TMetzinger
Final Approach
I'm starting this thread to talk about Electronic Flight Bags on the Android Platform. I do not want this to turn into an iOS/Android discussion - there's already a thread for that.
I've been using Windows-based EFBs for 12+ years, including Jepp and NACO products on Win2K, XP, and Win7.
The Nexus 7's form factor and price appear to hit the sweet spot for me, giving me a platform that I can easily use in the various airplanes I fly. So here's what I'm putting together this week.
Garmin Pilot on my phone seems to work pretty well. It's not as good as Foreflight or WingX yet, but it's certainly adequate and I expect it to continue to improve. I still have to try out the flight plan sync between Pilot and FlyGarmin. So far all I want that it doesn't have is a scratchpad, and support for Q routes in the flight planning.
I'm not getting the geo-ref'ed approach plates. I've used them in approved (G1000) and other (JeppView) situations, and I know firsthand what an eye-magnet they are, and I want to be navigating via my primary (HSI) instruments. All I need from an approach plate is the ability to brief the approach and to refer to it quickly if need be. I think the FAA was smart in the rules they put in about EFBs and display of own-ship position.
I will probably buy a bluetooth keyboard for use on the ground, and with that I may be able to leave the laptop at home (or in the luggage) completely.
I'm interested in hearing what others are doing or planning with these devices.
I've been using Windows-based EFBs for 12+ years, including Jepp and NACO products on Win2K, XP, and Win7.
The Nexus 7's form factor and price appear to hit the sweet spot for me, giving me a platform that I can easily use in the various airplanes I fly. So here's what I'm putting together this week.
- Nexus 7 16 GB - should have 14 GB free storage
- 4GLTE connectivity via my VZN phone/hotspot - no additional charge on my "share everything" plan.
- Garmin Pilot. I've got this on my phone right now and it takes up 11 GB for two (current and next) chart cycles of sectionals, lo enroute, and approach plates, plus GeoRef Safetaxi charts. If I run low on space, I can delete some of the chart coverage.
- About 800 MB of reference material - Handbooks, Manuals, Advisory Circulars, etc
- Documents-To-Go for editing Office files like expense reports or invoices
- ConnectBot for SSH/Telnet - handy when talking to DUAT
- Tapatalk (duh - gotta check POA)
- FlightTools E6B
- Logbook Pro
- Weather Channel
- ES File Explorer
- Kid stuff (Angry Birds, etc, for my daughter on road trips)
Garmin Pilot on my phone seems to work pretty well. It's not as good as Foreflight or WingX yet, but it's certainly adequate and I expect it to continue to improve. I still have to try out the flight plan sync between Pilot and FlyGarmin. So far all I want that it doesn't have is a scratchpad, and support for Q routes in the flight planning.
I'm not getting the geo-ref'ed approach plates. I've used them in approved (G1000) and other (JeppView) situations, and I know firsthand what an eye-magnet they are, and I want to be navigating via my primary (HSI) instruments. All I need from an approach plate is the ability to brief the approach and to refer to it quickly if need be. I think the FAA was smart in the rules they put in about EFBs and display of own-ship position.
I will probably buy a bluetooth keyboard for use on the ground, and with that I may be able to leave the laptop at home (or in the luggage) completely.
I'm interested in hearing what others are doing or planning with these devices.