Line (group communications on-the-go)

Picture
Line is the app that pilots use for field communications where radio/texting/calling won't cut it. It is great for flying/travel coordination and it's free! It is a Chat/Skype/IM type of app that has gained excellent ground over the past couple of years. 

It is especially helpful for novices and visiting pilots who don't necessarily know who the active pilots are and when/where they are going.



​OSA chose line because of it's:
  • Platform Coverage (All smartphone/tablet OS's covered as well as PC & Mac) 
  • Acceptance (100,000 users in its first 8 months means it is well supported and will not be shutting down soon)
  • Group chat capabilities (trickier with texting)
  • Board section for posting longer term reference items
  • Comm formats (Text/Voice/Image/Video/Geo-location)
  • As an app, you can choose to turn on/off notifications so it is not invasive.
  • Easy to use.
Read more about features here.

It is available for ALL smartphone platforms so that iPhone/Android/Blackberry/Windows phones can all participate. There are even PC and Mac versions.

LINE Setup

Pilots who want to Join an Existing Line Group

You will need to know the name of the Group Creator (ie: FLYOK here in the Okanagan - PILOTS only) or one of the current members. Search and request from the creator the group you wish to be in (ie: FlyOKPG or FlyOKHG - for pilots only, here in the Okanagan.) Follow the steps below, substituting your group creator's name (note: PILOTS ONLY! Spammers will be refused):

  1. Download the app for FREE from your device's app store by searching for LINE or LINE CHAT (look for the green LINE logo)(**ipad users be sure to select iphone apps)
  2. Register by using either your cell phone number or a Facebook account
  3. Once active, Add a friend using the HEAD+ button and search (using the magnifying glass button) for FLYOK. Add FLYOK and send a message specifying your interest in either FlyOKHG or the FlyOKPG group, or both (or the specific region you will be flying. If you don't specify and request we cannot put you in.)
  4. When your request is received you will be invited to the group and will be sent a join request (which should happen within 24 hours, usually minutes.)
  5. When the Friends button has a red badge on it select it, select the group under GROUP INVITATIONS and hit the JOIN button and you're in.


How do I use it and what for?
  • Any messages sent to the group will be received by the whole FlyOKHG or FlyOKPG group. Be judicious with this but it will be useful
  • You can also send messages to individuals in the group by selecting their Avatar, great for private messages
  • You can create your own group for just your party and driver coordination
  • Many types of messaging formats: Text/Voice clips/Voice Dialogue/Image/Video
  • You can announce/request items of general issues or general member info, post weather conditions, safety issues, pilot reminders, your landing coords for available drivers, etc.
  • As an app, you can alter the app's notification settings so you only get notifications when you want them

**If you don't have a smartphone, the pilot next to you probably will so don't be afraid to ask them to post or check something for you.
**There is a geolocation option but it is not very accurate. Use the Glympse App (details on the Resource Tools Page) for that function.

To Create a New Line Group

You will need to decide the name of the Group Creator Account (ie: FLYOK here in the Okanagan). Then decide on the name(s) of the group(s)(ie: FlyOKPG and FlyOKHG chat groups here in the Okanagan. We have chosen to keep PG and HG separate and bi-wingual pilots just subscribe to both. Smaller clubs may just have one group. Follow the steps below, substituting your group creator's name and group names:

  • Download the app for FREE from your device's app store by searching for LINE or LINE CHAT (look for the green LINE logo)
  • Register by using either your cell phone number or a Facebook account
  • Once active, Create a group using the HEAD+ button (upper right corner) and enter the group name you have decided upon. 
  • Now Invite Mezmbers if they are already registered with LINE or just wait for them to search for you and request to be your friend. One requests have been received, had them to your Group.
  • Once they have been added to the group, send a chat message directly to them (not to the whole group) with instructions that they have been added and that they MUST hit the JOIN button on their end to finalize the group addition procedure. **I've included an example template below which can be copied and pasted into new members chats.
  • Post the instructions from the column to the left of this one entitled To Join an Existing Line Group on your club's web page and edit for your details.

That's it! If you have any issues or questions, you can contact me at FlyOKIT@gmail.com
Template Member Response:
You are now in the <entername> group. Be sure to hit the Join button to complete the invite. You can turn off notifications for Line when not able to fly and turn on when interested.

Use the plus sign left of the text entry box to send photos and other stuff. If a reply is not for the group the tap a person's avatar to chat directly to them

Cheers & Welcome.