That’s the question AOPA’s Ian Twombly asks in a report at AOPA.org, which begins: “If an aviation company offered a moving-map GPS with a 10-inch display, a nation’s worth of charts and approach plates, flight planning, weather, a full aviation library, and the basic functions of a computer all for around $630, every pilot would own one. That’s just what the Apple iPad is offering. So why doesn’t every pilot have one?”
About Janice Wood
Janice Wood is editor of General Aviation News.
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The EKP IV looks cute on their web. Go ahead, try to get tech info, what comes with it,…like…antennae, ac charger, how to download to flash card. Actually, flash cards are almost obsolete. Like….do i need another apparatus to insert card into? Like….whatever. Still waiting for response to my e-mai;
Has anyone used the IFLY700 from adventure? Does it compare with IPAD? I;m going to buy one or the other this week.
The iPad is too large to be yoke mounted, it has to go on a kneepad.
I just got back from the Sebring FL LSA Show. I was able to see the iPad running the HiltonSoftware at their booth. I was more impressed by the EKP IV 7″ GPS by http://www.AvMap.us with the standard worldwide terrain database and the North America Jeppesen aviation database overlay. This unit was much more popular at the show and was installed in many aircraft. None of the iPad’s were installed in any aircraft.
There are 4 airplanes in our hangar. At least 3 of the owners have iPads with aviation applications. The other owner may also have one, but that is not confirmed yet. At least here, your question has been answered! All within one year of the technology introduction. It has to be good to get that kind of rapid adoption.
Eventually, everyone will own an aviation-based GPS application, either by IPad or IPhone. As technology gets better, and satellite reception becomes universally based, it will be easier and easier to have this tool with you when you fly.
GPS in GA has come a long way, and it seems to have been growing exponentially in recent years. It’s good to know that backups will exist for most pilots who fly.
I do have one and I bought it just for that reason. It’s incredible with the Wing X program! It gives you a split screen with geo-referenced approach plates, frequencies, weather, moving map, etc. Talk about situational awareness! That’s where it’s at!!! Even your $3000 Garmin 696 requires you to flip screens. This does not. Just go to their homepage to check out some of their screen shots. http://www.hiltonsoftware.com/