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  #11  
Old 05-08-2018, 07:10 AM
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rvator51 rvator51 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Peoria, AZ
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IPad mini 4 is my suggestion. Not sure how much room in sling 2 but larger size of other iPads may be an issue.
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  #12  
Old 05-08-2018, 08:02 AM
krw5927 krw5927 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wichita, KS
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Default Fltplan Go

Avid Foreflight user here (VFR and IFR). On a whim I recently tried Fltplan Go on my Ipad although it's also available on Android.

I have to say I was mightily impressed by this totally free app. All charts and geo-referenced plates are free as well. I went back to Foreflight mostly because I didn't want to take the time to learn a new platform for IFR use, but if I was just starting out, I'd definitely give Fltplan Go a shot.

Agree with others that a CFI mandating an Ipad and Foreflight seems ridiculous. It speaks volumes about the CFI, and recommendations to find another that will teach you to fly rather than teach you to operate an Ipad might be wise.
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  #13  
Old 05-08-2018, 08:17 AM
John Owen John Owen is offline
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Liberty, MO
Posts: 252
Default CFI

While, fundamentally, I agree with getting the wide spectrum of tools for flight, the CFI in this case may have a DPE that mandates the use of technology. The DPE that I use for the occasional checkride that I refer, is all about technology. Agree or disagree, it might be the pressures of the check ride that is providing the motivation in this case. Training weather avoidance is a valid training tool, as well.

I still like NDB approaches for the mental gymnastics but my DPE won't test them so I don't want to take too much training time to spend enough time to get to proficiency.

I wouldn't be quick to judge the CFI here.

John
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  #14  
Old 05-08-2018, 08:52 AM
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kentlik kentlik is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oregon
Posts: 801
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Having taken my first checkride less than a year ago I can say, Mary Schue(DPE), turned off the aircraft GPS right when she and I took to the air. Allowed no tablet device or GPS for the diversion part of the exam.
I still don't use a tablet but am in the process of making a purchase very soon.

I can't see any negatives to having it in the aircraft.

For the student, out here in the PNW the DPE's I have been in touch with want you to do it the old-fashioned way and then introduce it after you get your PPL, for the most part. This is Portland Oregon region I am speaking about.
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  #15  
Old 05-08-2018, 09:11 AM
Paul 5r4 Paul 5r4 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Foley, Al
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I use the nexus tablet. I found it to be brighter and easier to see in an RV cockpit. It works perfectly with my ifly software. Your question relates to which device to buy.... others have mentioned software so I'll add my "IMHO" thoughts. I use ifly and have for years. No regrets whatsoever. Their software is super easy and doesn't really even require instruction because it is so intuitive! After using ifly for several years, I tried the free version of foreflight and without reading their instructions I couldn't figure it out. I know foreflight is a great product with a huge following obviously but try the others as well.
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  #16  
Old 05-08-2018, 09:45 AM
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gyoung gyoung is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Spring, TX
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I suggest the Mini 4 with cellular and as much memory as you can afford. The cellular & memory for the reasons others have stated. The Mini size because I can strap it to my leg for use in some non-GPS airplanes I fly. It could be yoke mounted although I don't do that. It fits in the pocket of cargo shorts or a flight suit and it's generally just easier to carry than the other iPads. And, it's <big enough> to see, even with glasses. I just upgraded my Mini 2 to the Mini 4 because of persistent rumors that Apple is going to discontinue the Mini.
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  #17  
Old 05-08-2018, 09:51 AM
emuyshondt emuyshondt is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Leander, TX
Posts: 166
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If size is a big concern, a Plus iPhone could work too. They’re as big or bigger than a Garmin 430W.
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  #18  
Old 05-08-2018, 09:57 AM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
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Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gyoung View Post
I suggest the Mini 4 with cellular and as much memory as you can afford. The cellular & memory for the reasons others have stated. The Mini size because I can strap it to my leg for use in some non-GPS airplanes I fly. It could be yoke mounted although I don't do that. It fits in the pocket of cargo shorts or a flight suit and it's generally just easier to carry than the other iPads. And, it's <big enough> to see, even with glasses. I just upgraded my Mini 2 to the Mini 4 because of persistent rumors that Apple is going to discontinue the Mini.
I love my mini 4 as well, but keep in mind that even it is 3 years old now, which is a long time as these things go. As apps improve they use more processing power. The mini won't keep up as long as newer models will.

Keep in mind also that a new iPad is probably coming in a few months and current models will also get discounted. I say buy the newest you can stomach, you'll get a longer useful life out of it.

Chris
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  #19  
Old 05-08-2018, 10:54 AM
RViter RViter is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 242
Default Start with some basics?

Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000 View Post
Before you get a new iPad and foreflight, get a new flight instructor!
So far, two pages of replies and various diverse opinions. I'd begin at the biginning - what is your mission profile? (It may be too early in your flying career to 'nail it down') but the OP should have some concept of the type of plane, and aviation objectives desired. If I look back on my decades of aviation exposure the basics haven't changed, but been refined. Never thought of being a commercial, airline, for hire, multi-engine, or acro-guy. Wanted short haul (one to two days) cross-country transportation in VFR conditions. Wanted the latest technology available and not vintage or fading era of nostalgia, enjoy it, but not my mission profile.

Every answer for which version of tablet and app will change regularly and the 'best' answer may be free today and Android, or compatible with another advancing world. If the OP wants to ultimately get Instrument rating and have more advanced training then ForeFlight and iPad versions may be the 'path' that most closely leads there. But if he wants to tool around the vicinity and do back-country then it may be another option. In two years will the choice today matter? Maybe ... it depends. Will the APP still be around? or will it be litter on the technology highway? Maybe

If the intent is to build an RV-10 and fly the family in a Garmin equipped panel, then it may be another consideration. Who will spend $100K to build the dream and then make decisions on a tablet/app based on FREE to save the cost of a tank of gas?

I've been Dynon SkyView and iPad Mini2 (and 4) with ForeFlight (Basic and now Pro) - love the compatibility and features, the support and the continuously advancing releases. Just upgraded to the iPad 9.7" 2017 version. All VFR, local and cross-country. The WiFi link to SkyView is important; AHRS/GPS data, transfers flightplans bi-directionally. (Learned on steam gauges but could not find my bxxx with a VOR today with both hands.) Have/Use a BadElf Pro for backup GPS input to ForeFlight. iPads are ALWAYS for me, WiFi ONLY. There is NO GPS in a WiFi only iPad. Cellular versions include a GPS, but use of cellular while in the air will use the battery faster - is that a factor? (for the OP?). The BadElf is a much better GPS than the basic/built-in GPS in an iPad.

The future is some version of technically advanced aircraft (TAA) and I'd want to get the most/best training today with an instructor who will embrace that path. Would regret getting a PPL in a Warrior II and no technology (tablet) only to have to mentally start over with the technology. NDB's are being deactivated, VOR's will possibly follow or be cut-back. Look ahead and make choices to fill your mission profile objectives.
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  #20  
Old 05-08-2018, 12:37 PM
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Raymo Raymo is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Richmond Hill, GA (KLHW)
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I can understand your CFI's desire to standardize on learning tools (most teachers do). I have an older iPad mini that FF no longer supports (with V10) and I won't be replacing it because I can use my iPhone for VFR flight planning, transfer it to my Dynon dual Skyview panel and hardly look at it after that. I keep FF running for the audible alerts but they are not super important.

Once you get your -12 built and flying, I suspect you won't use the iPad much in the cockpit but it is easier on the eyes than the phone for view chart data.
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