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1. Getting Started
Download SortieTrack from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. On first launch the app will request camera, photo, and location permissions — tap "Allow" to enable full functionality.
1 Ensure you're signed into your Apple ID (Settings → [Your Name]) to enable iCloud backup.
2 All former Premium features are included for free, with no subscription or trial required.
2. Included Features
SortieTrack no longer uses subscriptions, free trials, or Premium feature locks. Every user gets the full mission workflow at no cost.
Full Feature Set
- Advanced GPS flight logging, persistent track recording, and automatic events
- Automated mission-system debrief population with structured sortie data
- Smart fuel receipt processing and annotation, including multi-sortie receipts
- Full iCloud synchronization across devices
- Real-time METAR/TAF weather integration in the briefing dashboard
- KML and GPX export plus KML import from compatible workflows like ForeFlight
- AI-assisted mission results generation for Summary, Results/Deliverables, and Remarks
- Priority support
3. Logging In
Enter your account ID and password on the login screen. The app supports automatic login and syncs login info and preferences across devices using the same Apple ID.
If you have trouble logging in, see the troubleshooting section.
4. Home Screen Overview
The Home screen shows current missions, sorties, sync status, and quick actions for briefing, flying, and postflight work.
- Tap any flight to view or edit it.
- Mission details, crew roles, and planning data stay grouped together so you do not have to re-enter the same information each flight.
- Look for the sync indicator to confirm iCloud backup status.
- Former Premium features are available to every user at no cost.
Important: After visiting Sortie, Briefing, or Debriefing pages, press the Home button to ensure data is saved.
5. Mission-system Integration & Automatic Data Extraction
SortieTrack can automatically extract and organize mission data from your mission management system to reduce manual entry and keep sortie details consistent from briefing through debrief.
Sortie & Mission Data
- Mission numbers, sortie details, aircraft and crew assignments
- Airport ICAO codes, route information, and communications data
- Mission objectives, special instructions, designated contact info, and planning notes
Automatic Population
- Zero manual entry when import works correctly
- Real-time updates from your mission management system
- Validation and immediate iCloud backup of extracted data
- WMIRS-friendly workflow for preparing accurate timing, fuel, weather, and mission results data
Note: WMIRS is a proprietary system of Civil Air Patrol. SortieTrack is an independent product and is not endorsed by or affiliated with Civil Air Patrol.
6. Flight Operations & Mission Management
Use the Fly button to start, pause, or end flights. The app exposes four primary screens: Briefing → Preflight → Flight Log → Postflight.
Key Behaviors
- Briefing dashboard with live METAR and TAF updates
- Automatic saving and iCloud backup of entries
- Dual-entry support: last change wins between app and website
- One-touch event logging for common flight events, including Engine Start/Stop and Wheels Up/Down
- Automatic notifications to designated contacts when configured
- Custom notes for weather changes, operational observations, or unusual mission circumstances
Post-Flight
- Complete instant debrief at the aircraft
- Generate AI-assisted mission results, PDF logs, KML/GPX exports, and annotated receipts while details are fresh
8. GPS Flight Tracking & Event Logging
- Continuous location tracking using aviation-grade formats
- Persistent in-flight track recording between Engine Start and Engine Stop
- Pre-made event buttons and UTC/Zulu timestamps
- KML exports include both event placemarks and a continuous flight path
- GPX export supports mapping and external GPS workflows
- Track review uses time, position, and altitude samples captured throughout the sortie
- GPS signal and altitude recording indicators
9. Advanced Logging & Features
Automatic Event Detection
- Wheels Up/Down and Engine Start/Stop detection
- Phase-of-flight recognition and Hobbs time calculations
KML Import & Review
- Import KML files into an existing sortie, including compatible ForeFlight share flows
- Review imported tracks and placemarks inside the app alongside your event log
AI Mission Results
- Generate mission-focused Summary, Results/Deliverables, and Remarks drafts on supported Apple devices
- The app builds drafts from sortie details, crew notes, flight-log events, and track data
Receipt Capture
- High-quality photo capture with automatic annotation for pilot info, mission context, and Hobbs times
- Support for multiple sorties on a single receipt
- Organized receipt library and exports for expense reporting
11. Mission Briefing & Debriefing
Complete briefings and debriefings using SortieTrack's structured forms. Data is preserved when navigating between pages, mission results stay tied to the sortie record, and exports are ready while the details are still fresh.
- Automatic field population for mission system submission
- Push-button weather entry and ORM support
- AI-generated drafts for mission results fields on supported devices
- PDF generation plus exportable sortie data for your preferred reporting workflow
14. Automatic Data Backup & iCloud Sync
SortieTrack uses iCloud to sync and back up data across Apple devices. Ensure iCloud is enabled and you are signed into the same Apple ID on all devices.
- Real-time sync and offline capability
- Encrypted storage and automatic versioning
- Sync status indicators and diagnostics within the app
- Full iCloud sync included with no subscription or trial
15. Settings & Configuration
- Pilot profile and aircraft preferences
- Designated contact management and automatic matching
- Location tracking and auto-logging sensitivity
- Feature access and privacy controls
16. Troubleshooting
Common Issues
- Login: Verify your account ID and password, restart the app if stuck.
- Feature access: Update to the latest App Store version and restart the app if an included feature does not appear available.
- Mission System: Ensure you're logged into your mission management system in the app browser and clear cache if needed.
- Photos: Enable Photos permissions (Settings → SortieTrack → Photos).
- Location: Ensure Location Services are enabled for SortieTrack.
- Sync: Sign into the same Apple ID and check iCloud storage.
Need help? Contact the support team at support@ezaero.com with device model, iOS version, and screenshots.