

Tom Nery is convinced the PilotGEEK Briefer should be a “must have” for all private pilots and to help convince them likewise, he has priced this important piece of technology at $24.99 per year… less than a 12-month magazine subscription or a week’s worth of drive-through coffee. For $24.99, you can have access to 365 days of 24/7 flight restriction and weather information at your fingertips.

PilotGEEK My Phone! 30 Day Free Trial