Best GPS for GA
 

Hi Everyone,

I am considering purchasing a portable GPS and was looking for some advice as to which one gets your recommendations for GA use? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? I have looked at the Garmin Aera, Garmin 495 and the Bendix AV80, but they all look pretty much the same though quite different prices.:ugh:

Any help is very much appreciated! :)

Ive got the Clarity and am happy with it.

I presume you are only looking to use it VFR?

Hi Liam, yes just looking to use it VFR. thanks

I paid 600 for the Clarity wich is basicly a moving map with airspace warnings, I was really happy with it when i first got it but kind of wish i bought a more expensive Garmin now instead.

chris

Another vote for the Airbox Clarity here :)

Garmin Aera 500 does it for me.

Keep it cheap and cheerful, I've got the Aware from NATS, basically a cheaper Version of the clarity! Only £250. Job done

why the change of view Chris?

Why the change of view?

I seen a Garmin 500 in action,
The Breadcrumb trail.. The Nearest VOR, Nearest airfield.. Frequency List
and whatever else is way better. Even the unit itself seems decent compared to the Clarity.

I do like the Claritys maps, Airspace warnings and charger tho..
Inflight charging for the Garmin seems like a messy pain in the arse

chris

does the garmin aera also have air space warnings?

You should also consider that for clarity and aware you only get UK maps. I havent seen any for Ireland or the rest of europe.
However If you do fly to unknown locations that is where the gps will help you most. You wont need it in the local area around your home airfield

Nearest airfield would be good IMO. I think the clarity is very much work in progress and new features are likely to be added, NOTAMS etc were suppose be able to be downloaded to the device.

Clarity gets my vote.

What hasn't been mentioned is the fantastic after sales support. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Also - a British company is behind it all.

WW

breadcrumbs, nearest airfield/VOR etc is all in the development program - the weather/NOTAMS for the system are due in the next two weeks, available as a download via Fastplan. also new graphics engine for the system allowing fasting map panning etc . will be ready for the next release.

but what about availibility of more european maps for the clarity?

Next week is the aeroExpo in Wycombe. Best chance to try out the different navs

Airbox have full European charting for the Clarity /Foresight - Aware is UK only at present...

Get a Garmin 196. Has never let me down. comes with all the mounts you could need and since b&W screen AA batteries last forever.

Great Product. Great company. I have been using garmin for a wide range of things all my life and I have never had any problems.

right there are other countries available but for £99 per country. So when flying from Uk to Germany might work out very expensive as you need Uk plus at least 2 additional countries. This is £600 for the clarity plus 2x £99 for the maps. Not very compatitive - however I do like the function of the clarity as it is plane and gives you all you really need

sounds excellent this.

Hopefully my view route in google earth will work on the next release. Id like to be able to downlaod my routes and view them after the flight, presume this is the breadcrumbs function.

The graphics engine, is that for ther actual device? i.e will it make the devbice run smooter/faster?

Thanks

Liam

yes - google earth view will work, and you will be able to view your logged flights on the fastplan software. the graphics engine applies to both the desktop planner and the devices themselves. I've seen quite a considerable improvement both in map panning and also map switching eg 1:500,000 to 1:250,000 which is now almost instantaneous.

With regard to European maps, the Jepp maps that Airbox supply can be pricey although they are working on some quite nice alternatives which should be available in August/early September.

Oh and like the Aware systems, all UK airspace definitions are available via download on a mnothly basis for free. It is likely this will be extended into Europe.

I've had a Clarity for about a year. Very pleased overall. Battery life is a little short, realistically 1.5 hours but you can charge it on the go. I've called in to see the company to get my software updated and they are genuinely decent people and always willing to help you out which counts for a lot in my book.