Skydemon

[G_STRING]

Morning all

I have finally gotten around to trying a free trial of Skydemon, and can see what everyone is raving about, it's brilliant.

Would now like to subscribe to it, but don't know if I have to wait for the 30 day trial to end, (I'm at 14 days). If not, do they email you another password to use the full version, and will the software re-prompt you for it? (Only had to put in the trial password once).

I'm not brilliant with computers, so please be gentle!

[Privatecaptain]

Why not ask Skydemon to be sure?

Contact SkyDemon (http://www.skydemon.aero/contact.aspx)

[sharpend]

The trial version only last for 30 minutes. Start again with a full copy.

[cessnapete]

Brilliant product. If everybody used it, would cut CAS Infringements to zero,or near it.
Not a SkyDemon employee!

[eckhard]

I've been using it occasionally for 18 months and love it. Haven't yet got to grips with all the functions. Maybe the CAA should include SkyDemon training (suitably 'dis-identified' to avoid appearing to endorse one commercial product over another) in the PPL syllabus?

[dirkdj]

They have good training videos on their website. There is a learning curve, but it is well worth the effort.

[FerrisBueller]

Have to agree Skydemon is fantastic! Incredibly useful tool and especially in areas of complicated airspace for the regular VFR user. Worth the cost for anyone doing a reasonable amount of flying or who would do longer trips.

[NorthernChappie]

Doing my 6th flight this week since buying SD. The first 3 were chart with SD as back up. The 4th and 5th was SD, with chart back up, and this week will be a tootle around familiar places with the chart in the flight bag (still handy though). Just got to figure out how to print from SD.

[Johnm]

Doing my 6th flight this week since buying SD. The first 3 were chart with SD as back up. The 4th and 5th was SD, with chart back up, and this week will be a tootle around familiar places with the chart in the flight bag (still handy though). Just got to figure out how to print from SD.

Depends on the device you use....

[NorthernChappie]

Depends on the device you use....


Android tablet with an Android phone back up. Oh and still at the experimental stage hence flying a known route.

[Small Rodent Driver]

Brilliant bit of software.

So impressed that I ditched my Garmin 495 & Aera 500 in favour of SD running on Ipad mini.

On board GPS of the ipad has performed without a glitch even whilst buried deep in the cockpit. No external antenna required.

[LowNSlow]

Just renewed my subscription again. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Crash one]

Brilliant bit of software.

So impressed that I ditched my Garmin 495 & Aera 500 in favour of SD running on Ipad mini.

On board GPS of the ipad has performed without a glitch even whilst buried deep in the cockpit. No external antenna required.

I too am quite impressed with mini iPad GPS.
Mine is kept on a closeable kneeboard. Shut the lid, dumped it in the flight bag in the back of the car, drove home whilst being beeped at that I was in the Leuchars zone. Complete track recorded all the way.
Runway HD by the way.

[ChickenHouse]

Just order your permanent license key and your are fine.

Yes, for now Skydemon is probably the best current mobile device VFR moving map solution for flying in the UK (and some of Europe). But, it still needs the "only an additional aid" disclaimer, as it is by far not flawless. I really like it, but it appears to be in a critical development stage now. It is quite mature for such an additional application on non-certified platforms, but it is also on the edge of being "over-featured" (the thing that almost completely killed AirNavigationPro as a recommendable solution). If they are unable to keep the features rolled out in good quality, they are quite soon in danger of drowning in the complexity of european airspaces. The next follow-upper, Jeppesen MFDVFR, is surprisingly slow (too slow in development), but constantly closing in. But, for the next few cycles, they are in pole position, indeed.

[Bobby Hart]

Rob from SkyDemon here!


It makes us really proud to hear such praise, so thank you, one and all!


Regarding training on SkyDemon use, the (already mentioned) videos can be handy for getting an idea of the basics, but it is also possible to have me come to your club to do a kind of tips-and-tricks session...


Obviously, if I am taken out of the office during the working week then SkyDemon would need to be compensated, and I would need expenses covered regardless; but if this sounds interesting then get in touch (via our main website, ideally) and I will check my diary.

[Jan Olieslagers]

May one deduce from this that SD is entirely an amateur initiative, not employing paid staff? If true, that would be more impressive than ever!
If not, I might be quite interested to join the team... :)

[piperboy84]

Been using SD for a few years now on trips round the UK and Europe, it is the absolute dogs bollox especially for multi day cross countries where you need to file flight plans and GAR's.

[Bobby Hart]

Jan, I assure you we are a professional outfit, and our staff are paid.


However, we are an exceptionally lean company - a lot of work goes into refining our internal systems to promote high efficiency and keep costs on us down - its one of the reasons why we have not needed to increase the price of SkyDemon since it was conceived. Therefore, for me to be out of the office even for one day will need careful scheduling and recompense... I am the first employee so a lot rests on my shoulders!


I hope that clarifies.

[flybymike]

I suspect that the main reason for price stability over the years has been the exponential growth in customers.

[Bobby Hart]

Economies of scale certainly do help, but I can confirm that contrary to all other companies I have worked for in the past, there is a massive drive towards internal efficiency (that actually translates into real efficiency!), and getting more done with less so that more resources can be ploughed right back into development; which might be product development, or to make custom tools (to the same standard as our product) that further drive efficiency. Its quite remarkable!

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Rob,

Please can we have SD for Windows Devices?

Oh, and coverage for Sudan and Ethiopia - but we've discussed that already! :-)

[Jan Olieslagers]

SD for Windows Devices

Vade retro, Satan!

[Sam Rutherford]

:O The future is bright, the future is Windows...

...probably. :E

[l10fly]

Brilliant bit of software.

So impressed that I ditched my Garmin 495 & Aera 500 in favour of SD running on Ipad mini.

On board GPS of the ipad has performed without a glitch even whilst buried deep in the cockpit. No external antenna required.
Agreed it's usually flawless but for the first time I lost the GPS on my iPad mini, on my knee-pad in a Warrior, for about 3 mins this week and of course I was in 6k viz on the edge of controlled airspace at the time.

[Gentoo]

In the UK I believe that the driving test (cars) is going to have a section on usage of GPS. The reason is to ensure that new drivers are able to drive the car safely while following GPS instructions AND paying attention to what is around them.

It seems appropriate to do the same for the PPL, as more people will be using these apps. It is not that hard to test, it could even be 'signed off' by the instructor. Just a simple nav triangle using a GPS device. Testing that the student can enter the route into the GPS, and use it to navigate safely. Possibly with the instructor 'simulating' the device breaking down or losing connection.

[sharpend]

Gentoo, good idea.