Getting my list of upfront tech costs

[Bman.]

I am working my front end costs out a little bit and deciding what is what and what should I get. It will be much easier now versus later while flight training to get these things. Obviously for flight training the headset is required, the rest are just extras, extra expense and potentially added distraction.

1) Headset - what is the prevailing logic and manufacturer. One of my pals said he went through two headsets before he finally dropped the cash for a Bose set with good noise cancelling. The prices range dramatically but I am wondering what the best bang for the buck is so a good headset.

2) ForeFlight.. sure. iPad... I am do for an upgrade. My current iPAD 2 has been banged up, dropped and slobbered on by two kids). Am I better off with ipad+wi-fi and picking up an external GPS receiver or should I get a wifi+cellular? Again, this is really just extra and not really needed for the adventure right now BUT eventually it will be needed and I have some gift cards to burn. So I don't want to find out 4 months later .. "oh, your ipad doesn't have cellular". I read the buying guide

https://www.foreflight.com/support/buying-guide

..and it appears that a data plan is not really needed. You just need to have the cellular to get the GPS chip. So the question remains, wifi only + stand alone GPS receiver or all on the iPad. If you got to chose again, what would you pick?

3) ... I can see the eyes rolling on this one. GoPro - again, I am getting one regardless (I have a lot of BestBuy gift cards stocked up) for the kids. The lake time is great fun with the GoPro + life jacket - this is going the opposite direction in the air. What do you recommend for mounts and headset connector (if needed)? I see a lot of nice videos on the net and I wonder what combination they are using for both mounting and headset connection.

Really it's the first question but some of you surely have opinions on the other two.

Thanks-
Benjamin

https://www.foreflight.com/support/buying-guide

 

[denverpilot]

1. Whatever doesn't hurt to leave on your head for 4 hours with ANR. You really need to try them on to know for sure. I've seen people buy $1000 headset and find that particular model makes a hot spot on their head or an ear.

2. iPad 2 will actually work ok with FF if you want. Eventually it won't. Easy to try it and if it annoys you being laggy, just load on another iPad. Keep the 2 for a spare.

3. Separate audio recorder is best. Dub audio back into video in post-production. Also great for just reviewing a training flight even if the camera battery craps out. Can get an attenuator cable to hook it to a spare headset jack direct or if you like more ambient engine noise, do the earplug in a headset earcup used as a mic trick.

 

[fiftiesdean]

I was in your situation about 4 months ago.

I picked up a pair of Faro G2s with ANR, they are comfortable and sound decent enough. http://www.flyfaro.com/aviation-headset/faro-aviation-g2-anr-pilot-headset.html

As for the the iPad, are you married to a certain ecosystem (App Store, Google Play Store)? If you are buying an iPad, I always recommend a refurbished one (new battery, new glass, new case, same warranty) and you save some money.

 

[sourdough44]

I got by fine with various David Clark headsets, still pretty much could. I recently treated myself to the Bose A20 with Bluetooth. I like the new headset very much.

Most of my flights are under 2 hours, a conventional D.C. Is workable, but now I'm unlikely to go back. There are workable options short of the Bose price to look over. I just thought once I get within a few $100 may as well get the A20.

 

[jsstevens]

As has already been mentioned once: try the headset on your head (for a flight if possible) before buying!

David Clarks are very good quality headsets. I can't wear a pair for more than 1/2 hour. Obviously others love them.

I've got 3 pairs of Avcomm PNRs (one with gel seals) that I like. I just bought 2 pairs of old Telex ANRs off of eBay. After one 2+ hour flight, I like them pretty well.

Different heads and preferences make more difference than any number of "I've got these and they're the best ever!"

I will say ANR makes a big difference.

John

 

[James331]

I am working my front end costs out a little bit and deciding what is what and what should I get. It will be much easier now versus later while flight training to get these things. Obviously for flight training the headset is required, the rest are just extras, extra expense and potentially added distraction.

For flight training, NOTHING!!!!!

Well minus the king videos, the "from the ground up" book, a sectional chart and a manual E6B and chart ruler.

Until you get your ticket just use one of the schools loaner headset. That's what I did.

I can't tell you the number of times I have seen people liquidate all their "stuff" for a large loss when they realize they aren't going to finish their license.



Once you get your PPL

1) Headset - what is the prevailing logic and manufacturer. One of my pals said he went through two headsets before he finally dropped the cash for a Bose set with good noise cancelling. The prices range dramatically but I am wondering what the best bang for the buck is so a good headset.

I run a Lightspeed Zulu 1. I've had it for 5ish years, more then a few thousand hours on it and it's great, I've sent it in for some minor stuff (slammed the cord in the door and cracked the rubber on it, ear pads getting flat) and the company handled everything free of charge and were great.

2) ForeFlight.. sure. iPad... I am do for an upgrade. My current iPAD 2 has been banged up, dropped and slobbered on by two kids). Am I better off with ipad+wi-fi and picking up an external GPS receiver or should I get a wifi+cellular? Again, this is really just extra and not really needed for the adventure right now BUT eventually it will be needed and I have some gift cards to burn. So I don't want to find out 4 months later .. "oh, your ipad doesn't have cellular". I read the buying guide

Great results with the mini Retena with cellular 32gb and a custom modded belkin case that holds a small legal pad of paper on it and a pen. I have full US VFR, IFR low, IFR jet, IFR oceanic and planning charts with a few other small apps and 10.7gb to spare.

Works great as a EFB, the internal GPS is good enough for over 300kts and flight into the flight levels. I would get the cellular and not bother plugging crap into the bottom, just more stuff to buy/break. The battery also more then lasts for my work shifts.

..and it appears that a data plan is not really needed. You just need to have the cellular to get the GPS chip. So the question remains, wifi only + stand alone GPS receiver or all on the iPad. If you got to chose again, what would you pick?

No data needed, like I said get the cellular and don't bother with the add on GPS stuff.

3) ... I can see the eyes rolling on this one. GoPro - again, I am getting one regardless (I have a lot of BestBuy gift cards stocked up) for the kids. The lake time is great fun with the GoPro + life jacket - this is going the opposite direction in the air. What do you recommend for mounts and headset connector (if needed)? I see a lot of nice videos on the net and I wonder what combination they are using for both mounting and headset connection.

Get the hero 3 black with the stock case and the sticky mounts, that is the default for the skydivers I know, I've also had them mounted externally on a C208B and had zero issues. You can run the audio in with a few pieces from radio shack, and mount it overhead center behind you.

This is a great tool for re flying your lessons, I would NOT however run it while flying as a solo student, for a few reasons.

 

[NickC99]

That data plan isn't needed, but it'll come in handy when you're somewhere without WiFi. The $20/month 1 GB plan works for me.

http://ipadpilotnews.com/2014/02/much-space-charts-take-ipad/

If you are selective with the charts you download, you may not need more than 32 GB (and may get away with 16). If you use your iPad for much more, then consider that, also.

Note that Apple will likely announce the next generation iPad in September. You can get that one likely at the same price as the current gen. Or, you can grab the current gen used for lower prices after they announce the new.

 

[poadeleted20]

I am working my front end costs out a little bit and deciding what is what and what should I get. It will be much easier now versus later while flight training to get these things. Obviously for flight training the headset is required, the rest are just extras, extra expense and potentially added distraction.

Glad you realize that. But unless $500 is chump change to you, I'd hold off on even the headset until you've done a few lessons with a school loaner headset so you're reasonably sure you're going to complete the training.

1) Headset - what is the prevailing logic and manufacturer. One of my pals said he went through two headsets before he finally dropped the cash for a Bose set with good noise cancelling. The prices range dramatically but I am wondering what the best bang for the buck is so a good headset.

If you're buying a headset, compare the extra cost of ANR with the cost of a hearing aid and medical treatment for hearing loss. Then buy an ANR headset knowing you're doing the cost-effective thing. I'm here to tell you that nearly 30 years of flying before ANR became available did irreparable damage to my hearing, and I won't fly without ANR any more.

Other than that, borrow or otherwise try several different ANR headsets before you buy, because what fits your buddy's head may not fit yours as well, and vice versa. Personally, I narrowed it down to the Bose A20 and the Lightxpeed Zulu.2 when my 1998-vintage Pilot 17-79 finally died. I couldn't see a dime's worth of difference between them in features and quality, but I found $400 difference in price, so I went with the Z.2. Keep in mind, however, that as I fly professionally, my headset is a business tax deduction, so he bite of $800 for a headset (they go on sale now and then) isn't as bad for me as it might be for you.

2) ForeFlight.. sure. iPad... I am do for an upgrade. My current iPAD 2 has been banged up, dropped and slobbered on by two kids). Am I better off with ipad+wi-fi and picking up an external GPS receiver or should I get a wifi+cellular?

I replace my obsolescent iPad1 with a new mini Retina beginning of this year, and after a couple hundred hours flying with it, I'm sure I made the right choice. On the GPS issue, I've been running with a cellular model and the internal GPS the entire time, and have no complaints. It works find in every light plane I've flown, as well as in the cabin of Dash-8's. It's pretty good in RJ's, but not real good in wide-body jets other than in a window seat.

..and it appears that a data plan is not really needed. You just need to have the cellular to get the GPS chip.

Exactly.

So the question remains, wifi only + stand alone GPS receiver or all on the iPad. If you got to chose again, what would you pick?

As I said, I picked cellular/internal GPS twice, and have no regrets. In particular, since I'm always jumping from my plane to my clients' and back, it's one less thing to lug around.

3) ... I can see the eyes rolling on this one. GoPro - again, I am getting one regardless (I have a lot of BestBuy gift cards stocked up) for the kids. The lake time is great fun with the GoPro + life jacket - this is going the opposite direction in the air. What do you recommend for mounts and headset connector (if needed)? I see a lot of nice videos on the net and I wonder what combination they are using for both mounting and headset connection.

I don't do GoPro, so I have no recommendations.

 

[MAKG1]

For flight training, NOTHING!!!!!

I agree.

None of the gadgets fly the airplane. As a student pilot, learn to fly the airplane. Everything not required is a distraction.

There are a couple of very cheap planning aids (plotter and E-6B) that will be helpful for the written exam, and you'll need a bit more for ground "school" and for flight planning. But nothing electronic at all is required -- or is even a very good idea as a student.

A loaner headset may not be an option. Expensive is not necessarily better. I learned in a $120 (new) cheap passive headset. I later upgraded it to ANR for another $200, and I'm still using it. It's quite comfortable. The sound wasn't great, but was adequate, and the ANR upgrade fixed that by replacing the speakers.

 

[James331]

I agree.

None of the gadgets fly the airplane. As a student pilot, learn to fly the airplane. Everything not required is a distraction.

There are a couple of very cheap planning aids (plotter and E-6B) that will be helpful for the written exam, and you'll need a bit more for ground "school" and for flight planning. But nothing electronic at all is required -- or is even a very good idea as a student.

A loaner headset may not be an option. Expensive is not necessarily better. I learned in a $120 (new) cheap passive headset. I later upgraded it to ANR for another $200, and I'm still using it. It's quite comfortable. The sound wasn't great, but was adequate, and the ANR upgrade fixed that by replacing the speakers.

For the written, at a laser grade center at least, there is a really nice electronic E6B built into the testing program.

Also I've never seen a flight school that didn't have some cheap loaner headsets around

 

[MAKG1]

For the written, at a laser grade center at least, there is a really nice electronic E6B built into the testing program.

Also I've never seen a flight school that didn't have some cheap loaner headsets around

I've seen a couple of outfits that RENT them. That's a rip-off. But if free loaners are available, it's a decent option unless they are totally trashed.

I suggest using your own E-6B even though the test has one. That way, you're not learning an unfamiliar interface during the test. I've found the manual E-6Bs are far easier to second guess than the electronic ones, especially if you go back after your check ride (e.g., instrument study). But the important thing is to have something familiar for the test. Makes for fewer mistakes due to input errors.

 

[Bman.]

Great information and tips guys. Very much appreciated and gives me solid information to consider.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[James331]

I've seen a couple of outfits that RENT them. That's a rip-off. But if free loaners are available, it's a decent option unless they are totally trashed.

They all say that, but I haven't had one yet loose me as a customer over trying to change me for a chitty headset rental.

 

[kfvintx]

I just started my training and very recently went through some of these same considerations.

Headset - yes, you can likely use the cheap, free ones available from flight school. I did so for 2 lessons and immediately purchased my own for a couple reasons..... both related to ANR. When just starting and trying to absorb as much as possible it is helpful to clearly hear all radio communication without wasting energy on trying to hear through crappy headset. And secondly, I find learning to be much easir in calmer and quiet (relative) environment ANR provides. I went with headset from The Squawk Shoppe.

GoPro - have it and use it. Beyond the "cool factor" it is helpful to review each lesson. It really helps to go home and re-fly and see and listen without actually flying. Kinda like bench flying.

Just one newbie trying to help another.

 

[Henning]

Get comfortable headsets. Don't forget to consider Clarity Aloft or QT Halo earbud type, they are very comfortable and work well with glasses and such. I also have the Lightspeed Zulus and Sierras which are also good comfortable cup type headsets.

As for the iPad option, I prefer WingX Pro. I use an iPad2 wifi with a Bluetooth GPS.

 

[kenjr]

I bought an ipad and Foreflight when I was about 10 hours into my training. I had no intention of using it - no need when you're out doing turns and stalls and such anyway - but just wanted to get familiar with what I'd be using and I saw every dang person that came in and out of my flight school using one. It's certainly helpful during XC planning...and if you do bring it to your checkride, be prepared for your DPE to ask you how to use it. Mine made me look up prog charts and taxi diagrams in FF. (They don't let you use it during the flight portion though. )

I'm also a tech guy/gadget dude anyway so I was itching to get one.

I took it with me on my solo XC's just in case but promised myself I wasn't going to use it unless I was just plain lost. Fortunately, my NavLog's were good and I did my required XC's with the paper only. I did a few extra XC's (and had to fly twice to my checkride) and used it just to have the experience flying with it. When we did the night XC's my CFI had his and when we were at altitude and cruising he gave me the nickel tour.

About 5 hours in - I bought a Zulu 2 and then after I got my PPL started hearing about the QT Halo which I bought and use now. It's an earbud system - not ANR, but IMHO, better...at least to me. So, that's what I use now.

Other than that, shouldn't be much else 'tech' you need unless you want camera's. GoPro's are the easiest to use with the most mounting options, etc... but there are a few others out there like the Garmin that have cool features.

Good luck!

 

[johnxreid]

Definitely recommend the GoPro. I picked one up half way through my PPL training so I could review lessons and it made a huge difference in my performance. I wish I would have had it from the beginning. Also be sure to get a headset passthrough connector to record headset and radio audio right into the GoPro.

 

[Bman.]

So when you plug directly into the GoPro, does it shut off the internal mic of the gopro?
I was looking at the kit that came with the NFlightcam filter and the audio adapter.

iPad mini or full air..

... oh yeah, and I need a CFI. That's been my primary focus now.

 

[Henning]

So when you plug directly into the GoPro, does it shut off the internal mic of the gopro?
I was looking at the kit that came with the NFlightcam filter and the audio adapter.

iPad mini or full air..

... oh yeah, and I need a CFI. That's been my primary focus now.

The mini fits on the yoke much better than full size. On the CFI front, it's a shame, I knew a really good instructor in Springfield, but he passed away a couple of years ago. Not many WWII CFIs left working.

 

[James331]

So when you plug directly into the GoPro, does it shut off the internal mic of the gopro?
I was looking at the kit that came with the NFlightcam filter and the audio adapter.

iPad mini or full air..

... oh yeah, and I need a CFI. That's been my primary focus now.

Mini

On the CFI front, that's going to be the one most important decision, and it's going to be about their teaching style, how you hit it off, and schedules.

On top of that look for a CFI who holds an ATP and ideally also a Gold Seal CFI, even better one with a healthy chunk of single pilot IFR freight, EMS, tail wheel, and/or pt137 time (AG).

You might also consider getting your initial private in a tail wheel plane or even better in a glider, then making the super easy transition to a 172, PA series or whatever. It'll save you money and you'll be a better pilot for it.

 

[Bman.]

Yeah - that's what I hear time and time again from all of the online threads and videos I watch. I have taken it to heart and sent a handful of them a list of questions that will help find the right one. I am going to another FBO this week (larger airport) to get another group of names (hopefully). After I compile a short list I will go meet them. Honestly, it doesn't seem like Springfield is a hotbed for CFI's. Ha.

Regarding planes - I like the theory. One of the primary reasons I am really jumping at the chance to begin lessons is I have a plane to utilize (PA-28-181) for relatively cheap $60 (dry) partner with 1 other. He isn't flying but on the rare occasion and said "Go for it!" ..."Just don't break it". If the CFI doesn't come to fruition at the airport where it's hangared, I will just pass on the opportunity and look at another airport with other options for rental.

 

[Skip Miller]

Re: headsets. You have gotten a lot of advice over what to buy. Now where to buy it?

If you go the route of buying a decent but not top of the line headset, with the plan to upgrade later when you are sure this aviation thing is for you... well, do your shopping on E-bay or Craig's List. -Skip