Portable GPS for recreational flying
I would go with the Aera 510 (I have a 500 in the UK) in preference to any tablet based solution. I have yet to find a tablet which feels as well engineered and as robust as the dedicated aviation units.
The robustness of the software is another concern, all of the tablet and phone OS's insist upon updating themselves, at the least convenient moment, with various degrees of success.
Would you want to rely on any of them?
Rans6.........
The robustness of the software is another concern, all of the tablet and phone OS's insist upon updating themselves, at the least convenient moment, with various degrees of success.
Would you want to rely on any of them?
Rans6.........
Much as I regard the increasing reliance on electronic toys as the sole means of navigation on a par with hill walkers who have to be rescued after setting off into remote areas with just a mobile phone for guidance, I must admit that I've recently had the opportunity to fly with Sky Demon on a Mini Ipad, and I love it!
Like Genghis though, I only see it as the icing on my 'navigation cake'.
MJ
Like Genghis though, I only see it as the icing on my 'navigation cake'.
MJ
Not sure why people are recommending an iPad with an external GPS.
With all the tablets and phones I've used (mainly but not exclusively Android rather than Apple) the built-in GPS has been fine.
An Android tablet and an Aviation nav package such as SkyDemon is likely to be as good as any aviation GPS for VFR navigation, only much cheaper.
With all the tablets and phones I've used (mainly but not exclusively Android rather than Apple) the built-in GPS has been fine.
An Android tablet and an Aviation nav package such as SkyDemon is likely to be as good as any aviation GPS for VFR navigation, only much cheaper.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Netherlands
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I use a Garmin 296.
A bit old fashioned. Map is a bit small by today's standard. I set the route up in auto mode, then leave it on nav. page. No input required during flight.
Flyme.
A bit old fashioned. Map is a bit small by today's standard. I set the route up in auto mode, then leave it on nav. page. No input required during flight.
Flyme.
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GPS
When I got a Garmin 696 several years ago, I thought it was amazing. Still is, but my recommendation now would be Skydemon on an IPad mini with GPS. The updates for the 696 cost me near $500/yr.
Join Date: Aug 2015
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If the GPS is for use in the USA then SkyDemon would not be the best choice. The US charts are really not good enough as they miss a lot of essential sectional detail. In the USA Foreflight is the best choice for a PC/Tablet/IPad/etc. solution at the moment.
If you are considering a dedicated portable GPS unit then I prefer the Garmin 696 over the 796 as I find the touch screen of the 796 a hindrance in any type of turbulence. The Aera 560 is nice if a smaller device is more suitable. If you go the Garmin route make sure you get an XM Weather capable unit.
If you are considering a dedicated portable GPS unit then I prefer the Garmin 696 over the 796 as I find the touch screen of the 796 a hindrance in any type of turbulence. The Aera 560 is nice if a smaller device is more suitable. If you go the Garmin route make sure you get an XM Weather capable unit.
