Using Foreflight Sentry in Europe

[xam135]

Hey Guys,

I've flown in the US and will begin flying in Europe now as well, I have a PPL, and during my time in the US (California) I came across the Foreflight Sentry device which comes with GPS, Weather, and an ADS-B receiver among some other features. I wanted to know if anyone has any experience using this in Europe, and wether or not it would be worth to buy in that case. I know aircraft in the US are now required to have ADS-B on planes (since January 2020, according to my flight school out there) and also that the US has many towers that "bounce off" data from aircraft as well as weather information, that the Sentry device can read. I know that's not the case in Europe which is why I'm curious to know how much use there is for this device in Europe.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[ETOPS]

Hello xam135

Looks like the Sentry device you mentioned is similar to the uAvionix Skyecho 2 available here in Europe. A big diference is we don't currently use the dual band function (UAT) thus weather broadcasts wont be received or TIS-B traffic. As ADSB is not yet mandatory for light aircraft there have been various other devices produced locally which I'm sure others will detail for you.

[TheOddOne]

there have been various other devices produced locally

Sadly, that's the case, they are quite often incompatible with each other. Each has their proponents as the ideal system whereas they all have their drawbacks. Popular amongst the glider fraternity is Flarm, a clever system that, as I understand it, only alarms when there is a closing threat. I don't think it's had much takeup in powered aircraft. What we need is Government to take the bull by the horns and mandate one system for all airborne vehicles, over 250 grammes in mass. I don't expect the Gov't to do so, in my lifetime...

In Class 'G', Mk1 eyeball is your best system. In controlled airspace, a Mode 'S' transponder and a Radar service will be the best.

TOO

[ChickenHouse]

Yes, I do have some experience using it. The Sentry was installed on a recent ferry flight aircraft and when switched on in European airspace it showed it is almost completely useless here. The big features are UAT based and there ain't no service here.

The best cost-benefit ratio I currently see in Europe is a raspberry pi based STRATUX with three antennas and the current STRATUX-EU distribution from b3nno on github - plenty of options and gives you all US coverage plus the local european specialities like Pi3, Flarm, OGN etc. when needed.

Be aware when entering European airspace on a California mindset that you are about to enter air over paleo-digital deserts.

[Jan Olieslagers]

[[ a bit off topic ]] further to the last remark above: also be aware that, in many countries, it is not because your map shows an aerodrome that you are automatically entitled to land there.

[ChickenHouse]

Originally Posted by Jan Olieslagers

[[ a bit off topic ]] further to the last remark above: also be aware that, in many countries, it is not because your map shows an aerodrome that you are automatically entitled to land there.

A very important remark! Added: and be prepared that almost all European airfields charge landing fees.

[xam135]

Thanks for all the advice and the remarks, even if they were not related to the original topic, I still appreciate it. I’ll have a look at your recommendations too.

[Jan Olieslagers]

almost all European airfields charge landing fees.

Yeps indeed confirmed. And there is quite a bit of differentiation: while in my own BE country, many a field will charge a symbolic 5 €, Dutch fields will be more expensive, I feel 15 € is a minimum over there, but that is an undocumented gut-feeling. Mind you, the aerodrome operators are not greedy, no blame on them! Rather they are subject to quite stringent regulation.