Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania-based Flight Data, Incorporated has released a Windows 95-compatible version of its DUAT/Plus for Windows access software. This handy little utility automatically will dial-up DTC DUATS at user-predetermined times. Also, it can download a customized weather briefing and file flight plans. The software supports the FAA's new TAF and METAR weather formats.

One of business aviation's ``Holy Grails'' has been to find a reliable way to offset the cost of ownership of an aircraft when it isn't being used for its primary mission of transporting corporate employees. Some operators have found that chartering their aircraft can be an effective way to reduce the costs of ownership, but finding passengers is often a hit-or-miss affair. And what do you do when you need another aircraft on short notice or when you're deadheading?

It wasn't so long ago that calling Flight Service or subscribing to a commercial flight-planning service was the only way corporate and regional airline pilots and dispatchers could get preflight weather briefings.