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iFly 700 Versus iPad 3G
So as a military pilot, my aircraft has a GPS about as advanced (in display and function) as Pong, for those of you who remember it. Now that I'm flying GA again, I'm interested in getting a tool to help increase my SA when I fly rental aircraft, many of which have just VOR/ILS.
Specifically, I'd like a GPS with VFR sectionals, IFR low enroute, and a moving map, all with a nice (greater than 5") display. Any other features such as weather and fuel cost are just bonuses. Since this will be used in rentals, portability is a must. To stay under $1,000, it seems my best options are the iPad with ForeFlight HD, and the iFly 700. I don't need autopilot connectivity at this point, so on paper, the two seem pretty evenly matched. I know we've had some beta testers for the iFly on this site, but I'm wondering if anyone has seen/used the two side by side? According to the ForeFlight folks, they feel the GPS in the iPad 3G isn't up to the task when it comes to accuracy and ability to maintain signal lock, though they have a video of it at 10,000+ feet with an accuracy of 5-10M. This is part of the reason they aren't georeferencing the approach plates, though they are advertising two add on iPad external GPS modules that may increase accuracy and reliability for future software releases. I'm really unsure as to how to proceed, and I'm looking for input. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Cheers, Case |
I just finished comparing the two. I ended up with an IPAD. I really like the IFlyGPS, but for about $400 more you can get a device that does all that and more (like hanging around VAF).
Now, our situation is a bit different. I have the Garmin 510 and Skyview GPS's and the IPAD is really just for flight planning, charts, plates and passenger entertainment. I have only used it on one flight and didn't have it mounted. There are other threads that speak to it's accuracy and usefulness as a GPS. If I had nothing, I'd go with the IFLYGPS for starters (if not having XM is not an issue). Then add the IPAD for the other stuff it can do. |
Once you add the GPS dongle that Foreflite recommends then the iPad works really well. That dongle from Bad Elf is VERY easy to use and really opens up the capabilities of the iPad. I like it so well that I have bought three of them.....one for me, one for Xmas for a friend, one for my son-in-law for Xmas.....:p
One thing that I have added is a Bluetooth module from Verizon called a "MiFi". It allows the iPad to access via WiFi the 3G network of Verizon. It's much better coverage in the air than ATT at least around my area. Using it is easy to keep updating the weather from Foreflite while in the air. I sure wish that this stuff was available 25 years ago when I was doing a lot of long haul IFR. I always worried about the weather just over the horizon. |
IPad vs IFly700
The IFly700 has NO internal battery. While it's cheaper than the IPad, you have to have an external battery pack, which, according to their website, is on backorder.
The IPad is huge in comparison and there are more than one software options. I have WingX on my iphone and it works great. The Wing X Pro 7 is available for IPad at $99 plus $99 every year thereafter to keep it updated. There is a software option when using Pro 7 that costs another $99 that georeferences you on approach plates, Seattle something..... As an EAA tester, I have Foreflight on my Iphone for free but haven't looked in to the Foreflight Mobile. The basic Foreflight doesn't have near as many features as Wing X. Good luck with your decision. |
The IPAD obviously was not built with aviation in mind and it has its limitation like shutting down if it gets overheated but the possibilities and capabilities of IPAD is far more then most. I have been using IPAD and ForeFlight for a few months now and have been extremely happy with it. The GPS actually has worked really well for me, but I am not relaying on it for navigation or specially approaches. I like the added features that they keep adding to the software like the fuel prices, etc in the recent release. I use MyWI program on my IPHONE to tether to access internet, so no need for additional data plan for IPAD or a MiFi device to get connected to internet.
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Require a data plan?
If you are using the GPS functionality while in the air - does it require you to be on a phone data plan for access? I know with the GPS function on my daughters IPhone while she has the app running it is accessing the Internet which is hitting her data plan allotment. I was shocked when I looked at her usage when she had the GPS running on her drive back from college one day for the 2 hours she was on the road. This is in reference to using an iPad with the ForeFlight app.
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MyWi & IPad
[QUOTE I use MyWI program on my IPHONE to tether to access internet, so no need for additional data plan for IPAD or a MiFi device to get connected to internet.[/quote]
Bavafa, What is "MyWi"? Is it an app or is that internet tethering? I'm looking at an IPad and using Wing X Pro 7 or Skycharts Pro. Wing X Pro 7 functions great as a moving map gps without a data plan, at least that's what I'm told but Skycharts Pro needs an internet connection to download the sectionals and other maps to keep it updated. Tethering to an existing device, something I haven't a clue how to do, would make both apps work. |
iPad too large
I found the iPad way to cumbersome in the RV two seaters (8 & 7) so I use the iFly 700 which is terrific for what I do. I have the remote battery hooked to the aux. power plug and the iFly hooked to the battery -- works great. I tried the iPad in the -10 I fly and with the right mount on the tunnel, it was ok. But for the -10, I use the Flight Cheetah 210 and would not trade it for the iPad (for inflight use!)
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Quote:
The reason the Internet usage is high in you example is because the Maps application does not cache any maps locally on the unit and as you move grabs the next map via the data connection. All the aviation apps cache the maps (once you pay) so that a data connection is not required in order for it to be functional. What is not cached and is retrieved when a data connection becomes available is weather, NOTAMS, etc. |
Thanks to all for the responses, it seems I have hit on a popular subject. Looks like the iPad has a slight advantage in numbers. I'd love to support the Adventure Air folks and the iFly 700, but the iPad has a lot of other functionality that make it much easier to justify the purchase at this point. I can definitely see the large size as being a hindrance, but I will usually have a co-pilot/GPS holder, so that shouldn't be too much trouble.
Actually, my wife has loved moving map GPS since we had one on our sailboat. She seems to think it's a video game. I had to remind her to look up when she was at the helm to keep from running us into another boat. I suspect this will be as much for her entertainment as anything. Another reason to go with the iPad. I have the wifi hotspot plan on my DroidX, so I think I'll be able to get realtime Wx on the iPad anywhere I can get a signal in SoCal. |
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