GPS ???

[pmanton]

I’ve been reading about this new GPS that projects the track on a sectional. It’s the iFly 700 and it sells for the paltry sum of $499.00 (http://ifly.adventurepilot.com/)

Is anyone using one? If so please let me know how you like it---or hate it.

I’m considering dumping my Lowrance 2000 and buying one.

Thanks

Paul
N1431A
2AZ1

 

[rottydaddy]

Seems amazingly intutitive, and although adapting to the usual GPS graphics after being trained without GPS is no huge strain for me, I really like the (interactive!) chart overlay. As one of the owner testimonials states, all it needs is weather and the moving plane icon on the approach plates and airport diagrams. And I understand they are working on that... at little additional cost (or so they claim).

Did a quick search for independent reviews, and saw a lot of thumbs-up. As far as complaints go, now that they've made a battery pack available, the only beefs sound like the same stuff you hear about the much pricier unit/service combos: too bright or not bright enough, software glitches, etc. Apparently, however, support from this mfr. is more direct and personal than from the "big boys".

Some also expressed concerns that this little company might get buried by the competition, leaving owners with an unsupported unit, but considering the price of the unit and a year's worth of updates, it's not much of a risk, compared to much pricier units which may also get clobbered by some upcoming gadget.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Mike Daniels, one of Nate's cronies over at the Mile High Flyers podcast, has one and really likes it, and from what little I've seen of it I'd have to say it's one of the best units out there, with an excellent UI. Now, Mike also has an iPad, and you can guess what happens when the two of us fly together... There's iPads everywhere and the iFly gets left behind.

But, if what you're looking for is a dedicated GPS unit for the airplane and you don't want to pay the Garmin tax to get something with XM WX, the iFly is an excellent unit, from all I've seen and heard.

 

[kyleb]

I’m considering dumping my Lowrance 2000 and buying one.

Why? As long as the Lowrance is still working it is a fine GPS...

Is there some functionality you're missing?

 

[poadeleted20]

What's the cost of the subscription to the charts, and from whence do they come (gov't, Jepp, or someone less likely to be in business five years from now)?

 

[SkyHog]

I can get behind the price, for sure. Its refreshing to see a GOOD product made for pilots that's not super over priced. All too often, we get crap products (looking at you, Garmin) for about 10 times more than they're worth.

Good product, it appears!

 

[rottydaddy]

What's the cost of the subscription to the charts, and from whence do they come (gov't, Jepp, or someone less likely to be in business five years from now)?

$69/yr for VFR charts (sectionals and TCAs). $89 gets you that plus IFR low charts and approach plates.
Not sure where they come from, but there's probably no reason why AdventurePilot couldn't get the charts from someone else should their current provider go out of business.

After my first post I dug deeper into their site... if you read a bit in the forums (not just the raves in the testimonials page) you will get a clearer picture of this thing and its potential. Still looks very impressive for the money, and very well-supported.

http://ifly.adventurepilot.com/SUPPORT/Forum.aspx

 

[poadeleted20]

$69/yr for VFR charts (sectionals and TCAs). $89 gets you that plus IFR low charts and approach plates.

Foreflight is cheaper ($75/year gets you all charts plus weather and flight planning/filing), and an iPad does a lot more with a lot more software options, even if more costly. No buyer's remorse for my iPad/Foreflight choice based on this.

Not sure where they come from, but there's probably no reason why AdventurePilot couldn't get the charts from someone else should their current provider go out of business.

Tell that to the folks with Northstar GPS's who've been orphaned by Jepp.