Android Aviators
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Android Aviators
Hi all,
First a small introduction;
I have been a lingerer on here for some years, as a commercial pilot in the works. As I am currently on the hours building game, and loving my tech, I purchased a tablet thinking it could provide me with some useful apps when flying. It was however not one of the late Steve Job's creations, and actually a Sony android tablet.
I have trawled countless pages searching the best apps for this tablet in aviation, I have found some very usefull apps but find the information finding very difficult. This obviously has something to do with the fact that Android has not been as popular as the Apple, but this is changing very quickly.
And on to the point;
I have been thinking that to save the difficult search for worthy apps and news regarding them on the www, it may be worth knocking up an android site with all news and information regarding their usefulness in the aviation field.
What are your thoughts? I was also hoping to get an idea on how many people actually have followed similar routes to me and want to know how to get the most out of their android tablets/phones in flight.
The primary incentive for this was with my searching I did learn that some popular ipad apps are not far off finding their way onto the androids, and it would be good to liaise with these companies to keep everyone in the loop.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and comments,
James
First a small introduction;
I have been a lingerer on here for some years, as a commercial pilot in the works. As I am currently on the hours building game, and loving my tech, I purchased a tablet thinking it could provide me with some useful apps when flying. It was however not one of the late Steve Job's creations, and actually a Sony android tablet.
I have trawled countless pages searching the best apps for this tablet in aviation, I have found some very usefull apps but find the information finding very difficult. This obviously has something to do with the fact that Android has not been as popular as the Apple, but this is changing very quickly.
And on to the point;
I have been thinking that to save the difficult search for worthy apps and news regarding them on the www, it may be worth knocking up an android site with all news and information regarding their usefulness in the aviation field.
What are your thoughts? I was also hoping to get an idea on how many people actually have followed similar routes to me and want to know how to get the most out of their android tablets/phones in flight.
The primary incentive for this was with my searching I did learn that some popular ipad apps are not far off finding their way onto the androids, and it would be good to liaise with these companies to keep everyone in the loop.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and comments,
James
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Was hoping for more of a response than this!
I would also like to say this thread could be a useful start to see how other people make the most of their Android phones/tablets in flight.
I am suffering with my Sony Tablet due to a lack of geo referenced chart apps. The only two I have found so far are Airspace Avoid which is good but a very basic app and Naviator, which is a fantastic app but lacking UK charts.
Primarily chart/navigation apps, what does everyone else use or suggest?
I would also like to say this thread could be a useful start to see how other people make the most of their Android phones/tablets in flight.
I am suffering with my Sony Tablet due to a lack of geo referenced chart apps. The only two I have found so far are Airspace Avoid which is good but a very basic app and Naviator, which is a fantastic app but lacking UK charts.
Primarily chart/navigation apps, what does everyone else use or suggest?
I'm a happy Android phone user, but not yet succumbed to atablet of any description. I confress that I suspect that sooner or later I'll end up with an iPad because, although I'm generally not fond of Apple products, the range of apps is hellishly impressive.
On my phone the single most useful app is "Aviation Tools Free", which is easily found and gives me notams, AIP charts and Wx per airport.
"Scientific Calculator" is a good facsimile of an fx83 and I use routinely for any arithmetic I have to do down route.
"Swiss Army Knife" is handy for control displacement checks (I do a few permit revalidations annually as an inspector" and for the torch.
After that, I mostly use it as a web browser - so have the usual met sites, etc. bookmarked.
W&CG I'm sure there are apps about, but to be honest I use a pen and pencil for that, or my GPS has a good page for that if I was too lazy to work it out longhand.
I know that GASCo are currently trialling a version of their take-off and landing performance calculator for the iPhone/iPad, but when I asked they're not currently planning to do anything for the Android.
G
On my phone the single most useful app is "Aviation Tools Free", which is easily found and gives me notams, AIP charts and Wx per airport.
"Scientific Calculator" is a good facsimile of an fx83 and I use routinely for any arithmetic I have to do down route.
"Swiss Army Knife" is handy for control displacement checks (I do a few permit revalidations annually as an inspector" and for the torch.
After that, I mostly use it as a web browser - so have the usual met sites, etc. bookmarked.
W&CG I'm sure there are apps about, but to be honest I use a pen and pencil for that, or my GPS has a good page for that if I was too lazy to work it out longhand.
I know that GASCo are currently trialling a version of their take-off and landing performance calculator for the iPhone/iPad, but when I asked they're not currently planning to do anything for the Android.
G
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I started out wanting an Android phone and looking for apps. I got an Iphone 4 a month ago as it has all the apps and the Android versions appear to be “imminent”. After a year of watching and waiting my old phone gave out and I gave up on Android. Maybe in three years.
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I've come across a lot of airspace avoiding apps and log books and have seen MemoryMap in action, it's very impressive but I've seen it turn pilots lazy and out of practice of the traditional method of flight planning.
The apps that help you avoid airspace have their obvious advantages, but I never liked the thought of carrying, setting up and using my Android device. After all, how reliable are these apps and their GPS equipment.
For hour building, I felt that I was going to rely on my lovely new tech too much and if it was taken away from me (CPL training) I'd loose confidence and struggle a bit. So for that reason, tablets and smart phones have no room in my flight bag.
The apps that help you avoid airspace have their obvious advantages, but I never liked the thought of carrying, setting up and using my Android device. After all, how reliable are these apps and their GPS equipment.
For hour building, I felt that I was going to rely on my lovely new tech too much and if it was taken away from me (CPL training) I'd loose confidence and struggle a bit. So for that reason, tablets and smart phones have no room in my flight bag.
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I use the free memory map app, which is only meant to be used to test if the maps you have will work with the app, but it's a good back up if everything else fails.
I also have a good GPS tracking app, it was brilliant during my IR as it gives a 3D track at the end of your flight, so you can see how good your holds were and how close you came to certain beacons when overlaid on google earth.
I haven't found a decent weather app that works nearly as well as the iphone equivalent, so I just use the browser with a bookmark to the met office, and raintoday for the rainfall.
The phone in general is the best back up to have in an aircraft. GPS, 2 way communication with the ground, weather updates and even a back up torch if all else fails at night.
I also have a good GPS tracking app, it was brilliant during my IR as it gives a 3D track at the end of your flight, so you can see how good your holds were and how close you came to certain beacons when overlaid on google earth.
I haven't found a decent weather app that works nearly as well as the iphone equivalent, so I just use the browser with a bookmark to the met office, and raintoday for the rainfall.
The phone in general is the best back up to have in an aircraft. GPS, 2 way communication with the ground, weather updates and even a back up torch if all else fails at night.
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I bought a 7 inch Acer Android tablet that is WiFi only, and have had problem finding Apps. I can second the excellent Aviation Tools Free, and have tried the Memory Map beta, which is very stable.
However the GPS is useless - without a 3G or WiFi signal it will not get a fix at all, so it is in effect useless!
If I can get the MiFi going, I might try again.
However the GPS is useless - without a 3G or WiFi signal it will not get a fix at all, so it is in effect useless!
If I can get the MiFi going, I might try again.
Talking of Android hardware: what would be the "ideal" specs, for use in flight, and what devices would best correspond?
-) screen size min. 7" ?
-) min. screen resolution 640*480 ?
-) good luminosity (sunlight readable)
-) battery life at least 3 hours under full use
-) effective GPS
-) ethernet connectivity (WiFi)
-) ...?
-) screen size min. 7" ?
-) min. screen resolution 640*480 ?
-) good luminosity (sunlight readable)
-) battery life at least 3 hours under full use
-) effective GPS
-) ethernet connectivity (WiFi)
-) ...?
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Apps
Flitesoft just came out with their app which really is nice on the pc, like fore flight.
I gave up on tablets etc. I have a 530/430 waas combo, but then have a grain 696 as backup and then have the iPad jeep view as a backup to that!
Crazy I know!
Remy
I gave up on tablets etc. I have a 530/430 waas combo, but then have a grain 696 as backup and then have the iPad jeep view as a backup to that!
Crazy I know!
Remy
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Although I can get a decent signal on my Sony for GPS, I am looking at purchasing an external GPS unit which should be more accurate. If your tablet has bluetooth I'd suggest you take a look too. I believe flightstore or transair stocks ipad GPS receivers which would work just as well on the Androids.
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It also might be worth mentioning now, there is an iPad aviation developer currently making a version of their very popular Air Navigation Pro for Android.
Current progress according to devs:
Looks like a nice app, and more importantly they provide UK & Europe maps for it!
Current progress according to devs:
Hi there Marc.
We cannot tell a specific date yet, but we expect to have a version ready in about two months. We really want to make sure it`s good enough and stable before we release it. Remember it`s not gonna have as many features as the one for iOS has.
We are working to have it available for Samsung Galaxy s2 version 2.3 and Galaxy Tab 10.1.
We are looking forward to being able to offer it to the public.
Thanks for writing.
Regards.
Sebastian Vecchio
Xample
We cannot tell a specific date yet, but we expect to have a version ready in about two months. We really want to make sure it`s good enough and stable before we release it. Remember it`s not gonna have as many features as the one for iOS has.
We are working to have it available for Samsung Galaxy s2 version 2.3 and Galaxy Tab 10.1.
We are looking forward to being able to offer it to the public.
Thanks for writing.
Regards.
Sebastian Vecchio
Xample
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RTN11,
Do you know where to get memorymap maps from, other than downloading them off their store? I was really interested in the android version, but when I went to download it, it would only give me a basic OS map. I contacted them and they said there was no trial aviation map....I could either buy it and see what I thought, or not. Did you have to buy a copy of the aviation map, or is it free somewhere?
Do you know where to get memorymap maps from, other than downloading them off their store? I was really interested in the android version, but when I went to download it, it would only give me a basic OS map. I contacted them and they said there was no trial aviation map....I could either buy it and see what I thought, or not. Did you have to buy a copy of the aviation map, or is it free somewhere?
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Ian,
FWIW I have found some old memory map format 1:500 and 1:250 charts for MM. They are very outdated though and only used them for testing, think they're from 2007 I believe.
I keep hearing people saying that if you know where to look you can find the newest ones, but I'm yet to see where these are on the www aside from the obvious.
FWIW I have found some old memory map format 1:500 and 1:250 charts for MM. They are very outdated though and only used them for testing, think they're from 2007 I believe.
I keep hearing people saying that if you know where to look you can find the newest ones, but I'm yet to see where these are on the www aside from the obvious.
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I bought an Android Tablet for the Wife for Christmas and have to say for the money it cost its an amazing bit of kit:-
Scroll Excel Android tablet: The world’s cheapest 3D tablet | Electricpig
Its only just been released but won the Gadget Show best bargain tablet award and has been virtually sold out everywhere since, most places seem to be getting stock in again from Mid Jan.
For £130 you really cant go wrong, build quality, screen quality and performace are excellent.
The only snag is that Android Market is not 'officially' supported on this tablet but 5mins and I had it installed and working so its not really an issue.
And no, I'm not related to this product in any way, just really impressed with it...!
Scroll Excel Android tablet: The world’s cheapest 3D tablet | Electricpig
Its only just been released but won the Gadget Show best bargain tablet award and has been virtually sold out everywhere since, most places seem to be getting stock in again from Mid Jan.
For £130 you really cant go wrong, build quality, screen quality and performace are excellent.
The only snag is that Android Market is not 'officially' supported on this tablet but 5mins and I had it installed and working so its not really an issue.
And no, I'm not related to this product in any way, just really impressed with it...!
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IanPZ,
if you really dig around their website hard enough, you can find where they hide the sample maps:
Memory-Map : Support : Downloads : Sample Maps & Charts
The real maps are much better quality.
Also, check your PMs.
if you really dig around their website hard enough, you can find where they hide the sample maps:
Memory-Map : Support : Downloads : Sample Maps & Charts
The real maps are much better quality.
Also, check your PMs.
I use Airspace Avoid in conjunction with Pocket FMS. Works really well and I believe Pocket FMS are working on getting PFMS proper ported.
Not too long ago, I was in flight with my Garmin 296 on, when it all of a sudden lost GPS reception and never got it back. Got my Samsung Galaxy Pad, which usually is used as a chart book, out, held it in my lap and started Airspace Avoid, then a first version. Had a lock on in 2 minutes and full signal shortly thereafter. Never lost it too, while the Garmin went in and out.
I also use Weather Pro. Like it a lot, not only for aviation.
Those who give in to Apple are too early. Android is coming up more and more. I heard through the grapevine that Jeppesen are getting worried as well and I personally hope they will give in and finally release their chart software for Android too. Up to now, I usually carry my charts in PDF format and use Android's inbuilt office to watch them. Works well enough.
Not too long ago, I was in flight with my Garmin 296 on, when it all of a sudden lost GPS reception and never got it back. Got my Samsung Galaxy Pad, which usually is used as a chart book, out, held it in my lap and started Airspace Avoid, then a first version. Had a lock on in 2 minutes and full signal shortly thereafter. Never lost it too, while the Garmin went in and out.
I also use Weather Pro. Like it a lot, not only for aviation.
Those who give in to Apple are too early. Android is coming up more and more. I heard through the grapevine that Jeppesen are getting worried as well and I personally hope they will give in and finally release their chart software for Android too. Up to now, I usually carry my charts in PDF format and use Android's inbuilt office to watch them. Works well enough.
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Originally Posted by Dulay
Apps
Flitesoft just came out with their app which really is nice on the pc, like fore flight.
I gave up on tablets etc. I have a 530/430 waas combo, but then have a grain 696 as backup and then have the iPad jeep view as a backup to that!
Crazy I know!
Remy
Flitesoft just came out with their app which really is nice on the pc, like fore flight.
I gave up on tablets etc. I have a 530/430 waas combo, but then have a grain 696 as backup and then have the iPad jeep view as a backup to that!
Crazy I know!
Remy
You'd think it would have heard of Garmin, though.
Tim
Please can someone enlighten me: what is an android ?? Sounds like a word that belongs in science fiction.
Planemike
Planemike
Android (operating system) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
management survey: a poor man's ipod/ipad/izzz
[[ edit: not wanting to comment on the quality, or merits, only indicating better affordability ]]
[[ BTW it is a categorisation, meaning there are many devices running the Android O/S, with a wide variety in size, pricing, and, likely, quality ]]
management survey: a poor man's ipod/ipad/izzz
[[ edit: not wanting to comment on the quality, or merits, only indicating better affordability ]]
[[ BTW it is a categorisation, meaning there are many devices running the Android O/S, with a wide variety in size, pricing, and, likely, quality ]]
Last edited by Jan Olieslagers; 6th Jan 2012 at 12:05.