Optus 3G for GA
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Optus 3G for GA
Is anyone using Optus 3G services in the air? Does it work well?
It would be really helpful to be able to overfly a town and get the BOM radar and other weather data for the upcoming part of my track.
I'm tied to Optus (and generally happy with them) due to my employer's contract with them.
It would be really helpful to be able to overfly a town and get the BOM radar and other weather data for the upcoming part of my track.
I'm tied to Optus (and generally happy with them) due to my employer's contract with them.
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It's a comfort to be able to know what the weather is like in real time en-route or at your destination, especially when your WX brief is 4-5 hours old.
I use a Telstra NextG PCMCIA card (a rebadged Sierra 875 Aircard) in a Fujitsu P1610 Lifebook. Without an external antenna I was able to log in about 50 NM to the SW of Emerald QLD at 9000 ft.
When I feel the need to know, I look at the BOM weather watch radar, lightning activity and intensity and satelllite images.
I have managed to buy an external antenna which is yet positioned in the a/c (it took an effort to locate one).
In the process I picked up that the USB aircards are not as good as the PCMCIA aircards because their antenna is more compact.
In the USA you can get comprehensive weather and TAF's (and more) by subscribing to the XM satellite service and viewing through a G1000 panel or a Garmin 496 portable.
I use a Telstra NextG PCMCIA card (a rebadged Sierra 875 Aircard) in a Fujitsu P1610 Lifebook. Without an external antenna I was able to log in about 50 NM to the SW of Emerald QLD at 9000 ft.
When I feel the need to know, I look at the BOM weather watch radar, lightning activity and intensity and satelllite images.
I have managed to buy an external antenna which is yet positioned in the a/c (it took an effort to locate one).
In the process I picked up that the USB aircards are not as good as the PCMCIA aircards because their antenna is more compact.
In the USA you can get comprehensive weather and TAF's (and more) by subscribing to the XM satellite service and viewing through a G1000 panel or a Garmin 496 portable.
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tinpis
Appropriate name tinpis, matching the intelligence of your comment. Are you a pilot? If you can't make a constructive contribution maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself.
You comment shows unawareness that aircraft can fly IFR in IMC where you will only see lots of white stuff. I have done IFR flights in IMC from 500' at departure until breakout on an ILS, VOR or NDB approach.
Your flight might be IFR in VFR conditions, with an INTER or TEMPO forecast or CB activityat the destination.
Yes, looking out the window is useful if there's something to see, as is changing levels to get a look ahead, but your view can be limited when between layers/in rain and mist etc.
Consider a flight non-stop from Parafield to Mackay around 5+ hours.
Armed with the latest Area and TAF forecasts, it will already be 1 hour old by the time you launch. Flightwatch will update your forecast if you ask, but why not avail yourself of useful real time information?
By the time you're preparing to arrive at your destination, you have the opportunity to make an informed intelligent decision to continue or divert, or plan whether you will need to do an Instrument Approach and prepare for that.
Real time in-flight weather data makes for an informed and safer IFR mission.
Appropriate name tinpis, matching the intelligence of your comment. Are you a pilot? If you can't make a constructive contribution maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself.
You comment shows unawareness that aircraft can fly IFR in IMC where you will only see lots of white stuff. I have done IFR flights in IMC from 500' at departure until breakout on an ILS, VOR or NDB approach.
Your flight might be IFR in VFR conditions, with an INTER or TEMPO forecast or CB activityat the destination.
Yes, looking out the window is useful if there's something to see, as is changing levels to get a look ahead, but your view can be limited when between layers/in rain and mist etc.
Consider a flight non-stop from Parafield to Mackay around 5+ hours.
Armed with the latest Area and TAF forecasts, it will already be 1 hour old by the time you launch. Flightwatch will update your forecast if you ask, but why not avail yourself of useful real time information?
By the time you're preparing to arrive at your destination, you have the opportunity to make an informed intelligent decision to continue or divert, or plan whether you will need to do an Instrument Approach and prepare for that.
Real time in-flight weather data makes for an informed and safer IFR mission.
Silly Old Git
Bet ya cant get holding requirements taken off by telling the man in the tower yer can see with ya little telephone thingy
I never flew missions,are they harder than normal transport ops?
I never flew missions,are they harder than normal transport ops?
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I follow...
hey Tin, betcha don't even know what IFR stands for.....
Ya not missing much, only The Rat drivers get to fly missions! Oh, and them pommy Nigels.
Fancy phones?? Why not just call up on the wireless and ask what the weather is doin.....???
Ya not missing much, only The Rat drivers get to fly missions! Oh, and them pommy Nigels.
Fancy phones?? Why not just call up on the wireless and ask what the weather is doin.....???
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Ovation, I know that tin can defend himself perfectly well, however ...
I can't help observing that, with your reaction to his very reasonable comment, it's no wonder your occupation is listed as "unemployed"
Settle down and listen to those vastly more experienced and wiser than yourself occasionally - It'll do you a world of good
I can't help observing that, with your reaction to his very reasonable comment, it's no wonder your occupation is listed as "unemployed"
Settle down and listen to those vastly more experienced and wiser than yourself occasionally - It'll do you a world of good
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Ovation, I know that tin can defend himself perfectly well, however ...
I can't help observing that, with your reaction to his very reasonable comment, it's no wonder your occupation is listed as "unemployed"
BTW, I'm not really unemployed - it's to throw people off the scent of all my money.
Settle down and listen to those vastly more experienced and wiser than yourself occasionally - It'll do you a world of good
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Bah...... I flew my first 4000hrs in smashers and never needed any fancy gadgetry, not that there was any back then.
When we wanted to know the weather, we looked out the window and we never spoke back to our elders.
You've got too much money, Ovaryation, and therefore could not possibly be a real professional pilot.
When we wanted to know the weather, we looked out the window and we never spoke back to our elders.
You've got too much money, Ovaryation, and therefore could not possibly be a real professional pilot.
Bah...... I flew my first 4000hrs in smashers and never needed any fancy gadgetry, not that there was any back then.
When we wanted to know the weather, we looked out the window and we never spoke back to our elders.
When we wanted to know the weather, we looked out the window and we never spoke back to our elders.
I have an idea. Start a thread and explain the benefits of looking out the window in IMC, and why it's better than being informed and confident about enroute and terminal WX.
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Woohoo! I started a small war! Neat. Totally unintended.
Ovation, thanks for the information you provided. My reaction is: It's unfortunate that Optus doesn't care much about the bush, and it's unfortunate that Telstra is so hard to deal with as a customer.
Carriers like their customers to take several of their services, and it can't possibly be cost-effective to take voice service from one and data service from another. But I will see what I can do.
As for the merits of looking out the window versus consulting gadgets: Looking outside is obviously important, but there are things you just can't get that way (the location of storms and heavy rain 100 miles away, for example). Internet information would be useful when answering questions like, "Should I stop here, at this major town, because I know there are probably thunderstorms ahead, or press on?" If you could only react to what you see out the window, then your options might be more limited when you saw the problems.
With respect to the radio: We no longer have dedicated Flightwatch frequencies (without any discussion, as far as I know, and without even advance advertisement in the ERSA, but this is the subject for another thread). Having to barge in on an area frequency to ask about the weather -- possibly the weather as it concerns VFR flight -- often seems an imposition on others who want to use the frequency. I do it, because I now have to, but I don't like doing it.
Much better: Internet access to METARs, TAFs, and other weather data by Internet. More information, better information, and no imposition on others.
Ovation, thanks for the information you provided. My reaction is: It's unfortunate that Optus doesn't care much about the bush, and it's unfortunate that Telstra is so hard to deal with as a customer.
Carriers like their customers to take several of their services, and it can't possibly be cost-effective to take voice service from one and data service from another. But I will see what I can do.
As for the merits of looking out the window versus consulting gadgets: Looking outside is obviously important, but there are things you just can't get that way (the location of storms and heavy rain 100 miles away, for example). Internet information would be useful when answering questions like, "Should I stop here, at this major town, because I know there are probably thunderstorms ahead, or press on?" If you could only react to what you see out the window, then your options might be more limited when you saw the problems.
With respect to the radio: We no longer have dedicated Flightwatch frequencies (without any discussion, as far as I know, and without even advance advertisement in the ERSA, but this is the subject for another thread). Having to barge in on an area frequency to ask about the weather -- possibly the weather as it concerns VFR flight -- often seems an imposition on others who want to use the frequency. I do it, because I now have to, but I don't like doing it.
Much better: Internet access to METARs, TAFs, and other weather data by Internet. More information, better information, and no imposition on others.
Silly Old Git
"Should I stop here, at this major town, because I know there are probably thunderstorms ahead, or press on?"
I can see that workin well with the Captin Blighs that run charter outfits up the Top End
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I can see that workin well with the Captin Blighs that run charter outfits up the Top End
Silly Old Git
Oh...private pilots? 
I thunk by the mouthful of abuse I copped from Ovaryation I was about to learn something from someone that knew what they was doing.
I thunk by the mouthful of abuse I copped from Ovaryation I was about to learn something from someone that knew what they was doing.
tinpis
Appropriate name tinpis, matching the intelligence of your comment. Are you a pilot? If you can't make a constructive contribution maybe you should keep your thoughts to yoursel
Appropriate name tinpis, matching the intelligence of your comment. Are you a pilot? If you can't make a constructive contribution maybe you should keep your thoughts to yoursel
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Oh...private pilots? I thunk by the mouthful of abuse I copped from Ovaryation I was about to learn something from someone that knew what they was doing.
You got a spray because of your childish and pointless contribution to the subject, but I invite you to have the last word.
Demonstrate you obvious knowledge and experience with an intelligent discourse about 3G airborne connection.
We're waiting...............
This stuff is fantastic, nothing quite like a good ole Prune slanging match.
Just a thought though...Looking at the BOM weather radars, they are always at least 10 minutes behind the actual time and to be perfectly honest in my experience, aren't that accurate if the radar is over 100km from your destination. Furthermore they cannot be relied on as a acceptable weather source. Just remember that when you're answering CASA's questions at the coronial enquiry as to why you chose to ignore the current TAF and went off the Weather Watch Radar...
Just a thought though...Looking at the BOM weather radars, they are always at least 10 minutes behind the actual time and to be perfectly honest in my experience, aren't that accurate if the radar is over 100km from your destination. Furthermore they cannot be relied on as a acceptable weather source. Just remember that when you're answering CASA's questions at the coronial enquiry as to why you chose to ignore the current TAF and went off the Weather Watch Radar...
Silly Old Git
Ok sorry no fooling around this is what I really think.
The subject of 3G airborne operations has been covered intensively by the world press over the past decade. In depth analysis of 3G airborne operations can be an enriching experience. Though 3G airborne operations is a favourite topic of discussion amongst monarchs, presidents and dictators, it is important to remember that "what goes up must come down". Inevitably 3G airborne operations is often misunderstood by those politically minded individuals living in the past, who just don't like that sort of thing. Complex though it is I shall now attempt to provide an exhaustive report on 3G airborne operations and its numerous 'industries'.
Social Factors
Society begins and ends with 3G airborne operations. When The Tygers of Pan Tang sang 'It's lonely at the top. Everybody's trying to do you in' , they must have been referring to 3G airborne operations. A childs approach to 3G airborne operations helps to provide some sort of equilibrium in this world of ever changing, always yearning chaos.
Did I mention how lovely 3G airborne operations is? It breaks the mould, shattering man's misunderstanding of man.
3G airborne operations
The statistics make it clear that 3G airborne operations is a major market factor. Seemingly the annual military budget plays in increasingly important role in the market economy. In the light of this free trade must be examined.
Political Factors
Politics was once a game featuring competitors from elite classes. Politicians find it difficult to choose between what has become known in politics as - 'The two ways' - the two, equally popular approaches to 3G airborne operations. If the reader is unaware of these, they need only to turn on the television, or pick up a newspaper or popular magazine.
In the words of the famous political Bartholomew Tuigamala 'People in glass houses shouldn't through parties.' Amazingly, he new nothing of 3G airborne operations until he was well into his thirties. It is a well known 'secret' that what prompted many politicians to first strive for power was 3G airborne operations.
One of the great ironies of this age is 3G airborne operations. Isn't it ironic, don't you think?
Conclusion
To conclude, 3G airborne operations plays a large part in the lives of all. It enlightens our daily lives, influences the influencers,, though 3G airborne operations brings with it obvious difficulties, it is truly 3G airborne operations.
I will leave the last word to the famous Macaulay Lennon: 'You win some, you lose some, but 3G airborne operations wins most often.'
The subject of 3G airborne operations has been covered intensively by the world press over the past decade. In depth analysis of 3G airborne operations can be an enriching experience. Though 3G airborne operations is a favourite topic of discussion amongst monarchs, presidents and dictators, it is important to remember that "what goes up must come down". Inevitably 3G airborne operations is often misunderstood by those politically minded individuals living in the past, who just don't like that sort of thing. Complex though it is I shall now attempt to provide an exhaustive report on 3G airborne operations and its numerous 'industries'.
Social Factors
Society begins and ends with 3G airborne operations. When The Tygers of Pan Tang sang 'It's lonely at the top. Everybody's trying to do you in' , they must have been referring to 3G airborne operations. A childs approach to 3G airborne operations helps to provide some sort of equilibrium in this world of ever changing, always yearning chaos.
Did I mention how lovely 3G airborne operations is? It breaks the mould, shattering man's misunderstanding of man.
3G airborne operations
The statistics make it clear that 3G airborne operations is a major market factor. Seemingly the annual military budget plays in increasingly important role in the market economy. In the light of this free trade must be examined.
Political Factors
Politics was once a game featuring competitors from elite classes. Politicians find it difficult to choose between what has become known in politics as - 'The two ways' - the two, equally popular approaches to 3G airborne operations. If the reader is unaware of these, they need only to turn on the television, or pick up a newspaper or popular magazine.
In the words of the famous political Bartholomew Tuigamala 'People in glass houses shouldn't through parties.' Amazingly, he new nothing of 3G airborne operations until he was well into his thirties. It is a well known 'secret' that what prompted many politicians to first strive for power was 3G airborne operations.
One of the great ironies of this age is 3G airborne operations. Isn't it ironic, don't you think?
Conclusion
To conclude, 3G airborne operations plays a large part in the lives of all. It enlightens our daily lives, influences the influencers,, though 3G airborne operations brings with it obvious difficulties, it is truly 3G airborne operations.
I will leave the last word to the famous Macaulay Lennon: 'You win some, you lose some, but 3G airborne operations wins most often.'
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Love this thread.
At risk of answering the question.....
I experimented with a Next-G enabled smartphone about this time last year coming back from Perth (To Melb). We flew VFR (although IFR rated and equipped) for the simple pleasure of it and the fact that others travelling with us were not IFR capable. Note that one of these was a (the?) leading well-known aerobatic display pilot.
I used my 'phone (where a signal existed - about 21% OF THE TIME) to get radar images and TAF/TTF enroute. Fun where we could get it, and interesting.
BUT...........none of the info I got altered ANY of our decisions. We amended and made plans based on what we could see or on traditional forecasts. I thinks it's called airmanship and also has something to do with compliance with regulations.
Perhaps the greatest example occurred at Forrest, where no internet services were available (airborne) to show us the storms to the east. But all the 36 pilots who shared that evening will testify to the wall of black plainly visible to the east. Great night it was too!!!
I must admit we had a chieftan with us that had Wx radar, and across those expanses it did give some amount of help. You might note that at one point the BOM radar into Adelaide indicated a few light showers, whilst out our windscreen we could see the 3 dirty great cells that were trying to eat us. They also painted some lovely red/black pictures in the Chieftan's radar. So I wouldn't bet the farm on the reliability or currency of the BOM online services.
I have not used it since (indeed, I junked the smartphone for something sleeker and less temperamental).
I simply don't think the telephone technology is robust or widespread enough the rely on.......and that's what you seem to be wanting to do Ovation.
Tin and all the others here have probably flown more hours that you ever will, and do not warrant being attacked. Tech can be good, but commonsense and caution is better..
Cheers
At risk of answering the question.....
I experimented with a Next-G enabled smartphone about this time last year coming back from Perth (To Melb). We flew VFR (although IFR rated and equipped) for the simple pleasure of it and the fact that others travelling with us were not IFR capable. Note that one of these was a (the?) leading well-known aerobatic display pilot.
I used my 'phone (where a signal existed - about 21% OF THE TIME) to get radar images and TAF/TTF enroute. Fun where we could get it, and interesting.
BUT...........none of the info I got altered ANY of our decisions. We amended and made plans based on what we could see or on traditional forecasts. I thinks it's called airmanship and also has something to do with compliance with regulations.
Perhaps the greatest example occurred at Forrest, where no internet services were available (airborne) to show us the storms to the east. But all the 36 pilots who shared that evening will testify to the wall of black plainly visible to the east. Great night it was too!!!
I must admit we had a chieftan with us that had Wx radar, and across those expanses it did give some amount of help. You might note that at one point the BOM radar into Adelaide indicated a few light showers, whilst out our windscreen we could see the 3 dirty great cells that were trying to eat us. They also painted some lovely red/black pictures in the Chieftan's radar. So I wouldn't bet the farm on the reliability or currency of the BOM online services.
I have not used it since (indeed, I junked the smartphone for something sleeker and less temperamental).
I simply don't think the telephone technology is robust or widespread enough the rely on.......and that's what you seem to be wanting to do Ovation.
Tin and all the others here have probably flown more hours that you ever will, and do not warrant being attacked. Tech can be good, but commonsense and caution is better..
Cheers