Flight Planning Software - What do you use?

Posted In: Aviation Software

Participant

Scott on August 20, 2018 at 5:19 pm #18740

Chris,

For an Android tablet, I wanted something in the middle-size range that could be used as a dedicated flying tablet (read: not too expensive).

I tried a few different devices and eventually settled on the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6-inch. It runs Pilot fine and the handwriting / stylus input is acceptable. It was $199 if I remember correctly. The Samsung S-series tablets were better for stylus input, but cost at least twice as much. The A-series seemed to bog down a little under load so they were not an option.

Participant

Kent W. Kalb on August 20, 2018 at 4:31 pm #18739

I have utilized IFD 540/440 combo. Controls are very intuitive…I prefer over Garmin systems. Very little “training” required to operate. Cons: none I can name.. I know Scott Sherer is also an Avidyne “follower”.

Participant

CHRIS STATER on August 20, 2018 at 9:55 am #18738

Scott – what Android tablet did you end up with?

Participant

Scott on August 19, 2018 at 10:28 pm #18737

Garmin Pilot for me now, primarily because a friend gave me a year’s worth of the Pro version. It does the same things that ForeFlight does. I like that I can run Pilot on an Android tablet as I’m not a fan of Apple products. I did have to go through a couple of tablets to find one that I liked for form factor and responsiveness to touch input.

A nice bonus of Pilot is that it integrates with the Garmin VIRB cameras. It lets me quietly turn the camera on/off when I’m instructing. Not a feature I knew about before I got Pilot but handy for my purposes.

May try FlyQ next year…

Participant

Kent W. Kalb on August 17, 2018 at 9:06 pm #18736

I am a fan of Foreflight…past several years. I have heard the developers speak at a meeting at Sporty’s Pilot Shop, I69. Both are pilots and really understand pilots needs and desires in software and continually upgrade the app.

Participant

CHRIS STATER on August 13, 2018 at 8:00 pm #18721

Kick starting this topic…
I have used Garmin Pilot for about 8 months now and like it primarily because it supports Android (my phone) and IOS (my iPad). I also thought that it might make integration with installed avionics tighter – if I install more Garmin products. Though that is the trap Garmin is hoping I fall in…I’m considering other options especially with other ‘glass panel’ options available – Avidyne, Bendix, etc.

I must say that I do like the Garmin Pilot interface – though it is what I have become accustomed to and haven’t really tried other options. It is really nice that all setup moves between my phone and iPad transparently.

Anyone out there have Avidyne IFDxxx GPS Navigators installed? Pros? Cons? The yet to be released BendixKing AeroVue Touch looks intriguing at approx. $13K…

Would love the collective wisdom of the group!!!
CBS

Guest

Anonymous on April 4, 2015 at 5:52 pm #17682

Thanks Bob, I’m reading your posting right now.

Best,
Scott Sherer
N344TB

Participant

BOB HIDLEY on April 4, 2015 at 10:01 am #17680

Scott:

Attached is a sample trip kit from FliteStar as if I planned to fly from Salem to Sacramento today. I use the small pages, cut them out and have them on a clipboard that fits in the side pocket next to the pilot’s seat. So inflight all I need is this and a pencil. I sometimes print the map to give to my passengers so they can follow along. There are options to print VFR or IFR charts, different size flight plans including booklets and all formats are customizable. You can make lists of all frequencies, airports etc. along your route.

I could talk about this for hours. Anyway, for example I’m planning a trip to IA, TN, MI, PA, CT and ME. I’ll do all the flight planning at home on my PC, put each days stuff in a large envelope including rental car and hotel info. When I get to the plane I’ll load everything into the Garmin 530 using the Garmin Migrator. I have an iPad on the yoke with a Ram mount. Using Foreflight I’ll file the flight plan in the plane about 10 minutes before departure. In the old days I brought along a laptop and portable printer and did each day’s planning from the hotel room. Now I have it all done before as I mentioned. I’ll check weather and NOTAMs using ForeFlight and the iPad. This works well with minimum time each day devoted to planning.

Bob

Participant

BOB HIDLEY on April 3, 2015 at 9:28 pm #17679

Just checked. I can flight plan all the way to Anchorage and Mexico City so I guess my subscription is North America not just the Continental US.

Participant

BOB HIDLEY on April 3, 2015 at 9:14 pm #17678

The $500 version is for all of North and South America including updates for one year. I have the IFR North America version which is the Continental US. My Pilot store sells it for $343 with one year of updates. It will work great without updates also. I’ve had it for about 20 years. Sometimes I bought a one time update per year, sometimes none for a couple years. Currently I’m updating it monthly. To me it’s worth the $343 price. Jeppesen also has free support to answer your questions.