"GPS" for android
 

Was just wondering if there is an app for android smartphones which can be used as a "GPS". Main thing is I hope it's free.
My main navigation will still be with the official VFR charts.

I only need to use it to show where I am, not really for navigating.
Don't really need topo / terrain.
Even if it's a simple "google map" but I know where I am it's good enough.

Plus it must not require internet connection, only phone GPS.

Cheers!

Nokia "HERE maps"

Download your maps of interest to your local storage, then switch it to "Offline" mode.

There are loads.

If you are in the UK, "UK Airspace Aware" is probably the most powerful free one I know. But there are others, working internationally if that's your requirement.

Just search google play with suitable keywords and you'll find them.

G

OK, let me jump in with a non-free product: Skydemon.

It does a lot more than just a moving map. It helps with Weight and Balance, Fuel Planning, Range calculation related to wind, gets the weather information for you, keeps it updated as long as you are in wifi contact, gets the NOTAMs for you and shows them graphically on the map if possible, gets the related AIP airport and approach charts, both VFR and IFR, keeps a list of most frequencies you may have to contact. It will make a flight plan out of your rubberbanded flight planning and send it to the authorities (VFR only). It will import IFR flight plans from Rocketroute and Autorouter.

During flight it will warn you of controlled airspace, frequency to contact, advise you of obstructions, advise you of other traffic if FLARM equipped. By helping you with the navigation you have more time to look outside for traffic.
I could go on for a few more pages.

But: it is not free, it will cost you about the equivalent of 4 litres of Avgas per month. These four litres can easily be recovered by easier and better navigation, better planning and knowing where cheaper fuel can be uplifted. So, it reality, it is not free, it pays to use it.

Osmand (OsmAnd - Offline Mobile Maps and Navigation)

This one uses maps from Open Street Map. Crowdsourced, so be wary, but I have found them to be excellent.

I will second dirkdj here, although not free, and I don't really see it as a saving of any kind unlike dirkdj.

I personally I believe that my manual day navigation skills are good enough not to waste 4 (or more litres of avgas) per month that I wouldn't waste on following GPS!

BUT it is an incredibly useful tool. I don't use half the features - but the NOTAMS, moving map, frequencies, plogs, recording flights (to later analyse them, or even publish them if you like), and nearest VRP with a distance and direction are incredible features. Especially when you are flying over or in a layer of cloud!! It also has up to date charts which if you decide to fly to mainland Europe you can print as a backup, saving on purchasing numerous maps (although personally again I also purchase those).

There are thousands of apps out there - I have tried a lot of free ones, and although good - not fantastic and truly for that price unbeatable.

either way I would recommend purchasing a separate GPS dongle which connects via Bluetooth. As this dramatically improves reliability, and ensures your position is current.

Good luck in your search!

If SD ever prevents you from infringing some P-zone or Class A airspace, you may have recovered the cost of SD for the next 30 years or so. I have been almost surprised by a French nuclear site in an area I know very well. I have flown through it many times on IFR plan, no problem, in VFR it is a big no-no with heavy fines. You paper chart is not talking back to you.

I have been using Flight Assistant for a few months and have found it very reliable on a Nexus tablet. I'd guess it'd work OK on a phone too. It's free at the moment. Have a look at FlightAssistant | Your best co-pilot on an Android device

Andy

What you need is "UK AirspaceAVOID".

It shows your position on a moving map, shows all the current and up to date airspace, NOTAMs as well as airfields.

It warns you if you're about to enter an airpspace, highlights the border and gives you the appropriate frequency to call for entry.

It's tell you your current position relative to an aviation object, making it easy to report your position to ATC, and gives you the frequency for hte airspace that you're in at present.

It's approved by NATS and is totally free and constantly updated in the UK.

Search for "UK AirspaceAVOID" in the Google Play store.

One of the most useful programs is MM Tracker which will display any .qct style map on Android devices. Wouldn't be without it.

GPS
 

Have you tried Flyisfun deliberate grouping together of the words. Its free to try and very inexpensive to purchase the key. Free updates and great features.

Skydemon is by far the best.
XCSoar is good too, but overly complicated for the average user.
MMTracker is good, but those bar stewards at Memory Map changed format to qc3, which will only work with the pathetic Memory Map official app, so the only qct format charts available are well out of date. This is the main reason I ditched memory map.

You can always make your own qct charts. Scan and calibrate.

Oh! That is interesting! I always buy the up to date paper charts. How does one scan them into qct format? Is there a preferred program for this?

I know one bloke who does that, but It seems like a bit of a faff and you still end up with just a dumb image that is out of date before it leaves the printer and with all the clutter and mess of airspace up to heights you probably wont ever go up to.

Skydemon is now so helpfull and clear, its only downside is it makes planning and navigation around airspace so easy, I have to kick myself up the rear every so often and re-introduce myself to old fashioned pilotage, in case the magic box ever breaks on me