I need to purchase databases for my set up. 2 Screen G3X Touch with a GTN 650 and will be flying IFR, but for now, no plans to leave the US. I have a recommendation from the G3X guys to just purchase the Jepp Nav Data ($465/yr) for the GTN and purchase the US Lite Database for the G3X.($149/yr)
But I'm a little confused so I want to make sure it's what I want.
What are you guys using? and how do you like it? How do you use it?
Thanks,
John
The problem with the 650 is that there are five databases in which Garmin licenses:
Basemap
Obstacle
Terrain
Safetaxi
Navigation
The basemap, terrain, and safetaxi data probably don't change often. I suspect that safetaxi is the most volatile of the three. (i.e. I know of multiple airports that have runways and taxiways closed for the summer)
Obstacles will change as towers are built.
Navigation is the only real mandatory data that may change every period. I know that many folks only subscribe to this single update. It appears that the Nav data from Garmin is the same price as Jepp. I don't know why you would purchase one over the other.
I've done quite a bit of analysis to determine the most cost effective method of subscribing to the databases. Garmin marketing has done a great job with the pricing model
in Garmin's favor. I don't have the analysis in front of me, but if I recall correctly, if you want more than just two of the databases, it's cheaper to buy the whole bundle. The same with buying period updates individually (i.e. only become legal when you schedule IFR flights). I think it was three updates and it's a better deal to buy a year subscription.
The bottom line is that there really isn't a more cost effective way to keep all the databases current other than the Garmin bundles. I've resigned myself that it's a cost of entry to flying IFR. If somebody has figured out how to stay current in a more cost effective manner, I'm all ears.
I don't have G3X screens, so I can't comment on them. My AFS map data has free updates and the charts for the 5000 series can be had for $100/yr. The older 4500 series is $400/yr.