Before releasing the 3.0.5 patch, I plan on fixing bug 572 and bug 582, as well as fixing a few minor problems with the data files and VIP files. None of these should take very much time. There will also be a period of testing by the beta testers prior to a general release.

Some excellent news. The plane visibility bug that first appeared in version 3.0.4 has been fixed. As well, the stutters and hangs that a number of users have experienced since SquawkBox 3's original release appear to also be resolved. They are a lot harder to reproduce though, so a small group of testers is testing the fix to confirm that it no longer occurs.

Both of these fixes will be rolled into the upcoming 3.0.5 patch release. After a bit more testing, the patch should be ready for public release.

I've been working all week on fixing bugs for a 3.0.5 patch release. Here's where things stand:

• Working on the missing aircraft bug introduced in 3.0.4. I'm on the trail of the problem, but the current issue is that I'm having a heck of a time reproducing it. Anyone who can get two pilots together and can reliably reproduce this problem will be in my debt. Just contact me if you think you've got a reliable way to reproduce.
• The problems people have had with hangs and severely low frame rates has always been a mystery to me. But I just switched to a new PC and I'm now getting it pretty consistently. So I'm optimistic I should be able to figure something out on this bug.
• Found a problem with the positions that are sent between pilots when within one mile. Basically they have been getting ignored due to a bug introduced just priot to the release of 3.0. Ouch--pretty embarrasing. So when 3.0.5 comes out you should see even smoother movement when close up to another SB3 plane.

I'll keep you posted as more develops.