skydemon
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: UK
Age: 30
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
skydemon
Hey everyone,
Got my ppl 2 weeks ago and since have been flying here there and everywhere. I've seen a lot of people at my club using skydemon, does it make the experience better and is it worth the money?
Got my ppl 2 weeks ago and since have been flying here there and everywhere. I've seen a lot of people at my club using skydemon, does it make the experience better and is it worth the money?
Join Date: May 2014
Location: London
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
By all means use it for planning (Wx,nav,notam) but don't take it with you in the cockpit. There should be no need for it and it'd be a shame to get reliant on the magenta line too early...
B.
B.
A rose by any other name. Luddite - Luddite nedir? Luddite ne demek?
After 30 odd years of flying by chart, SkyDemon is now my primary means of navigation.
I still carry a route marked chart, but can't think of a single reason for leaving the GPS on the ground.
After 30 odd years of flying by chart, SkyDemon is now my primary means of navigation.
I still carry a route marked chart, but can't think of a single reason for leaving the GPS on the ground.
Last edited by Flyingmac; 17th Jun 2015 at 08:49.
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Wickford
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a very differing opinion of not taking it in the cockpit with you. I agree that it should not be your only source of navigation but I also think you should use all viable means possible to stay safe in the air and know exactly where you are.
I plan using Skydemon and then print it to a plog. I take Skydemon and chart and plog with me and match up the chart against Skydemon on a regular basis so I always know where I am even if Skydemon were to fail.
Why risk busting airspace or getting lost just so you can claim to be an expert with just charts.
Skydemon is an excellent navigation aid and well worth the money.
I plan using Skydemon and then print it to a plog. I take Skydemon and chart and plog with me and match up the chart against Skydemon on a regular basis so I always know where I am even if Skydemon were to fail.
Why risk busting airspace or getting lost just so you can claim to be an expert with just charts.
Skydemon is an excellent navigation aid and well worth the money.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Kent
Age: 58
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anything that can help me from being "uncertain of my position" to me is well worth it.
I use Sky Demon for the planning on my PC (easy to drag and drop) helps with ensuring you dont cross anything you shouldnt cross (NOTAMs are visible on a map within the application and also the wind etc). I then upload the route to the cloud and sync to my Android phone.
Print the frequencies and PLOG and route all out of Skydemon -
I also plot the route on the map and use the map to navigate, cross referencing with Skydemon. Where Skydemon ca come into its own is if you are tracking close to any restricted airspace it can confirm that you are not drifting off track.
Be warned there will be times where your phone reboots, GPS signal mysteriously dissapears or the suns so bright you cant see the screen. So for VFR it makes sense to me to use an app. I've used various apps and have settled with Skydemon as the best supported and easiest to use (I dont work for them nor have shares
On IPAD and Android it works perfectly and has been well developed in the last year or so. I think you can use it free at least for a while so you should try it out on your phone/tablet.
I use Sky Demon for the planning on my PC (easy to drag and drop) helps with ensuring you dont cross anything you shouldnt cross (NOTAMs are visible on a map within the application and also the wind etc). I then upload the route to the cloud and sync to my Android phone.
Print the frequencies and PLOG and route all out of Skydemon -
I also plot the route on the map and use the map to navigate, cross referencing with Skydemon. Where Skydemon ca come into its own is if you are tracking close to any restricted airspace it can confirm that you are not drifting off track.
Be warned there will be times where your phone reboots, GPS signal mysteriously dissapears or the suns so bright you cant see the screen. So for VFR it makes sense to me to use an app. I've used various apps and have settled with Skydemon as the best supported and easiest to use (I dont work for them nor have shares
On IPAD and Android it works perfectly and has been well developed in the last year or so. I think you can use it free at least for a while so you should try it out on your phone/tablet.
Join Date: May 2014
Location: London
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is an interesting discussion to be had regarding the use of various cockpit apps (and Skydemon I not the only one...) and everyone will have their opinion and use it in different ways. Pre-flight planning, printing a plog with frequencies etc is all good.
However, if the intention of to reduce busts, the stats which are often quoted seen to show that those with gps have more airspace busts than those who don't...
I honestly think that a relatively fresh PPL is better off building a good situational awareness and general navigation skills before succumbing to the lure of the magenta line.
B
However, if the intention of to reduce busts, the stats which are often quoted seen to show that those with gps have more airspace busts than those who don't...
I honestly think that a relatively fresh PPL is better off building a good situational awareness and general navigation skills before succumbing to the lure of the magenta line.
B
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I fly IFR and VFR and no longer use paper except for writing down clearances and ATIS and times.
IFR certified GPS on the panel and Skydemon do everything I need. IFR flight in GA is basically impossible without GPS.
Skydemon even provides geo-referenced approach plates and airfield diagrams.
Please do take it into the air, but also make sure you use it to maintain special awareness so you always know where you are and where you are going next and rough headings.
BTW I haven't owned a whizz wheel in years and no longer remember how to use one!
IFR certified GPS on the panel and Skydemon do everything I need. IFR flight in GA is basically impossible without GPS.
Skydemon even provides geo-referenced approach plates and airfield diagrams.
Please do take it into the air, but also make sure you use it to maintain special awareness so you always know where you are and where you are going next and rough headings.
BTW I haven't owned a whizz wheel in years and no longer remember how to use one!
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Radlett
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have also recently subscribed to SkyDemon.
From a planning point of view I love it. It makes the whole process so much easier and so much less hassle. That said, I am glad that I have been taught how to use a wizz wheel etc and do everything manually just in case.
From a navigation perspective I think it will be great. If it's any where near as good as my old 296 (I suspect it will be better) then I can't wait to make use of it. Again, I will always mark up my chart and have it to hand just in case.
I also think SkyDemon can be extended to make it even more useful. For example, it could be extended to calculate take off and landing distances. It already has the plane's details and the weather. All it needs are the runway details...
One question I have for any users out there though is do you carry your chart, or print off the chart from SkyDemon? Is printing the chart sufficient?
From a planning point of view I love it. It makes the whole process so much easier and so much less hassle. That said, I am glad that I have been taught how to use a wizz wheel etc and do everything manually just in case.
From a navigation perspective I think it will be great. If it's any where near as good as my old 296 (I suspect it will be better) then I can't wait to make use of it. Again, I will always mark up my chart and have it to hand just in case.
I also think SkyDemon can be extended to make it even more useful. For example, it could be extended to calculate take off and landing distances. It already has the plane's details and the weather. All it needs are the runway details...
One question I have for any users out there though is do you carry your chart, or print off the chart from SkyDemon? Is printing the chart sufficient?
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: The Wild Blue Yonder
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KidInk,
Lots of balanced comments about not loosing your map and line capability, but with regard to using Skydemon, I'd suggest looking at Runway HD from Airbox. They use the CAA chart, so the map you'll see on the screen is identical to the one you've been learning to fly with.
TPP
Lots of balanced comments about not loosing your map and line capability, but with regard to using Skydemon, I'd suggest looking at Runway HD from Airbox. They use the CAA chart, so the map you'll see on the screen is identical to the one you've been learning to fly with.
TPP
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Philippines
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I honestly think that a relatively fresh PPL is better off building a good situational awareness and general navigation skills before succumbing to the lure of the magenta line.
Nothing like navigating from VOR to VOR, waypoint to waypoint - and then finishing off with a raw data NDB/DME approach to minima in IMC!!!
Nar ... the 'big boys' follow the magenta line, sit and chat in the cruise and are still kn*****ed at the end of the day.
It's not just about navigational skills.
Although I agree a paper plog and line on the chart are still a must. Something you don't appreciate until the electrics fail.
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They use the CAA chart, so the map you'll see on the screen is identical to the one you've been learning to fly with.
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although I agree a paper plog and line on the chart are still a must.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Hotel Gypsy
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm probably going to get shot down here, but I think Runway HD is far better than SkyDemon.
That said, I don't disagree with any of the advice above - an integrated GA iThingy cockpit tool is extremely useful as long as it isn't used to the detriment of more fundamental things, like lookout.
That said, I don't disagree with any of the advice above - an integrated GA iThingy cockpit tool is extremely useful as long as it isn't used to the detriment of more fundamental things, like lookout.
Use a Skydemon chart. Track up. Then what you see on the screen will match what you see out of the windows. It will also be much less cluttered than a digitised CAA chart.
I know there are those who cling to the old North up, paper chart type set-up. I just don't know why.
I know there are those who cling to the old North up, paper chart type set-up. I just don't know why.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Radlett
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Use a Skydemon chart. Track up. Then what you see on the screen will match what you see out of the windows. It will also be much less cluttered than a digitised CAA chart.
Track up is the way to go I think, especially if you want to use a tablet in portrait!
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: E Anglia
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've used SkyDemon for a couple of years now and wouldn't be without it.
Combined with a panel mounted GPS and sky demons own IFR charting it's the D's Bs, for VFR and IFR flight.
There's stacks of additional stuff like GAR filing for your first Channel hop., weather updates, notams etc.
I use it on an iPad which has given problems with overheating so given my time again I'd probably use it on an iPad mini, connected to a fag lighter socket.
Mind you I still carry VFR and IFR paper charts: I'm still in the 20th Century.
Have SD also in Android on a Nexus but it's so clunky I don't use it.
Take advantage of the SD 30 day free trial: you'll be impressed and never look back.
Their customer service is first rate: they added my airstrip to their permanent database within 36 hours of my asking.
Good luck
Cusco (no connection with SD)
Combined with a panel mounted GPS and sky demons own IFR charting it's the D's Bs, for VFR and IFR flight.
There's stacks of additional stuff like GAR filing for your first Channel hop., weather updates, notams etc.
I use it on an iPad which has given problems with overheating so given my time again I'd probably use it on an iPad mini, connected to a fag lighter socket.
Mind you I still carry VFR and IFR paper charts: I'm still in the 20th Century.
Have SD also in Android on a Nexus but it's so clunky I don't use it.
Take advantage of the SD 30 day free trial: you'll be impressed and never look back.
Their customer service is first rate: they added my airstrip to their permanent database within 36 hours of my asking.
Good luck
Cusco (no connection with SD)
Last edited by Cusco; 17th Jun 2015 at 15:37.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Glens o' Angus by way of LA
Age: 60
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sky demon on Ipad 2 mounted on a Ram mount up where the sun visor is on a car.
1. Fire up the plane
2. Click "Go Flying"
3. Take off and never need look at the VOR, ADF, charts or some old POS IFR gps.
Easy Peazy
1. Fire up the plane
2. Click "Go Flying"
3. Take off and never need look at the VOR, ADF, charts or some old POS IFR gps.
Easy Peazy