Just a simple GPS

[3Dreaming]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I haven't made the jump yet, but a simple tablet with either a built in GPS or external GPS antenna might be a good choice. There are several different apps that offer the same or better performance that the stand alone GPS. Many of the different options offer free trials so you can check them out and see what you like. I think both Garmin and I Fly offer an app along with their stand alone equipment.

[barnstmr]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I did the 30-day free trial on the I-Fly GPS app for my android phone. It was clear in the first 30 minutes that it was going to fit my needs.

[PA1195]

Re: Just a simple GPS

How did a pilot ever get around without GPS and data apps? Remember basic pilotage skills? I wonder how many new pilots could get around with the master switch off, vacuum pump gone, or the panel covered?

I've seen some of the I-Pad and other apps and they're impressive to the point that they can become the focus of flying via their systems management capability. The less time focused in the cockpit the better for most VFR flight if the airspace allows it.

But what little flatland flying I've done in the Lower 48 would encourage me to own such a system. Without easily visible terrain markers and congested/controlled airspace they'd be a real asset if you ever flew beyond your comfort zone into new horizons.

Once terrain becomes available - mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, roads - it gets easier to get around, for me at least with chart in hand and compass. I currently use a base Garmin Aera with terrain software, mainly for comfort in MVFR and figuring out how long the flight will take versus available fuel. Synthetic terrain or virtual 3-D would be fun to fly and if I need a new toy I may own one eventually as I get older and lazier.

Gary

[Bigdog]

Re: Just a simple GPS

How did a pilot ever get around without GPS and data apps? Remember basic pilotage skills? I wonder how many new pilots could get around with the master switch off, vacuum pump gone, or the panel covered?

GPS is seductive. Flying to SnF this year in my Navion I got a "GPS Nav Unavailable" on my GNS430W while penetrating rain and low clouds VFR in northern Florida. I switched to use just my 796 and joked later that I had to complete the rest of the flight to LAL and the flight home to Houston with "only" 3 GPS's - my 796, iPad and phone. I never even thought of the 2 perfectly good VOR's I had. BTW the problem was a bad antenna. They have active electronics and don't fail gradually.

I've done my share of pilotage/dead reckoning and flown half way across the country in my BC-12D with a Rand McNally road atlas. And I still could if needed but the magenta line on a moving map is too good to want to go back other than for nostalgia.

[PA1195]

Re: Just a simple GPS

GPS is seductive. Flying to SnF this year in my Navion I got a "GPS Nav Unavailable" on my GNS430W while penetrating rain and low clouds VFR in northern Florida. I switched to use just my 796 and joked later that I had to complete the rest of the flight to LAL and the flight home to Houston with "only" 3 GPS's - my 796, iPad and phone. I never even thought of the 2 perfectly good VOR's I had. BTW the problem was a bad antenna. They have active electronics and don't fail gradually.

I've done my share of pilotage/dead reckoning and flown half way across the country in my BC-12D with a Rand McNally road atlas. And I still could if needed but the magenta line on a moving map is too good to want to go back other than for nostalgia.

Yes they can make a pleasure trip out of what normally would be stress and work. I've had friends fly to Florida from Alaska and back via California and never use a chart or aeronautical Supplement, just the GPS. There is good support for that...essentially trading IFR skills and environment for VFR guidance via onboard electronics . As long as the pilot can do all three...pilotage, GPS, and IFR as required (simulated or actual), then there will be an alternative should the Nav-unavailability happen.

There are times over the last 41 years of flying here when I was temporarily lost or confused about where I was. Low vis and ceilings, flying between layers VFR or on-top on floats with no nav-aids over mountainous terrain, or fighting an unknown headwind with diminishing fuel reserves. It happens, and when it does it forces the pilot to pay attention and figure something out soon.

I recall flying the early aircraft LORAN receivers, that despite their inaccuracy in certain positions relative to the master and slave stations, were far better than nothing in the absence of VOR or NDB reception. Now with any GPS (even Garmin's wrist watch) positional awareness has been greatly improved.

Gary

[jdlowrey]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Just wondering if the I-Fly GPS app, or similar ones, require a constant cell service signal? If so, then that could be a draw back in areas of limited coverage (like western AK)

[Ray36048]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Just wondering if the I-Fly GPS app, or similar ones, require a constant cell service signal? If so, then that could be a draw back in areas of limited coverage (like western AK)

NO, none of the aviation apps require a cell phone data plan. But, if you buy an iPad, you should get one that is cellular. That way you get a built in GPS rec. WiFi only units require an external GPS. I have been using the iFly app on an iPad for over a year. I like the app and the company. They also have non iPad unit they sell that run the iFly application. The 520 unit is $400. This would fit most needs. You do need some kind of computer support to update the maps. If you are using an iPad, then a WiFi connection would be required for updates.

iPads come with a set of downsides you have to learn to live with. Screen glare is a problem. Battery life is limited to about 3 hrs, so external power is really required. iPad's have a bad habit of overheating and just shutting down. iPad iOS updates sometimes cause the apps to stop working until a patch is released. Keeping at least a sectional onboard is a good idea. The cost of iPad app data is only a fraction of the cost of buying paper charts. The data at your finger tips with either the app or the iFly 520 is huge compared to what you would carry in paper.

Take a look at the iFly Adventure Pilot info, good people with a good product.

http://ifly.adventurepilot.com/HOME.aspx

[vetdrem]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I use Garmin Pilot on an ipad or on my nexus 7 tablet and there is NO requirement to have a cell signal. You load the charts onto the device from a wifi connection then go flying.

Louie

[DanBrown]

Re: Just a simple GPS

While the older simple standalone GPS units do work -- and I've even used a Garman Pilot III to navigate on the Marion to Bermuda sailboat race -- the iPad apps give much better situational awareness and are legal instead of paper charts. I personally use WingX on an iPad mini on a kneeboard, with a backup iPhone that I can velcro to the panel. To prove to myself it's doable in an emergency, I've done a couple of GPS approaches under the hood (with a safety pilot on board). Seems to me worth the extra learning effort.

[astjp2]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I will stick with a garmin product, no worry about viruses and putting money in Apple's pocket book or an extra cell phone bill or having to incorporate an extra charger in the airplane, or the inability to see the screen in the direct sun...a myriad of reasosn

[Nefj40]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I've got Garmin Pilot on my Android. Even though I don't need it for the type of flying I do, it does work.

[lawheelock]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Since I have two flying planes, a Stinson and a Mooney that I keep in two different locations, I bought the Garmin Aera 796 to replace my Lowrance 2000 (they refused to support the updates to it) and since I don't have a smart phone nor an ipad and don't want them, I am pleased with my GPS. The aera 796/795 has a built in LiIon battery which I have already used it in a plane without a lighter recepticale and the battery easily lasts 3+hours. Along with the GDL39D it has ADS B in as well as 3D artificial vision and most of the bells and whistles of the expensive panel mounts (except built in transceivers for com) While it is pretty complicated it can be used as a simple GPS to get from point A to point B. I do not have my Taylorcraft back to flying status, but I will use that for the GPS in it too.
Terry, I still have my flip phone, which I rarely use and don't see the need for a smart phone.
Larry Wheelock

[Jim Hartley]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I have had a Garmin 296 for many years and it will do everything I need from a gps and more and I like the compact size. It has the original battery with a life of 5-7 hours, but I think I am going to spring for another battery so when things go black it is a quick fix. Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket batteries or should I just stick with the higher priced Garmin battery?

[Stumpy]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I have a little Garmin 96C that is reliable and fairly simple to use on the rare occasions I have a need for it...that being said the screen is a bit small on the little 96.

A friend suggested another option last year...I have a Nexus 7 android tablet (don't care for the I-phone I-pad stuff) that I use for field mapping on archaeological sites. Most aviation programs seem to be designed around the I-pad format, but my compadre had been using [B]Avare[B], a free download from the google play store or whatevertheheck ya call it. Avare was purposely designed for the android platform. About every chart and map imaginable are available for download (again, free), The program does just about everything a Taylorcraft guy could possibly need, and isn't top-heavy with junk you'd never use...which may contribute to the fact that it doesn't seem prone to deep-sixing at inopportune moments.

It is a very nifty, simple, intuitive program. On the 7-inch Nexus screen the moving map display is really nice. I'm not a "techie" but find myself using this program/application even when I don't need to. Rigged a 2.1 amp usb port for the power cord so the battery doesn't drain while the tablet is running the program and it's internal GPS, and just have the thing sitting on the glareshield with a mini-bungie holding it...a simple, free flip-down heads-up display of sorts, ha ha.

It's easy to recommend something that works so well, is easy to use, and is FREE! I even downloaded the app onto my android phone. Your mileage may vary, of course.

[paddydix]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I use a Garmin 196,...I let the plain ole screen fool me into thinking I am not that high tech in my old airplane,...versus all you color gizmo guys ! LOL