Navigation Systems for iPads

[170C]

After talking to a number of pilots with iPads it appears that Foreflight may be the most popular at this time. Wondering if anyone has had any experience or comments on Seattle Avionics Fly Q EFB. I am attempting to make an informed decision on which one would best serve my needs

[hilltop170]

Frank-
For the first year I used the iPad, I tried both Garmin and Foreflight concurrently. I know nothing about the one you suggested. I found Foreflight had everything I needed to fly VFR and IFR in an easy to understand format. Garmin had more bells and whistles than I needed or wanted and not being a tach nerd, was too much, in my opinion. So I let Garmin expire and I'm still happy with Foreflight except they charge an extra subscription for Canada. I only need that about once a year so its no big deal. The Canadian info is still there with the US subscription and is easily available on the World, Terrain, Street, and Aerial maps without the Canadian subscription, but no Canadian aeronautical charts.

[170C]

Thanks for the input Richard. I am virtually sure I will go with Foreflight, but had received some info on the net regarding the Fly Q EFB and was just curious if anyone had any experience with it.

Frank

[N2625U]

I've got the Fly Q and I do like it. My flying is mostly VFR in a 172 and I have it on an IPad Air. For me it does the job and I'm getting used to it. I've used it for IFR flights and it seems to work well.

[edbooth]

Thanks for the input Richard. I am virtually sure I will go with Foreflight, but had received some info on the net regarding the Fly Q EFB and was just curious if anyone had any experience with it.

Frank

Frank, I would definately go with Foreflight....has nothing to do with Angela working there.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Frank,

I've used them all. Foreflight was the first serious software available that was able to do basic navigation functions and being first it has an edge I think as being thought of as the standard. All the software works fine and if you only try and choose one you will learn it and think it the best. Like other computer software (A IPad is a computer) learning software is the key to successful use and ultimately you being happy with it. And like other computer software having someone else who knows how something works and can show you when you can't figure it out can mean the difference of success or not.

So I would recommend you buy the same software as someone else you know who can show you how it works. And likely ForeFlight might be it.

I personally use Wing X. Why? Because I needed to buy one quick one day and the software I liked the best doesn't run on a IPhone and Wing X popped into my head. One of my requirements is that the software run on both an IPhone and a IPad. Fly Q EFB won't run on an IPhone otherwise I liked it. I liked Garmen the best but it won't work with the ADS-B receiver I bought so I'll likely never buy that software. ForeFlight will work on a IPhone but when I used it I didn't find it intuitive. To be honest there are many things I don't like about all the software and in fact Wing X is just the software with the least amount of things I dislike.

[DWood]

I currently have both and learned on Foreflight. I think Foreflight is easier to use and they allow more duplicate receivers ie. ipad, iPad mini, iphone, wife's iPhone etc. I subscribed to Garmin as I was able to get a deal on the GDL39 before going to Oshkosh. However, there were a couple times I had to switch back to Foreflight due to my unfamiliarity with Garmin. I am learning something every time I fly it. It only allows me access on my iPD Mini and iPhone and not on my wife's phone or iPad.

I will only renew Garmin just for the GDL39 (very effective for wx, traffic, etc) once you learn it

For what it is worth
Dan

[170C]

I really appreciate all the input from you folks. I can see why some of you use something different than Foreflight, but it sounds like that is the best way for me to go. Of course some of you Foreflight users may get an email asking how do you do this or that

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Frank, you could do as I did. Get a free trial for one. When that runs out get a free trial for another. By that time the first will offer you another second trial period and them the second will do the same. You can probably go a year without buying any of them and then the trails will reset and you can do it all over again. What will happen is you will remember how the last software worked, and compare to the new and you will either like it better or not. By the time you get to the third software you won't remember much about the first except that there are features you didn't like though you have know idea what that might be by now.

Then you will be confused with the subscriptions and what you think might be the best deal.

Ultimately, in a week moment, you might do as I did and just pick one two days before traveling to convention. Then spend the whole trip remembering all the things you didn't like about it and realize your now locked in to it for a year.

You can also be a renegade like a friend of mine and use only free stuff. And it is easier than ever to do because flight planning sites like Fltplan.com are now offering a basic sectional with your position on it and the flight plan you preplanned. Very basic but we all would have thought it the cats meow 10 years ago.

[moss farmer]

I have used WingX pro and FlyQ. Both are very good but with the latest changes in FlyQ it is better. Have used a Clarity receiver and the latest I pad. The horizontal and vertical situation awareness for both are good, especially in the mountains around here. I would not use it IFR, however.

[170C]

Bruce----------Say What You are suggesting this to a guy who has trouble with simple computer things If you think I bug you now with questions can you imagine how bad it would be if I gave this a try Seriously I have decided to go with what seems to be the most popular/most used system--Foreflight. That way with all the members and others around maybeeee I can learn how to use it Looking forward to getting all the parts and giving it the ole college try Thanks again everyone

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Bruce----------Say What You are suggesting this to a guy who has trouble with simple computer things If you think I bug you now with questions can you imagine how bad it would be if I gave this a try

Frank, when I was writing that post it was very hard to continue and then I'd remember these post are read by many and ultimately not just for Frank. I'm glad you see the wisdom of picking ForeFlight and sticking with it.

[bagarre]

I really like Foreflight for briefings and flight planning but the Garmin Pilot software is SO much nicer in flight.

I ended up with an Aera 510 so I rarely turn on the ipad in flight anymore.

[pdb]

Personally, I am a huge fan of FlyQ and have flown diagonally across the continent, AK to Virginia, twice with it. One direction was solo. It's very easy to learn and use. The only downside is that they don't have Canadian charts for it as Foreflight does but for the legs I fly, I have the Canadian charts and the electronic Canadian charts are expensive.

I have also flown Seattle to the Midwest and back with duaing iPads, one using both Foreflight and FlyQ. They both do the job just fine and you won't regret either.

If you want ease of use (think solo 170 pilot in bumpy thermic conditions), try FlyQ before you make a final decision.

Interestingly, I used it in the cockpit and rarely lost the gps signal from the internal iPad gps.

[GAHorn]

...I ended up with an Aera 510 so I rarely turn on the ipad in flight anymore.

YUP!