Tablets(IPAD) with Foreflight or Garmin 660

[emuyshondt]

I have an iPad Air 2 that I use in my C172. I have no visibility issues with it. I also used it in my friends RV-6A and it worked fine.

With earlier iPads I had to use an ant-glare screen protector. I used to have an original iPad when I owned a 150. The latest iPads have much improved performance in the glare area.

I find my iPad works very well for my aviation uses, and I like that I don't need a dedicated device. I find dedicated devices get outdated relatively quickly. My iPad has many uses besides aviation and has pretty much replaced my laptop. I update it every couole of years to the latest technology and is therefore up to date. I also have an iPhone that serves well as a backup for all its functions. It provides me internet connectivity without relying on a WiFi hot spot (I have a data plan). My iPad is in constant use, so always charged and ready to use. It is part of my normal routine, so I don't have to think about it when going to the airport or elsewhere.

The Area 660 is the only portable unit that I'd consider using, but so far my iPad has not disappointed me and I haven't found a reason to spend money on yet another device to have to keep charged and additional cables to carry along when I go somewhere. The iPad works extremely well in a high wing plane especially if you don't place it on the glare shield on a hot day. It can indeed shut down if you do that.

[Bob Martin]

Originally Posted by snopercod

Will the Area 660 provide a GPS signal to an ELT?

I am not sure what the ELT needs, but the 660 does output 2--RS232 lines.
Both are separate and user defined speeds and type language.

[BCP Boys]

I believe most of us hoped that the iPad combination with our favorite app would have been a better experience but the fact is a lot of us have had "challenges". There are many reasons amongst hundreds many thousands of us pilots that push us to move from using the iPad but from what I've gathered from the past is reliability, visibility and interoperability are the most prevelant reasons why we choose a purpose built GPS. I'm sure there are many people out there that use the iPad successfully for their mission. First person I can think of is Vlad. Although I don't him personally, I've seen many of the pictures that he has posted and his iPad has been there in the cockpit in those pictures. As with any equipment it really comes down to the individual and their mission. What you friend may find is that he will love Foreflight (I love both Garmin Pilot and Foreflight), but he may not be willing to put up with issues that come the iPad such as overheating, weak GPS signal when compared to a dedicated GPS, lack of visibility, possibly locking up at the exact time that he needs it, etc. etc. etc.
Many of us use the iPad with out favorite App to enhance our capabilities both on the ground and in the air and not necessarily replace our favorite tool.

[Canadian_JOY]

Don't rule out FREE apps running on much less expensive Android tablets. I'm a big fan of the Nexus line of Android tablets running the excellent and FREE FltPlanGO app. Not as fancy as Foreflight, but a whole lot less expensive. A no-brainer for me. And my Nexus 6 cell phone is way brighter and easier to read than most dedicated cockpit displays.

[snopercod]

Originally Posted by Bob Martin

...the 660 does output 2--RS232 lines.
Both are separate and user defined speeds and type language.

Thanks, Bob, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

[Kyle Boatright]

I have a G696, an iPad Mini, and an iPhone, all with various aviation capabilities.

The 696 is essential. Bulletproof. It drives the autopilot, which the others can't do. It is readable in all conditions. It is panel mounted.

The iPad is great for flight planning on WingX. It can also hook up to my cheap ADS-B in solution, etc.

I keep the iPhone on an automotive mount on the left side of the cockpit. It has the same capabilities as the iPad.

In general, the iPad stays home, I fly with the 696, and have the iPhone there to pull up frequencies and (if the weather is sketchy) to use ADS-B. The 696 is the one I couldn't give up.

[Scrabo]

Don't forget Foreflight does not offer a android version.

WingX and Garmin do offer android versions but the WingX version is not as good as the iOS version

Take a look at this link if you want more info for WingX on iOS

Unoffical WingX user guide available

http://bit.ly/2cvFoQB

Single subscription allows WingX on multiple devices, including the iOS and android version concurrently

[6 Gun]

I really like Ifly Gps and customer support is second to none.

[SMRacer]

My preference (obviously) is the Ipad or Ipad mini. Use any EFB app you prefer. The Ipad has the advantage of ease of flight planning and you can remove it and take it anywhere. You will need a glare shield, but they are inexpensive. The Ipad will not be as bright as the Garmin, but still very usable. The more direct your sight line is, the better the viewing will be.

[rolivi]

Nose wheel or tail wheel?

Everyone relying on tablets and an app will tell you that combination is the greatestesst.
Everyone relying on purpose built will tell you that they are even greaterer.

I've used both styles. Currently own a GPS496, GPS696, iPad, iPad2, and an android tablet.

Apps? Foreflight and Garmin Pilot. (never looked at the free ones)

My conclusions?
I use the 696 on every flight.
The 496 will be for sale soon.
The tablets are nifty toys but my only in flight use for them now is to keep passengers entertained/quiet.