Sport Pilot Talk

Z06 C5 · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 28 Location: Garland, TX

Hello,
I have just completed my 1st dual cross country. I am learning the art of pilotage and dead reckoning. While that is necassary to know. I want to use a GPS for navigation.

I have narrowed it down to the Garmin aera 500 and the Bendix AV8OR handheld. These two are in my price range. Does anyone on the site have experience with both? If so, what are your likes and dislikes.

I have watched the videos on sportys.com and have read the product reviews. Still can't decide.

The AV8OR has an "auto" mode for driving and is a little cheaper. The aera 500 has nicer panel page, and garmin is the 500 pound gorilla in the GPS market.

The aera 500 seems to have a more cluttered map page, and appears to be harder to instantly read. Can the waypoints be turned off for readabilty?
The AV8or seems to have less clutter, and I like that the data is in a blue block to the left of the screen, whereas the garmin overwrites the GS, ETA, ALT on top of the map page, making it kinda hard to read in my opinon.

One guy on sportys.com said you need to use a stylis with the Bendix, which would be a problem to keep up with when flying.

I do have a garmin automotive GPS (765T) and it works great. So I like the Garmin products.

Not trying to start a pissing match between the garmin supporters and bendix folks. But would like to hear any comments good or bad about these 2 products.

Thanks, Robert Lewis
Student pilot

frfly172 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 67 Location: Quincy Mass

I like the 496 garmin.you might consider a used unit as the price of the 496 is down since the area arrived.

dstclair · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 186 Location: Allen, TX

You might try the ifly 700. Very nice unit, 7" screen, displays aviation charts. Only $499 and $69/year for ALL updates (That's about what 1 8 week update costs for Garmin). Great reviews in multiple forums and magazines.

Z06 C5 · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 28 Location: Garland, TX

Thanks for the replies, I haven't heard of that brand. I will check it out.

The 496 is a little pricey, and the screen is just a touch smaller than the aera. we have one at our school, that is available for rental. I need to have my instructor show me how to use that unit, and all the ins and outs of GPS flying.

dstclair · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 186 Location: Allen, TX

The ifly 700 is from company just up the road from you in Allen, TX: http://www.ifly.adventurepilot.com/

They offer a 30 day trial with a full refund (including shipping) if you don't like it.

pitfield · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Toronto, Canada

I've had one for six months. I love it. Good visibility even in direct sunlight. Easy to input everything. Screen management is intuitive. Very pleased but can't comment on anything else.

ka7eej · Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 172 Location: Taylor, Az

Another vote for the IFLY 700.. I bought one of the first ones. It is truly awesome..I have a Garmin 396 that I like a lot but the IFLY 700 overlaying the GPS on a sectional truly is the best of both worlds. I find flight planning much easier on the Ifly. Add in the touch screen and rubber banding of a line to avoid airspace you do not want to be in...Its a hands down winner.. Go to the website, look under support and forums and see all the personal answers to questions by the founder Walter Boyd... Try that with any company... I believe he still offers a 30 day money back guaranty. Try on if you have the room for a 7' monitor..
Brian

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 150 Location: KOJC

Not that I'm going to advocate using a cell phone in flight, but its getting to the point that many of them have GPS capability in them, coupled with applications that can give you an aviation map overlay. Heck, I've got one on my Droid that allows me to cache the maps, so I have both the VFR sectional and the IFR low-enroute for the surrounding area I fly in, just in case. Might not be best for primary use, but in a pinch, I'd probably use it.

Z06 C5 · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 28 Location: Garland, TX

Well, I need to do something. I did my 1st solo cross country last sunday, and got a little lost. Missed my second waypoint (turn point) and instead of circling like the book said and figuring out my current position, I kept on flying and looking for it. Got about 10 miles off course. Thank god my 3rd waypoint was a lake, it was easy to spot and get myself sorted out.

Talk about having a sinking feeling in your stomach. When you realize, "I'm not where I should be."

GPS is must have in my opinon. The airspace around DFW is too complex to be getting lost and guessing were your at.

Looked at the adventure map. Not bad, but it's still a work in progress according to company forum. I don't want any software headaches, so no.

It will be the AV8OR or Aera 500, kinda leaning towards the Bendix because the screen seems easier to read.

ka7eej · Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 172 Location: Taylor, Az

I agree that a GPS is a must have.... Just FYI...... someone bought the first Model T Ford..... and the first C150, 172 182 etc.... Try a Ifly700 and return it within 30 days if you have any worries...

Good luck with all your decision making!! Its part of the test..
Brian

dstclair · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 186 Location: Allen, TX

I wouldn't view the iFly as a work in progress. The software developer(s) are just much more open than Garmin or Bendix. I have a panel mounted 496 and absolutely love it, no issues at all but I probably get ~6 software (not database) updates a year. Checking the release notes indicate lot's of bug fixes each time. Of course, Garmin doesn't share any known bugs....

The updates show continued investment in advancing the system.

dholly · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:39 pm Post subject:

I have no horse in the race but you might want to look at the Anywhere Map Quadra. Appears to offer more standard features than either of the GPSs you've mentioned for notably less $$. Display seems easier on my eyes too, although that is personal preference.

Here's a comparison: http://www.anywheremap.com/pages/Garmin-Aera-vs-Quadra.aspx

zdc · Guest

If you are renting, the least expensive GPS will do the job. If you own an airplane, you want a GPS that can be mounted in a panel dock , wired to acft power and XM capable.