What IAP plates do you use??

[pipertommy]

I was wondering what IAP plates people are using?
I dont want to buy hundreds of pounds worth of plates!!
Seen this advert, anyone use the gCAP Limited ? Seem quite reasonable.
Basically whats the best value for money?

Thanks
PT.

[S-Works]

Jeppview. Updates every 2 weeks electronically. Priceless if you are flying IFR on a regular basis. If you just want stuff for IMC level use on an occasional basis the AIS site is your best source as they are free.

[DB6]

Best value for money is the UK AIP - they're free. You can size and print them off to your own preference, can't say fairer than that.
This link NATS | AIS - Home (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=6&Itemid=13.html) may work.

[FlyingOfficerKite]

I agree with all of the above.

KR

FOK :)

[pipertommy]

Ye had a look at the AIP and was impressed. Fine working out DH/MDH against system minimum ect.
Where do you get the RVR minimums listings from as they are not on the plate?

[Fuji Abound]

AIP does just fine and regional AIPs for rest of Europe.

France is here for example:

SIA - La référence en information aéronautique (http://neige.fleurb.jmsp.net/html/frameset_aip_uk.htm)

The only draw back is you may find the occasional plate you might need is not on the AIP - St Mawgan, Newquay Cornwall International or what ever it is called comes to mind in the past.

The only drawback is you cant simply download the lot, but I have the Jepp plates updated on the MDF monthly as well so the paper ones are only a backup for an all electronic cockpit.

For GA use there is an outfit that provide simplified plates that in fact are pretty useful and at minimal cost - cant recall their web site address but I am sure someone will be along to tell us.

[pipertommy]

Could it be gCAP Limited say they are for GA users (CAT A) and you can download individual plate.
Thanks for the link, will come in useful:ok:

[BackPacker]

If you want all of the publicly available plates in one handy location, try Eurocontrol:

EUROCONTROL - The European AIS Database: Introduction to EAD Basic - Home (http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadcms/eadsite/index.php.html)

You need to register (free if you're a pilot) and they're a bit fiddly wrt. Java/HTML support, but once you've gotten through all the windows that are being opened on your way to the "PAMS Light [AIP]" application, you have all the AIP, AIC and other stuff available from all the CAAs around Europe.

[tmmorris]

I use the RAF issue ones (No 1 AIDU) as I fly from an RAF base, and some of the RAF airfields aren't in the civvy guides (e.g. Aerad/Jepp). That said, I have to pay for them and it's rapidly ceasing to be a cheap option; I think I might just switch to Aerad and blag the occasional plate I need for obscure military airfields from Ops!

The plates themselves are produced by Aerad anyway (which for me is the better format).

gCAP have been controversial: some people love them, others find them unacceptably dumbed down. The problem with the AIP plates is that they are designed for A4 and the text is a bit small if you reduce them to A5; I don't know what you fly but for me in a PA28, A4 is unmanageable, really.

Tim

[pipertommy]

Thanks everyone some good advice:ok: