Dang it! Have to get a smartphone

[maniago]

Ok, I know this isn't specifically mooney related, but it is IFR flying related, and I'm working on my commercial rating so I need some experienced XC fliers to help me decide (I did a search and there's nothing specific on phones since 2009). So new thread.

Background: I have to get a new phone because the twins just turned 16 and I can't put them off any more, so they get our old non-smart phones.  Besides its better than "Dad, can we have a car?".  uh, right?

That said, Foreflight or WingX are my first deciding factor, and frankly I like WingX (I think).  Then its Iphone or Android OS phone (Galaxy Nexus with ice cream seems quite good).  However, it also seems Android phones are trailing with regards to the two affore mentioned apps, but I'm not really Apple sold either.

So what I'd like to hear from anyone who uses these is something like: "I've got X app and have Y phone and it works for me pretty good for Z missions; but, not so good when I do...etc. 

Sure don't want to start a phone or app bashing thread though....Thoughts anyone?

[jetdriven]

I think Apple has the aviation app market cornered right now.  Iphone screen is too small for navigating in the plane, it works great as a preflight tool.  I use Foreflight and Skyradar. We may migrate over to WingX when our subscription runs out becuase it interfaces with Skyradar ADS-B data.  Foreflight sold out to Baron, who only recieves XM. There is also an app, IO360 for power calcuations but I rarely use it, its all LOP for me. Also, DenAlt is good.

 

[Becca]

Quote: maniago

Ok, I know this isn't specifically mooney related, but it is IFR flying related, and I'm working on my commercial rating so I need some experienced XC fliers to help me decide (I did a search and there's nothing specific on phones since 2009). So new thread.

Background: I have to get a new phone because the twins just turned 16 and I can't put them off any more, so they get our old non-smart phones.  Besides its better than "Dad, can we have a car?".  uh, right?

That said, Foreflight or WingX are my first deciding factor, and frankly I like WingX (I think).  Then its Iphone or Android OS phone (Galaxy Nexus with ice cream seems quite good).  However, it also seems Android phones are trailing with regards to the two affore mentioned apps, but I'm not really Apple sold either.

So what I'd like to hear from anyone who uses these is something like: "I've got X app and have Y phone and it works for me pretty good for Z missions; but, not so good when I do...etc. 

Sure don't want to start a phone or app bashing thread though....Thoughts anyone?

[bnicolette]

I have been solely using my iPhone and Foreflight (w/georeferencing) for preflight planning, approach charts, enroute charts, etc., for over a year now with zero issues.  I will print out approach charts for the airports I'm using and I also have an outdated enroute chart I keep in the plane just for an emergency situation (phone dies).  I have my iPhone mounted and it works perfectly with no need for an external GPS.  I can also almost always pick up the weather through Foreflight although I have XM wx through my Garmin 396.  Foreflight has a lot of nice features (I'm sure WingX has them also, but not sure) especially with the ability to overlay things on the different maps.  Radar, Satellite, Pireps, fuel, Ceilings, etc.  It is a great flight planning tool.

I also used Foreflight with the company I used to fly for on the iPad's and again never had any issues with it.  It is very user friendly and very fluent.

Deciding between Foreflight and WingX is much like deciding between NOAA and Jeppesen.  They both offer the same information in a slightly different format.  Pick which one you like best and stick with it.

[maniago]

Quote: jetdriven

Iphone screen is too small for navigating in the plane, it works great as a preflight tool.

 

[DaV8or]

I have an iPhone and iPad. I use Foreflight. Love these products. I had an Android phone before, an HTC Incredible, but never used it for aviation. At that time, there weren't any aviation aps for it. Never liked the Android phone and much happier with the iPhone. That's just me though. It's sort of a Mac/PC thing.

[PTK]

Quote: jetdriven

Iphone screen is too small for navigating in the plane, it works great as a preflight tool.  

[jetdriven]

i agree totally.  I wish the new iPad3 would come out with a smaller screen. 

[maniago]

Quote: allsmiles

My personal opinion is that although the iPhone is small the iPad is too big for the cockpit! I personally prefer to use the iPhone as a backup with Skycharts Pro.

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

My vote is for the iPad 2 w/ foresight backed up with an iPhone 4.  I don't carry paper charts with me any more.  Love the streamlined nature of the iPad and weight/cost savings of not having to deal with anything paper. It really keeps things organized in the cockpit. 

[KSMooniac]

I just switched to Verizon and got the HTC Rezound over the Galaxy Nexus.  There are a lot of issues with the Nexus presently, especially as a "flagship" phone.  I like the Rezound, even after a very happy 18 months with an EVO 4G on Sprint.  

I put some approach plates on the EVO occasionally as a backup backup.  They were readable with a bit of zooming and panning, but more of a novelty than anything.  The EVO and Rezound are great for pre-flight planning with fltplan.com and several WX sites.  weathermeister.com is my favorite, but it is a pay site and worth every penny for quickly getting the weather in a great format.

I use a Xoom 10" tablet for charts and plates now and it works great with the Avilution app.  WingX is only a plate-reader device for Android in the cockpit, yet costs the same as the Apple version with a full moving map.  The iPad has the two heavyweight apps plus a few others compared to Android, unfortunately.  The 10" form factor is perfect IMO and sits on my lap desk without a fixed mount.  

Bottom line though, I wouldn't count on using a smart phone of any size in the cockpit for any primary use as the screen is just too small.  (Even with my 38 year old eyes corrected to 20/20 or better)  Get the phone you like best after doing the research and sampling it in the store... just don't bet on it being useful in the cockpit.

[David Mazer]

I have a Galaxy S II.  It has a nice size screen but I wouldn't consider using it for my maps.  I tried the iPad and I must be the only person in the world that didn't like it. The screen isn't bright enough and the applications aren't what I wanted.  I use Seattle Avionics Voyager EFB on a Motion LS800 and it works great (I have weather on my Aspen).  The hardware is only about $300 now, cheaper than a smart phone, and the software and updates are competitive. I use a yoke mount with a fan since the super bright screen heats up, I plug it into ships 12V, and carry 3 batteries (although I've never needed more than one and then only because I had a 12V problem).

[galt1074]

I don't have any experience with the Apple products, but I have an Android with an App called Navigator. It's great for moving map, and airfield information. It's only about $50 for a yearly subscription or about $5 a month. No XM weather or ADS-B at least as far as I can tell but it is a very simple App that works great for simple VFR flying and is pretty handy as an airport directory. The only to figure from there is what screen size you are looking for. Just don't count Droids out...I plan on getting one of the tablets soon.

 

Greg

[maniago]

Quote: galt1074

I don't have any experience with the Apple products, but I have an Android with an App called Navigator. It's great for moving map, and airfield information. It's only about $50 for a yearly subscription or about $5 a month. No XM weather or ADS-B at least as far as I can tell but it is a very simple App that works great for simple VFR flying and is pretty handy as an airport directory. The only to figure from there is what screen size you are looking for. Just don't count Droids out...I plan on getting one of the tablets soon.

 

Greg