Xavion app for iPad/iPhone

[WhiskeyMike]

Originally Posted by N15JB

Stephen, What do you think of the retina iPad mini as far as sunlight readability? Any better than the old mini?

I too would appreciate a PIREP on the sunlight readability of the new retina iPad mini compared to the earlier version. Thanks!

[schristo@mac.com]

I don't have the original mini but have had iPads 1, 3, and 4 in the house to compare with. It appears to me to be very adaquate everywhere that I have used it so far and is very similar the full sized models that I have seen... In full sun under the canopy they are all overwhelmed and are poor compared with dedicated aviation units from Garmin and Dynon.

It does appear to be more responsive to the automatic brightness setting... previously I would have to do more brightness level changes so there might be something to uncover... I will post a follow up when the sun shines bright in my canopy

[Hangar 1271]

I've been wondering if the $99 was per year or one time. There must be a database involved and how does it get updated?

[Stampw]

Assume you're asking about the $99 charge for Xavion - it is a one-time charge and you can install on both an Ipad and Iphone for that charge (not sure how many other devices).

They do push updates on occasion, updating the software and making it more robust. However the field database is outdated (still shows a second runway at my home airport (KSOP) where there are now hangers).

Since I've been using Xavion for abut 6 months now, I figured I'd provide more than just answer those two questions. Apologize up front for the long posting to follow - hope it helps with some that may have other Xavion questions/concerns.

Some observations (take them as a humble opinion only!):

- Set-up is a bit of a challenge with Xavion, especially with RVs using self-made POHs and performance/glide computations. But with a little patience it's not that bad.

NOTE: The biggest challenge is inserting the correct glide ratio numbers which are critical to Xavion's proper primary operation. I thoroughly searched the internet looking for RV-7A glide ratios for clean/prop pulled, clean/prop cruise, and dirty (flaps full down)/prop redline per Xavion's requirements but found very little data to use as a starting point. So, after testing and re-testing, best I've come up with is 10 / 7 / 4.5 glide ratios. Xavion assists with computations but it's still not that easy to get them right, and I continue to fine tune when I get the chance. Anyone else have some accurate RV-7A numbers (need all three please), please let me know.

- Xavion needs a GPS signal, so that means either an IPAD/Iphone with GPS or external GPS. Stratus will not work, so if Foreflight/Stratus is your preference, Stratus will have to be turned off or disconnected for Xavion to work.

- Xavion does not run in the background while you use another app like Foreflight. So there is a 20-30'' delay before GPS lock and you get data (longer if Stratus has to be turned off/disconnected)

- The NAV portion is fairly useless right now IMO. Xavion is primarily an emergency airport indicator with glide info. Great situational awareness with just a quick glance assuming it's always up and running.

- The W&B portion of Xavion works fairly well and is simple to use

- Xavion tracks your previous T/O rolls assuming you have Xavion on during T/O, and will let you know if the runway you are entering may not be long enough based on previous T/O rolls. Of course this info relies on an outdated database, but still it's a decent back-up. But again, you must have Xavion on while entering the runway for takeoff.

- Xavion will get WX/traffic either through your IPAD (with WIFI or internet) or through some other external receivers. Since Stratus doesn't work, when I'm using Xavion I have no WX unless I turn on Xavion prior to t/o and leave it running (using the internet).

- Xavion will provide your complete time of flight from T/o to landing (ie logbook). However, as soon as you deselect and go to another app (ie Foreflight) it ends your flight. When you select Xavion again it assumes you've started another sortie. So not useful unless you keep Xavion running full time.

- Pretty decent Notes/scratchpad portion.

- Database is outdated like stated above, so during a real-world emergency using Xavion you'll need to confirm using some other way that the runway you're flying/gliding to is in fact still there and the length hasn't changed significantly. Freqs are also provided, but again those may be outdated.

- Xavion can be used with the XPlane10 simulator, which is great for practicing. I even used it for glide ratio calculations (something to start with) since Xplane has an RV-7. BTW, XPlane can also be tied with Foreflight (and probably others) which is a nice bonus. Yes, XPlane is much harder to fly than the real thing, but you can't beat it if you decide to invest in Xavion.

- Xavion uses about 2.5-3 GB of memory. With Foreflight and maps/plates of several States, some music and pictures, my 16 GB IPhone and iPad quickly filled up. I upgraded to 30 GB and have no problems.

- Xavion uses substantial power to constantly compute glide distance and routes. I found it to use up battery life about as much as watching a movie on the iPhone/Ipad. I plug my iPhone up to my aux power source anytime I'm flying over 30-45 min and running Xavion - over an hour and it will completely drain my fully charged iPhone 5.

Bottomline - Xavion gives good SA to where the closest field is and if you can glide there with just a quick glance. It also provides a decent backup attitude indicator, and the ability to get the airplane down through night/IMC even if you have nothing else, including no engine. Currently I run Xavion on my iphone (velcroed to the panel beside the D100) and Foreflight/Stratus on the Ipad mini. I recommend the $99 investment. But to make Xavion a must have, it really needs to be able to run in the background while you run your primary Nav app (ie Foreflight).Additionally, Status is proprietary with Foreflight only, so no chance Xavion's going to work with Stratus in the future (at least that's what the software developer told me). One caveat - If you have Xplane10 already, it's a must-have.

Hope this helps somebody!

/Respectfully,

[topgun260]

Not much has been said about terrain and obstacle avoidance. Does Xavion have a current database and capability to show safe HITS guidance in mountainous terrain and areas with other obstacles? This is a big deal in my opinion. I'd hate to be following the HITS after an engine out at night and run into a ridge between me and the airport.

[Stampw]

It does have terrain database which at least in the NC mountains is helpful (looked accurate when I flew into Boone over Thanksgiving weekend). And according to the website, it has about 97,000 obstacles plotted. However, it is not regularly updated (i.e. - DAFIF/CHUMed). In an emergency it's probably suitable, but for NAV within 3000' AGL it's not. The HITS/NAV is not something I would use Xavion for.

[rocketbob]

Any plans for an Android version?

[bird]

Bob, I just checked out the xavion website and they specifically said that there would not be any android versions until the lawsuits against android app developers are resolved.

Bird

[F1R]

Here is a screen shot over Lake of the Woods on the Canadian side of the border.

Here is a view over the nose of the real world. Lots of water.


If you wear dark non reflective clothing I Pad screen vis is fine. If you wear light or bright color shirt , then you will see your clothing in bright light.

On two cross continent flights through bush country, I did find the HITS and NAV features very useful. If you are arriving at an international airport you can easily insert the IFR final approach fix you expect to get cleared to or that you will request. It makes line up for the localizer a breeze. Not a legal approach but great for SA. I have not had a need for database updates.

I like the self contained GPS and internal gyros. I get great performance with no external feeds of any kind. It would make a great overlay to velcro in place of a failed PFD. Equally as great to velcro over top of a failed AI or DG. Forget Xavion as a knee board. It needs to be vertical and square in front of the pilot.

[rocketbob]

I've been giving serious thought to permanently mounting two iPad Mini's dead center on my panel, one running Xavion and the other running Foreflight, and get a Sagetech Clarity XV to feed both. Seems like this would be a lot of bang for the buck. This for a primarily VFR airplane.