GPS for G.A. pilots
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GPS for G.A. pilots
Inspired by the excellent thread about headsets for GA pilots, I thought of starting a thread about what hand held GPS units you own or have used in the past.
I wanna know things like any particularly important features, back lighting, AA batteries vs. rechrgables, screen size, brands for maps, etc.
Is it necessary to buy an Aviation specific GPS?
I hope that this thread will be helpful!
I wanna know things like any particularly important features, back lighting, AA batteries vs. rechrgables, screen size, brands for maps, etc.
Is it necessary to buy an Aviation specific GPS?
I hope that this thread will be helpful!
Garmin = GPS
Buy as much Garmin GPS as you can reasonably afford.
196 (non colour) or 296 (colour)
I own and use/have used: Garmin III Pilot GPS, EMTAC Bluetooth GPS, Garmin GPSMap 296 and have recently been a devil and bought a Garmin GPSMap 496.
Dr
Buy as much Garmin GPS as you can reasonably afford.
196 (non colour) or 296 (colour)
I own and use/have used: Garmin III Pilot GPS, EMTAC Bluetooth GPS, Garmin GPSMap 296 and have recently been a devil and bought a Garmin GPSMap 496.
Dr
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Garmin GPS Map 96!
It floats, is drop proof, doesn't mind being left on the dash in the hot sun. I can't seem to destroy the thing
Are the newer Garmin models as resistant to GA pilot abuse?
Are colour screens any good? Easy to read?
Been thinking about upgrading but not sure if its worth it. The old one still works and even tells me when to descend
Anyone know what some of the new features the newer models have?
I love Captain Garmin.
It floats, is drop proof, doesn't mind being left on the dash in the hot sun. I can't seem to destroy the thing
Are the newer Garmin models as resistant to GA pilot abuse?
Are colour screens any good? Easy to read?
Been thinking about upgrading but not sure if its worth it. The old one still works and even tells me when to descend
Anyone know what some of the new features the newer models have?
I love Captain Garmin.
Has any used (or is using) a GPS/PDA combo? Have been contemplating just buying a good PDA and then adding a SD or Bluetooth module and appropriate software.
FDK, I know that your using a tablet PC, which is pretty much a similar config on a smaller scale.
FDK, I know that your using a tablet PC, which is pretty much a similar config on a smaller scale.
296/396/496
FDK, I know that your using a tablet PC, which is pretty much a similar config on a smaller scale.
FTDK, what do the 396/496 do for you in this country that the 296 doesn't? From the Garmin website it seems most additional features of the later/greater models are only supported in the US..
The 296 is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I thought my III Pilot was great when I first got it and it served me well but I have not seen anything as capable as the 296.
So why did I buy a 496? Cause I had need of another GPS (and NO, I am NOT going to run 4 GPSs in the Bo) and figured I might as well buy the latest technology for not a lot more money.
If you buy the European version, it is cheaper cause you don't get all the US database stuff.
What does the 496 do for an Ozzie based pilot that a 296 doesn't - not much!
The 496 has faster refresh rates (5 MHz).
The 496 has audible terrain allerts
The 496 is TCAS alert compatable
All of the other stuff is either of no use to an Ozzie pilot or not available here anyway.
The best investment a young pilot could make would be to save up and buy a 296, or get the family to combine all birthday and Xmas presents for the next 5 years and buy them one.
I have never met anyone who has a 296 who regrets the investment - and it could just save your bacon one day.
After 5 or so years of flying with the 296, I would not hesitate to fly a GPSRNAV, Localiser or NDB overlay approach with it - if that was all I had left.
Dr
Last edited by ForkTailedDrKiller; 4th Mar 2008 at 23:35.
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So the next toy for the Bo is a TCAS is it?
I would be surprised if the SOP's for ForkAir does not say.......among other thinks like
"No operations outside of Class C Airspace without a fully functioning TCAS"
"No Operations outside of the hangar without 3 fully functioning GPS, Tablet PC and Jepp Flight Deck and WhereTheFugawi running at all times!"
J
I would be surprised if the SOP's for ForkAir does not say.......among other thinks like
"No VFR operations above 1500' AGL"!
"No Operations outside of the hangar without 3 fully functioning GPS, Tablet PC and Jepp Flight Deck and WhereTheFugawi running at all times!"
J
I see most people are advocating an aviation-specific Garmin GPS.. I'd certainly not disagree that these are excellent units, I've used a number of them and was very happy with their operation.
However to answer the original question I don't think it's necessary to use an aviation unit, particularly if you're cost-conscious, or are looking simply for some local landmark pointers/groundspeed/eta/goto functions. I've extensively used a Garmin GPS72 for just these requirements and it works fine - at a significantly lesser cost than a 196 or similar. I can load into it an aerodrome database and use the simple goto function to give me direction/eta/gs/elevation etc, all very useful stuff. Obviously you wouldn't use it in IMC
and it won't give you airspace or terrain warnings but, arguably, that's what maps are for 
and you'd use such a GPS to augment your position reckoning. Additonally, as I think the good Dr has done, you can feed the NMEA data out of the GPS to a moving map display on a laptop. This works well and if you were to use a smaller laptop such as an ASUS ePC or Sony Vaio you can end up with quite a good system. Some of the later moving map software packages will display in 3D as well as a number of other functions that perhaps make them just a little more versatile than a fixed-purpose GPS. Incidentaly you won't lose the GPS functionality if you're concurrently outputting the data to a PC. I often d/load my tracks to such software so I can accurately log my flight time and also see if I could have improved my route amongst other things.
Just to mention other makes I know a few people who have used the Lowrance (Aviation) units with some success and satisfaction.
On batteries I'd get a good set of quality hi-cap NiMH cells, and a spare set, and a spare set. I use SONY 2.5 AH AA's in my Garmins, sure I can get cheaper batteries but over the years (and I'm in the know!) I've found they're not all created equal. And yes I do usually carry at least two spare sets. I also try and use equipment that has the same (AA) battery type, such as the camera, torch etc so that I may have other sources of power in an emergency. Backlighting will use up more power but a fully charged set of batteries will almost certainly outlast your fuel tank even with it switched on.
FP.
However to answer the original question I don't think it's necessary to use an aviation unit, particularly if you're cost-conscious, or are looking simply for some local landmark pointers/groundspeed/eta/goto functions. I've extensively used a Garmin GPS72 for just these requirements and it works fine - at a significantly lesser cost than a 196 or similar. I can load into it an aerodrome database and use the simple goto function to give me direction/eta/gs/elevation etc, all very useful stuff. Obviously you wouldn't use it in IMC
and it won't give you airspace or terrain warnings but, arguably, that's what maps are for and you'd use such a GPS to augment your position reckoning. Additonally, as I think the good Dr has done, you can feed the NMEA data out of the GPS to a moving map display on a laptop. This works well and if you were to use a smaller laptop such as an ASUS ePC or Sony Vaio you can end up with quite a good system. Some of the later moving map software packages will display in 3D as well as a number of other functions that perhaps make them just a little more versatile than a fixed-purpose GPS. Incidentaly you won't lose the GPS functionality if you're concurrently outputting the data to a PC. I often d/load my tracks to such software so I can accurately log my flight time and also see if I could have improved my route amongst other things.Just to mention other makes I know a few people who have used the Lowrance (Aviation) units with some success and satisfaction.
On batteries I'd get a good set of quality hi-cap NiMH cells, and a spare set, and a spare set. I use SONY 2.5 AH AA's in my Garmins, sure I can get cheaper batteries but over the years (and I'm in the know!) I've found they're not all created equal. And yes I do usually carry at least two spare sets. I also try and use equipment that has the same (AA) battery type, such as the camera, torch etc so that I may have other sources of power in an emergency. Backlighting will use up more power but a fully charged set of batteries will almost certainly outlast your fuel tank even with it switched on.
FP.
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I have owned the Garmin 96, Lowrance 500 and now have the 600c. I would buy a lowrance over the Garmin any day simply because I think you get more bang for your buck. The 600c I have is probably the equivalent of the 96c but has more features (like terrain etc), comes with way more gear (e.g. a whole lot of different RAM mount type stuff), isn't as big and bulky, is the right way up and it is heaps cheaper ! In saying that I have had some issues with reception. For some reason it decided I was doing 300kts (in a C185) still heading in the same direction but about 20 miles north of where I was when it was in an area of poor reception. That was probably just a fault with mine because I have never heard of it happening to others and I never had the problem with my 500 that I had. I would rather it just give me no information than false information.
I also use a garmin 296 (as part of the aircraft I fly but not mine) which is great but just a bit too expensive for me. I also use the good old garmin pilot 3 which is a fantastic little unit but is getting a bit dated now. It would be good if they updated it with all the current bells and whistles but kept it in the same small handy unit.
I also use a garmin 296 (as part of the aircraft I fly but not mine) which is great but just a bit too expensive for me. I also use the good old garmin pilot 3 which is a fantastic little unit but is getting a bit dated now. It would be good if they updated it with all the current bells and whistles but kept it in the same small handy unit.
Last edited by Corkey McFuz; 5th Mar 2008 at 08:35.
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Love my ol Garmin AV100..... that tells my age, but it still works fine.
Have a Garmin 12XL for land work and a Lowrance 1000 for mustering..... best yet.
My co-pilot makes the coffee and keeps me warm & fuzzy.
Have a Garmin 12XL for land work and a Lowrance 1000 for mustering..... best yet.
My co-pilot makes the coffee and keeps me warm & fuzzy.
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600c
Have to agree with Mc Fuzz, the Lowrance 600c is as powerfull as the 296
smaller CHEAPER more intuiative did I mention Cheaper.
If you are Garmin brained then the 29/39/49 is good. (also the 29 has that Lith/Ion battery)
I still feel that if you are using these things for ground seperation then its time to reevaluate the big picture.(the V in VFR is there for a reason).
Also with the Lowrance you can plug in all those outher Lowrance toys, Fuel flow units from the marine series (grate for ferry tanking) and some others.
Cheers,
Solocmv.
smaller CHEAPER more intuiative did I mention Cheaper.
If you are Garmin brained then the 29/39/49 is good. (also the 29 has that Lith/Ion battery)
I still feel that if you are using these things for ground seperation then its time to reevaluate the big picture.(the V in VFR is there for a reason).
Also with the Lowrance you can plug in all those outher Lowrance toys, Fuel flow units from the marine series (grate for ferry tanking) and some others.
Cheers,
Solocmv.
I love my GPS Pilot 3 (but they are not sold now). I flightplan using Airnav, then plug the same route into my GPS, then cross check all the distances and headings. I use it as a VFR flight aid, and always follow my position closely on the chart. The GPS is great for spotting diversions from track and for finding that elusive field. In light of my experience when my Pilot 3 croaks I will go for a Garmin 296 without hesitation.
An aviation GPS is useful (over a land based one) as it gives you the CTR steps, navaids, airfields, etc which can be cross checked to charts.
An aviation GPS is useful (over a land based one) as it gives you the CTR steps, navaids, airfields, etc which can be cross checked to charts.
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aviation vs land/marine unit
One safety feature of aviation units over the others is the 'nearest' feature. I find it comforting to know that with the push of one button I get a list of the closest airstrips including distance and direction so if things go to sh!t I don't waste valuable time searching the wac for the nearest suitable strip. Just something to consider.
PW
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DON'T waste your time with a non-aviation GPS in an aircraft. It's the airspace information that you need. Without the airspace and detailed information you are wasting money by estimating distances and not following the direct route. You could say that the GPS will pay for itself in aircraft hire time and may one day save your life or someone elses by helping you to give an accurate radio call and distance calculations. How many times have you heard someone call 5 miles inbound and they are nowhere to be seen for the next 10 minutes?
The 296 craps on Lowrance, especially after the recent *massive* price drop that the Garmin "had to have."
Remember that the 296 is not certified but it contains the identical terrain database to that of the 400 series Garmins etc that you'll pay thousands for!
You can land a 296 for about AUD$1,500 at the moment from the US and about $2,900 for the 496.
Whilst on the topic of importing electronics, most of the big sellers such as Spruce and Gulf coast are offering trendy Vertex Radios (transceiver) for US$179 at the moment so about $250 delivered with the strong aussie dollar. I've bought around half a dozen for flying buddies and my local flying school and they are excellent value, waterproof, robust and very loud - highly recommended for a backup!
PS
That being said, do take a look at the latest Avmap. They have a very large screen and are quite a thin little unit.
The 296 craps on Lowrance, especially after the recent *massive* price drop that the Garmin "had to have."
Remember that the 296 is not certified but it contains the identical terrain database to that of the 400 series Garmins etc that you'll pay thousands for!
You can land a 296 for about AUD$1,500 at the moment from the US and about $2,900 for the 496.
Whilst on the topic of importing electronics, most of the big sellers such as Spruce and Gulf coast are offering trendy Vertex Radios (transceiver) for US$179 at the moment so about $250 delivered with the strong aussie dollar. I've bought around half a dozen for flying buddies and my local flying school and they are excellent value, waterproof, robust and very loud - highly recommended for a backup!
PS
That being said, do take a look at the latest Avmap. They have a very large screen and are quite a thin little unit.
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wow thank you all for your replies! It has been excellent reading and great food for thought. I have a question for you all about the aviation units. How often does your software need to be updated to ensure you have accurate airspace and instrument procedure information when you need it? You have have to pay a regular update service on top of the cost of the unit?
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I agree with Solocmy. Have owned garmin products and yes the 296 is great, if now becoming a bit dated but the Lowrance 2000c does pretty well everything it does and has a bigger brighter screen also- and is much cheaper but perhaps a little more 'clunky'.
You should update your database every month - but I have seen some folk flying around using databases going back to 1992(!)- hopefully not for primary nav purposes. I downloaded an update for a garmin 196 lately for US$35 and it was easy to do. I think it costs less per update for multiple updates. All of the info is on the garmin website.
You should update your database every month - but I have seen some folk flying around using databases going back to 1992(!)- hopefully not for primary nav purposes. I downloaded an update for a garmin 196 lately for US$35 and it was easy to do. I think it costs less per update for multiple updates. All of the info is on the garmin website.
Updates should be done but frankly as a navaid for VFR there is not a lot of point, as airfields dont move and there are not too many new ones popping up these days. If the CTR boundaries change significantly where I fly, I would then consider an update. I got one free update with the GPS.
I bought my GPS with an Asia Pacific database at www.pilotmall.com in the US.
I bought my GPS with an Asia Pacific database at www.pilotmall.com in the US.