OK:
Make a new app - any kind of template will do, preferably the one you plan on using for most of the app though. (i use window based as there is little to get in the way or alter)
In the app didfinishLaunching add your second view where you will do all the work mine does this:
Code:
[window addSubview:tabBarController.view];
Then you are in a view/nav controller that you can do what you want in without cluttering the AppDelegate.
Try what you have in that new controller and report back if it still doesnt work