What GPS do you use?

[jrzangger]

I've used a Garmin-90 for quite a few years and it does everything I need in the Taylorcraft - it's small, has the aviation data base, and I get 14 hours or so on a set of Duracells. If I were to upgrade I would have seriously considered the 92 (12 channel receiver) but they are out of producton now so the Pilot III is the next choice in the smaller units. I have flown with a 195 and they are nice but go through batteries very fast. If you want the high end of the portables go with the 196 - color takes more power to run.

I still use the 90 but have recently acquired a GPS-18 (remote sensor intended for automotive or marine applications) and run it through my iPAQ with an aviation moving map. It's a 12 channel receiver and works great if you don't mind a lot more cables in the cockpit! I've always had trouble on the ground at my home airport - the ATC radar seems to zap any GPS signals until I'm away from the airport. The GPS-18 still gets 9 sats on the ground and usually 10-12 in flight.

As far as whether or not to use a GPS in a Taylorcraft - I know I wouldn't have flown half the trips I have if it wasn't for the GPS. I always have a sectional with me for backup but the GPS makes life a lot simpler. I agree that on short local flights there is no need to have it on, just nice on trips.

Jim Zangger
1946 BC12-D NC94953
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

[jrzangger]

You can update the db on your Garmin-95 on the Garmin website, assuming you have a serial cable to your computer. The database is the same as the Garmin-90. It's an involved process but the $35 they charge is a lot better than the $125 they used to charge for an update disk!

[selje]

I also use a Megallan 315 with aviation data from CD and it meets all my need. I would never use a Nav instrument only. I also carry an up-to-date sectional with the line drawn and 10 NM tick marks. I have used it to fly from Western NC to Vermont.

The 315 is one of the most cost effective nav aids available. With my first Taylorcraft in the 1960's, there was only a map and compass.

Jerry

[David Price]

Wanting to have a NAV system of some sort for varification, while enroute or other emergency's that might occour. Brought out the MAGELLAN 2000 that I use on the our sail boat.

Used it twice while flying on commercial flights to England ('ello Rob) and found that we had a ground speed from 480-520 MPH.

Could not believe it! So for now this is what I use. It is a 1997 model.

Now we go fly!