Flight Map

[prasmussen]

Need advice on which flight mapping system to purchase please. Apple products seem difficult to see in direct sunlight (open cockpit) and most systems offer a lot more than I think I need. Just want an electronic version of the paper sectional with an indication of where I am on it. Certainly don't need an international data base or the ability to connect with other electronics. Any ideas?

[Joda]

FltPlanGo is free, so if you don't need all the bells and whistles, I'd go that route. It actually has some bells and whistles anyway, so that makes the price (did I mention that it's FREE) even better.

[Eric Page]

Unless you're willing to look at one of the aviation-specific portable GPS/mapping units (e.g. AvMap (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/avmapekp5.php), Garmin (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/categories/avionics_instruments/av/menus/av/gps_0handheld_garmin.html), iFly (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/ifly740gps11-15662.php)), there's really very little option other than one of the tablet products on the market, and you'll have the same sunlight readability problem with all of them.

I'm not a huge fan of Apple products generally (written with an iPhone inches from my hand...), but there are more aviation apps available for the iPad than any other tablet. I'm sure Android tablets run a close second, and the Microsoft Surface products run a very distant third. I've owned a Surface (I'm typing this reply on it) for several years and I love it for general computer work, but it would make a poor EFB.

I use a 9.7" iPad Pro at work and it does the job fine. I've never had overheating problems in more than 10 years of aviation iPad use, but I work in an air conditioned flight deck. I've read that a mount with an integral fan can help prevent overheating in a GA airplane. Glare on the screen can be mitigated with a matte-finish screen protector film; I have one on my work iPad and it helps a lot.

You'll need some means of charging the device in the airplane, as a full-bright screen setting will murder the battery in very short order.

Regarding software, I can't offer much help. I've only used the apps my employer provides, and they're either ruinously expensive or not very applicable to VFR GA flying, or both.

WRT Joe's suggestion above, FltPlan Go appears to have an app for the iPhone, but not the iPad. You can run iPhone apps on an iPad, but you'll have to use a zoomed display mode and they won't make use of the whole screen. The Google Play Store does list a FltPlan Go app for Android tablets.

[lnuss]

FltPlan Go appears to have an app for the iPhone, but not the iPad.
It works great on my iPad. I've never flown in an airplane with it (nor been in one for 20+ years), but it's worked beautifully with Flight Simulator for years. Wish they'd had this stuff when I was flying.

[Joda]

WRT Joe's suggestion above, FltPlan Go appears to have an app for the iPhone, but not the iPad. You can run iPhone apps on an iPad, but you'll have to use a zoomed display mode and they won't make use of the whole screen. The Google Play Store does list a FltPlan Go app for Android tablets.

I have it on my iPad and use it all the time. Go to their website at fltplan.com and scroll down. Near the bottom of the left hand column, you'll see a link to the "iPad App Store".

[Eric Page]

Yep, sure enough! Sorry for the misdirect.

If you search the Apple App Store (https://www.apple.com/app-store/) for "FltPlan Go for iPad" it doesn't show up. If you just search for "FltPlan Go" you only see the iPhone app. If you use the link on FltPlan's website (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fltplan-go/id694832363?mt=8), it goes right to the iPad app. Very strange...

[Aviatrexx]

If you don't already have a device with an ego problem (i-this, i-that, ...) check out Avare (https://www.apps4av.com/). It's Free Open-Source Software, written and supported by pilots. There's a huge online community of users and developers, and it runs like a scalded dog on Android devices. I've been using it on my 8 year old Samsung TabA8 (SM-T350 that I got from Costco for $100). Mounted to a yoke clip in my C172A, I have never had a problem reading the screen. One of Avare's endearing features is that nearly all of them can be turned off, giving you just the chart and your aircraft icon, at whatever resolution you want at that point.

I have an BT keyboard for it, so when I get to my destination I have a capable system. I've stopped bringing my laptop unless there's an application or data on it that I'll need. It allows me to keep up with the daily flood for the two weeks I'm working at Airventure.

[lnuss]

Thanks for telling us about Avare. I'll give it a try.