Seattle Avionics Strikes Again

[ChiefPilot]

Originally Posted by Dreamin9

But, it seems to me, that if flying VFR, the free chart, obstacle, terrain, map, whatever stuff that Dynon provides is more than adequate. No need for the SA hassle.

I totally agree - this is exactly what I do.

Originally Posted by Dreamin9

If IFR, you can get quality georeferenced approach charts (and all the other maps) with Foreflight downloaded in a few minutes.

I hope no-one is navigating an approach using geo-referenced plates as their primary reference.

[MED]

Originally Posted by ChiefPilot

I hope no-one is navigating an approach using geo-referenced plates as their primary reference.

Not "primary", but it sure does help with situational awareness versus the G430 display!

[AttackPilot64]

I also fly behind the SKYVIEW system. I do have SA and I also have foreflight with Bluetooth adapter on my dynon system. If you are not using the skyview for Hard IFR then I don't think there is a real need for SA. But If you do fly IFR I think its great to have to option of geocashed plates on your efis. Yes SA is an absolute pain to deal with. Not to mention downloading takes FOREVER. but hey for the price I'm not complaining.

[GalinHdz]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

That philosophy is certainly legal assuming you have the required avionics to actually Navigate IFR by chart without an IFR GPS and its requisite nav database. The problem is while most have at least one NAV radio, few would appear to install a DME anymore, instead choosing to use an IFR GPS as the substitute. IMO, without DME or an IFR GPS, practical IFR flight becomes problematic. YMMV.....

Agreed, but SA doesn't give you that capability anyways so your point is irrelevant to the issue.

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by GalinHdz

Agreed, but SA doesn't give you that capability anyways so your point is irrelevant to the issue.

My bad. I had assumed that SA was providing some sort of NAV database update in addition to charts and plates. That's what I get for assuming.

[krw5927]

Having had more than one run-in with Steve P. at Seattle Avionics, I share the general sentiment that their product, customer service, and especially willingness to acknowledge a problem all leave much to be desired. The product has, to their credit, improved vastly in the last year in terms of the number of failed downloads, but it remains far from trouble-free.

I do fly IFR, and as such, my primary charting/plates solution is an ipad mini with ForeFlight (software that just works....always), however I do maintain a Seattle Avionics subscription for the Skyview as backup.

My question is, are there any software/subscription products that belong to, and transfer with, the airplane? Everything I've ever used seems to be user-specific. Should SA have transferred your remaining subscription to the new owner? That would have been kind of them, but perhaps a bit unexpected. Not sure too many subscription services operate that way. Jeppesen databases for IFR GPS navigators belong to the person subscribing but are also specific to the unit installed. I don't believe they transfer if an aircraft or avionic is sold.

Dynon indeed needs to pursue a better option. I love my Skyview, but this experience with SA would certainly cause me to take a harder look at competitors if buying new. I've heard that SA and Dynon share a building location, so they may be more intertwined than we'd all like.

[SMRacer]

I don't know if I'm even allowed to post in this thread without bashing SA, but here goes.

I have an AFS 5600 EFIS using SA data, and use FlyQ EFB on my Ipad. And I have no complaints.

SA has improved the Data Manager, and although it takes a bit of time to download updates, it's manageable with good broadband. If you're not going to fly in all 50 states, don't download all 50 states. I have two USB data sticks and just rotate them out. FlyQ connects with Wi-Fi between the Ipad and the 5600 EFIS. I don't have an IFR GPS Navigator so this feature makes flight plan loading much easier than the clumsy flight plan entering feature in the AFS EFIS. (By the way, that's one of the few complaints I have with AFS, but either your GPS Navigator or many EFB apps will easily get around this detraction)

So overall, I love my AFS system, and having used WingX, ForeFlight, and FlyQ EFB, I have chosen to stay with SA. The SA Black Friday sales also make their app one of the cheapest tablet EFBs.

Essentially I am very happy with both companies.

[Dreamin9]

I was assuming, that if flying IFR, the aircraft would be legally equipped.
I see geo referenced charts from SA or from Foreflight to be a bonus.

[vic syracuse]

Yes, I agree with Jim. I have AFS systems in the the 10 and have been using the SA data manager for many years. I've only had a problem twice, and both times they responded pretty quickly with an email. I did take advantage of the black Firday special for lifetime based upon my experiences to date. Sorry to hear that some of you are having such issues.

Vic

[TCONROY]

I have dual AFS 5600T displays which I absolutely love!! However, I very much dislike SA. I constantly have issues with the update process (certain regions fail) with no way to easily reinstall from the Data Manager program. Their files take FOREVER to download (I have a 50 MBps connection) and install. I can download Jepp Charts for North America, South America, Europe, and Asia for the biz jet at work faster than Chart Manager downloads 5 states. I would love it if Dynon/AFS could force SA to deliver a better product or select an alternative vendor.
I am always weary of the subscription for life program they offer on Black Friday. Generally it's not a good thing when a company needs short-term cash and guarantees something for a long period of time...