Foreflight and AP

Jeff Creamer

Jeff Creamer

Pre-Flight
Joined
May 19, 2017
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33
Location
Georgia
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Display name:
JJC
I use Foreflight for VFR navigation in my C172K. We would like to install an autopilot with alt control and, at some time in the future, install an IFR GPS unit. Is there an autopilot such as the TruTrak that will couple with foreflight? What is the least expensive way to go regarding a GPS unit that will control an AP?
Ideally we would like to install AP first since neither of us are IFR cert and may not pursue that for a few years. Yet we enjoy taking flights of 2-3 hours where an AP would be very appreciated.
We have a stratus 2s at this time.
Thanks for any advice.
JC
 
I assumed that was the case. Is there an AP you can recommend that would be cost effective ($2-3K) that we could use with an AP (specifically the TT) and pull and sell in a couple of years if we decide to go with an upgraded IFR GPS?
 
I would recommend a Garmin Aera 660 if you want a nice GPS that is relatively new. Otherwise, any old Garmin 2/3/495/6 or Aera 5xx with a power/data cable will work fine.
 
I don't think Aera or any other portable can be used as a position source for any certified autopilot.

As for the original question, the only way to achieve what OP is asking in certified airplane is to have Garmin GNS/GTN GPS with Flightstream 210 or 510. Also, I'm not sure, but I think Avidyne IFD-series navigators can also integrate with Foreflight.

Having said that, Aera 660 itself is indeed a nice addition to any plane. I really like mine. I have it hardwired to power, GDL39 3D (data+power), GNS430W to crossfill flight plans (to bad it can't do 2-way crossfill) and audio for alarms and alerts.
 
TruTrak sells a GPS that mounts to the glare shield for $175...
 
EugeneR said:
I don't think Aera or any other portable can be used as a position source for any certified autopilot.

As for the original question, the only way to achieve what OP is asking in certified airplane is to have Garmin GNS/GTN GPS with Flightstream 210 or 510. Also, I'm not sure, but I think Avidyne IFD-series navigators can also integrate with Foreflight.

Having said that, Aera 660 itself is indeed a nice addition to any plane. I really like mine. I have it hardwired to power, GDL39 3D (data+power), GNS430W to crossfill flight plans (to bad it can't do 2-way crossfill) and audio for alarms and alerts.
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Yes it can. Any GPS position source can provide what the TruTrak needs. Some that are not previously tested can be tested through the manual's test procedure.

To get the flight plan from Foreflight to the TruTrak, as Eugene said, you can use a Garmin navigator with a Flightstream or any Avidyne IFD with Wifi (they all come with Wifi free now, but haven't always).
 
Jesse Saint said:
Yes it can. Any GPS position source can provide what the TruTrak needs. Some that are not previously tested can be tested through the manual's test procedure.

To get the flight plan from Foreflight to the TruTrak, as Eugene said, you can use a Garmin navigator with a Flightstream or any Avidyne IFD with Wifi (they all come with Wifi free now, but haven't always).
Click to expand...

Well, if TruTrak STC allows using Aera as a GPS source, then you can transfer flight plans to Aera 660 from Garmin Pilot as Aera has Connext interface. Not sure if Foreflight supports it though.
 
I heard Trio And Trutrak certified will allow an iPad to control them like a PFD, but only on 5flight. 6PC should be able to give you the release date. It is in the next update pkg.

:cheers:
 
Get a hand held(needed for trk mode), then if you like using foreflight better then get your magenta line on FF lined out. Then put the TT in trk mode and line yourelf up with FF magenta line. easy peasy.
 
simtech said:
Get a hand held(needed for trk mode), then if you like using foreflight better then get your magenta line on FF lined out. Then put the TT in trk mode and line yourelf up with FF magenta line. easy peasy.
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That’s my beef with TT, if I have to do so much I can also trim and hand fly and use the rudder as a poor mans AP
 
WannFly said:
That’s my beef with TT, if I have to do so much I can also trim and hand fly and use the rudder as a poor mans AP
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You dont have to do anything but turn on AP and you're done. I was just saying if you have a handheld but find FF easier to manage then there is a way to make it happen. I mean you need a GPS for TT anyway but if youre VFR line it up with the magenta line on FF if that makes you happy and boom. Otherwise slap it on GPS mode and fly that line. Many work arounds for things.
 
Jeff Creamer said:
I use Foreflight for VFR navigation in my C172K. We would like to install an autopilot with alt control and, at some time in the future, install an IFR GPS unit. Is there an autopilot such as the TruTrak that will couple with foreflight? What is the least expensive way to go regarding a GPS unit that will control an AP?
Ideally we would like to install AP first since neither of us are IFR cert and may not pursue that for a few years. Yet we enjoy taking flights of 2-3 hours where an AP would be very appreciated.
We have a stratus 2s at this time.
Thanks for any advice.
JC
Click to expand...
 
I'm flying a c172k as well using an ifly 740b gps. It will couple to a trutrak vision autopilot and fly non precision approaches. It will fly flight plans without gpss.
 
Robert C Burnette said:
I'm flying a c172k as well using an ifly 740b gps. It will couple to a trutrak vision autopilot and fly non precision approaches. It will fly flight plans without gpss.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. We just had a Garmin Aera 660 installed and the AP should go in within the next month. Like your ifly, it should fly a plan but not make precision approaches. I’m super excited to get this done.
 
Jeff Creamer said:
Thanks for that info. We just had a Garmin Aera 660 installed and the AP should go in within the next month. Like your ifly, it should fly a plan but not make precision approaches. I’m super excited to get this done.
Click to expand...
 
Azalea Aviation in Adel, GA (15J). Bill Clapp is the A&P there. He's amazingly slow. But seems to do good work.
 
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