same procedure as every year, moving map on tablets 2017

[ChickenHouse]

As every year at the start of what we could call a season, what is the moving map app for tablets of your choice for the year?

I'll summarize my feelings. My focus was on VFR, this year shifting more percentage to IFR.

For VFR: AirNavigationPro only has some die hard fans left, is almost a dead duck, now focussing on drone business. Jeppesen MFDVFR has almost been sleeping to death due to lack of support and slooow progess, although still one of the most interesting concepts. Skydemon is in danger to end in featuritis and there are quite some signals I am looking for a replacement, although it is the dominant solution in the UK, I guess. I looked at some other, and do use Foreflite in the US with extreme joy ... but there is one interesting for me left, the not so new kid on the block Garmin Pilot.

This brings me into VFR+IFR:
I had a look at the first versions of Garmin, but was not impressed, mainly due to the toy like display and UI. Now with the latest release and the incorporation of Jeppesen charts it appears to be the first real solution doing IFR and VFR, something often asked from Boing/Jeppesen and others. I am just starting to evaluate usability for i.e. VFR traffic patterns and IFR incorporation, but so far it looks finally like a well thought solution. What my hope for the year is: seemless integration of VFR and IFR, as switching between Skydemon and JeppFD was not really satisfying last autumn.

Where do you stand in opinion for 2017?

[Jan Olieslagers]

Where do you stand in opinion

I stand nowhere. Opinions are individual, and cheap, and plenty.

[TheOddOne]

Non of these 'offerings' properly represent the legal CAA chart (if you're flying VFR in the UK). The only solutions available that I'm aware of that meet this requirement without also carrying a paper chart (and at £16 a year, why not?) are either Memory Map or Airbox. I'd be interested to hear different. I asked at the Skydemon stand at the Flyer show if it would be possible to have the CAA chart incorporated and was told an emphatic 'NO'.

I do use Skydemon but I don't like the ability to turn off certain features on the map. For instance, all gliding, parachuting and unlicensed aerodrome sites should be visible at all times, as well as ATZs. There's a great piece of video that is shown at the current GASCo safety evening of a high-wing single piston flying within a metre or so of a winch cable. You can clearly see the runway directly below. Since the pilot of the SEP wasn't traced, it wasn't possible to see what they were using as a navigation tool to avoid this glider site.

When you're flying IFR, are you flying in Class 'A' and 'D' exclusively, or other classes of airspace? Presumably, if the former, then airways charts are what you need. I think that Skydemon is good enough in a SEP for IFR in Class 'G' in the UK (with a CAA chart handy).

TOO

[ChickenHouse]

Non of these 'offerings' properly represent the legal CAA chart (if you're flying VFR in the UK). The only solutions available that I'm aware of that meet this requirement without also carrying a paper chart (and at £16 a year, why not?) are either Memory Map or Airbox. I'd be interested to hear different. I asked at the Skydemon stand at the Flyer show if it would be possible to have the CAA chart incorporated and was told an emphatic 'NO'.
With Part.NCO.GEN.135(a)(10) in place it is questionable whether paper charts do comply fully, as it is set that the aeronautical information has to be recent on the AIRAC cycle - which paper is usually never. Part.NCO did bring the clear commitment to electronic charts and EFB, but may have killed paper charts by that. One more question, how do you determine "legal" as a parameter for a chart? Regs don't say anything about charts being required of any kind "legal", just appropriate.

[MrAverage]

Only for VFR, but don't forget AirspaceAvoid. Totally free, no ongoing charges, regular airspace updates and includes Notams.

[Rod1]

Have a look at Easy VFR;

EasyVFR - Easy flying on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. (http://www.pocketfms.com/easyvfr/)

Rod1

[dirkdj]

I use Skydemon and mostly like it.

The only legal requirement I believe (SERA?) is that the chart is current (paper or electronic). In this case a properly printed paper chart from Skydemon would be more current than a paper chart bought at a shop that may be months out of date; I have heard of rampchecks where the paper charts needed to be updated with pencil before each flight to be current. Who does that?

What I like about Skydemon is the seamless integration with Notams and weather.
I would like to have the sector frequencies on the Skydemon IFR charts and have another symbol for tall towers.

[bookworm]

With Part.NCO.GEN.135(a)(10) in place it is questionable whether paper charts do comply fully, as it is set that the aeronautical information has to be recent on the AIRAC cycle - which paper is usually never. Part.NCO did bring the clear commitment to electronic charts and EFB, but may have killed paper charts by that.

The mention of the current AIRAC cycle is in AMC, so it's not a requirement, just a sufficient condition.

AMC1 NCO.GEN.135(a)(10) also says:
(b) A combination of different charts and textual data may be used to provide adequate and current data.

So it's not necessary to hand-correct charts between issue, provided that more current data is also carried in some form or another (for example an AIP page with a new airspace structure).

But your underlying point, that electronic charts tend to be more current than paper charts, is a sound one. I also agree that there's no special status accorded to CAA charts. Anything "current and suitable" is legal.

[cessnapete]

I haven't read anywhere that paper charts are legally required, just up to date information. Your CAA chart is usually in need of updates by the time its published.
For VFR Skydemon charts continually updated on the internet/wi.fi.
For IFR we use Jeppview approach and area charts all off the I Pad too.
Backup I pads always carried of course, and charging facilities plumbed in the aircraft.
I recently observed an EASA A380 flight deck, not a paper chart or manual in sight.

[hobbit1983]

I use MemoryMap. Very simple, but that's all I need. CAA chart scan moving map.

[glider12000]

I use RocketRoute.

Can purchase the UK CAA charts, planning is quick and simple, can also record my flight and also file if needed too.

Updates are frequent and easy to plan on the computer, then switch to either my phone or tablet for the moving map and briefing.

They recently added visual NOTAMs which is a useful feature. Also free and simple GAR filing is useful too.

[Johnm]

I regularly fly airways using SkyDemon, backed up by GTN 650 on the panel. The GTN 650 is effectively a legal requirement for IFR in controlled airspace and works with the HSI and autopilot, but SkyDemon has all the plates many georeferenced.

[Rocket Ron]

Johnm,

I'm considering buying a GTN650 for the additional features over a GNC255.... it'll cost me overall another £5,000 but seems more future-proof, even though I only have a Beagle Pup.

With your experience, is GTN650 the way forward?

[Flyingmac]

Flying Southbound yesterday with SkyDemon running on a tablet, I handed control to my right-seater while I answered the phone. I handed him the tablet after asking if he'd like me to add some clutter and turn the chart upside down (North up) to match what he's been using. He declined the offer. Another convert.:ok:

[Johnm]

Johnm,

I'm considering buying a GTN650 for the additional features over a GNC255.... it'll cost me overall another £5,000 but seems more future-proof, even though I only have a Beagle Pup.

With your experience, is GTN650 the way forward?

The advantage would be ready availability of RNAV approaches and airways IFR capability but don't forget it'll cost you around £350 per annum to keep the NAVDATA current.

There's an iPad App which is designed as a GTN training aid, so I'd download that if you can and have a play.