EFB suggestions for newbie pilot?
Thread Starter
EFB suggestions for newbie pilot?
So I have had my PPL training for a couple of weeks and I am absolutely loving it, just wondering what EFB are people using/suggesting? I would like to get familiar with one before starting my navigation trainings.
Tried out AVplan, FF, OZrunway and GP, currently leaning towards FF, but for a newbie they all very similar tbh.
Based in Melbourne BTW.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
EDIT:
The focus of my question was to gather insights on which EFBs are considered effective for use in Australian airspace, not to debate the merits of traditional versus modern learning methods.
I'd like to clarify that my inquiry about EFBs wasn't to substitute or undermine these traditional aviation/navigation skills. In fact, I dont see how using an EFB and learning the traditional way are exclusive to one another at all.
So please stop replying whether or not you think it is better to learn aviation the traditional way(I don't think you can even skip the traditional skills, at least not in Australia).
It is like me asking what does 1+1 equal to, and you reply that you ate scrambled egg this morning, yes your personal food intake is crucial for your wellbeing and health, but that is just not my question.
Tried out AVplan, FF, OZrunway and GP, currently leaning towards FF, but for a newbie they all very similar tbh.
Based in Melbourne BTW.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
EDIT:
The focus of my question was to gather insights on which EFBs are considered effective for use in Australian airspace, not to debate the merits of traditional versus modern learning methods.
I'd like to clarify that my inquiry about EFBs wasn't to substitute or undermine these traditional aviation/navigation skills. In fact, I dont see how using an EFB and learning the traditional way are exclusive to one another at all.
So please stop replying whether or not you think it is better to learn aviation the traditional way(I don't think you can even skip the traditional skills, at least not in Australia).
It is like me asking what does 1+1 equal to, and you reply that you ate scrambled egg this morning, yes your personal food intake is crucial for your wellbeing and health, but that is just not my question.
Last edited by wsxmfy; 15th Jun 2024 at 10:48. Reason: Clarify what my questions is about.
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AvPlan or OzRunways, because they have the weather cameras in them! (I’m a little biased but others will probably agree)
ForeFlight owns OzRunways now so who knows what the future holds there in terms of the future of FF…
ForeFlight owns OzRunways now so who knows what the future holds there in terms of the future of FF…
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Thread Starter
The OP reads "EFB suggestions", and I explained that I would like to hear about people's opinions between different EFB, it wasn't about "start with a paper chart and a pencil", even I agree with your reply 100% stand alone, it has nothing to do with what I asked for, at all.
To the OP: Unless G1000's are your life (and you fly a Cirrus) over here it's either Avplan or Ozrunways - your choice. Ozrunways is definitely easier to use, but Avplan has it's benefits.
If you're in Melbourne (Moorabbin perhaps?) then I'd suggest you drop in and chat to the Avplan guys next time you're down there (they're just on First street opposite the Museum) who will gladly answer your questions.
Thread Starter
Thanks a lot for the insightful reply! I am indeed doing my training in Moorabbin(I do go to Tyabb somethings because it is much more accessable and closer to me).
Will definitely go to the Avplan guys next week for a chat.
Cheers
Will definitely go to the Avplan guys next week for a chat.
Cheers
While we’re at it, why not buy a sextant and a star chart, learn how to navigate that way. And have you done your Morse code exam?
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Reality is that in the PPL exam (and flight test) you won't be using an EFB so will need to navigate by the stars as you put it.
I wouldn't suggest looking at an EFB until you have your PPL. The energy you put into learning the EFB is better put into knowing how to do a 1/60 at this point.
Sure, we have to acknowledge living in the 21st century but that is no excuse for not knowing how to plot your course and know how to apply magnetic variation.
I have been horrified to to meet some PPL holders who don't know the difference between drift and variation.
Last edited by mikewil; 15th Jun 2024 at 03:46.
Remember that the efb legally is merely a legal digitally displayed version of the paper chart.
Theres no reason why you can’t use it during PPL training, but ideally in flight mode.
I don’t know anyone that’s actually used the 1/60 rule for as long as I’ve been flying and that’s nearly 30 years :-)
Theres no reason why you can’t use it during PPL training, but ideally in flight mode.
I don’t know anyone that’s actually used the 1/60 rule for as long as I’ve been flying and that’s nearly 30 years :-)
I have yet to meet someone who has genuinely benefited from knowing the difference between the 2 stroke and 4 stroke cycle but it is still required in the humble PPL syllabus.
Despite not actually using the 1/60 rule day to day, it wouldn't hurt to understand some basic nav principles.
I think the issue that the 'boomer dinosaurs' have is the young generation of pilots who don't even care to learn basics of navigation. Ie basic stuff like 90 miles will take 45 mins at 120 knots. Why calculate any of this when you can just 'navigate' by looking at the little blue moving aeroplane on your ipad.
Ipads do overheat, batteries go flat etc. Sure you can carry backups or just make sure your phone is fully charged, but its nice to not start sweating when your ipad fails on a CAVOK day because you actually know where you are in the first place
Last edited by mikewil; 15th Jun 2024 at 08:44.
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Thread Starter
Thank you all for your input, although I feel the discussion has veered off track from my initial inquiry. The focus of my question was to gather insights on which EFBs are considered effective for use in Australian airspace, not to debate the merits of traditional versus modern learning methods.
I'd like to clarify that my inquiry about EFBs wasn't to substitute or undermine the traditional skills. In fact, I dont see how using an EFB and learning the traditional way are exclusive to one another at all.
To those whose egos seem threatened and have responded dismissively or with condescension towards the use of EFBs by student pilots, I must say that such attitudes contribute nothing to the conversation. Everyone starts somewhere, and embracing technology alongside traditional learning methods can only benefit our collective pursuit of safer aviation practices.
If anyone has practical experiences or recommendations regarding specific EFBs that have proven beneficial in navigating Australian regulations, weather conditions, and airspace complexities, I would greatly appreciate hearing about them. This discussion is most productive when it directly addresses the original topic at hand.
Let's refocus on sharing constructive insights that can genuinely assist in making informed decisions about EFB usage in the context of Australian flying, please don't instantly set your ego on fire when you see the two words "student pilot".
I'd like to clarify that my inquiry about EFBs wasn't to substitute or undermine the traditional skills. In fact, I dont see how using an EFB and learning the traditional way are exclusive to one another at all.
To those whose egos seem threatened and have responded dismissively or with condescension towards the use of EFBs by student pilots, I must say that such attitudes contribute nothing to the conversation. Everyone starts somewhere, and embracing technology alongside traditional learning methods can only benefit our collective pursuit of safer aviation practices.
If anyone has practical experiences or recommendations regarding specific EFBs that have proven beneficial in navigating Australian regulations, weather conditions, and airspace complexities, I would greatly appreciate hearing about them. This discussion is most productive when it directly addresses the original topic at hand.
Let's refocus on sharing constructive insights that can genuinely assist in making informed decisions about EFB usage in the context of Australian flying, please don't instantly set your ego on fire when you see the two words "student pilot".
Last edited by wsxmfy; 15th Jun 2024 at 10:43.
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Thread Starter
Remember that the efb legally is merely a legal digitally displayed version of the paper chart.
Theres no reason why you can’t use it during PPL training, but ideally in flight mode.
I don’t know anyone that’s actually used the 1/60 rule for as long as I’ve been flying and that’s nearly 30 years :-)
Theres no reason why you can’t use it during PPL training, but ideally in flight mode.
I don’t know anyone that’s actually used the 1/60 rule for as long as I’ve been flying and that’s nearly 30 years :-)
In my experience the ideal EFB hardware in iPad Mini or equivalent. It's big enough to see and small enough not to get in the road too much. I'll leave the software alone - we all have our opinions so what works for you is best for you. Be sure to read the CAAP about the subject first. Good luck.
Thread Starter
In my experience the ideal EFB hardware in iPad Mini or equivalent. It's big enough to see and small enough not to get in the road too much. I'll leave the software alone - we all have our opinions so what works for you is best for you. Be sure to read the CAAP about the subject first. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply.
If anyone has practical experiences or recommendations regarding specific EFBs that have proven beneficial in navigating Australian regulations, weather conditions, and airspace complexities, I would greatly appreciate hearing about them.
Prior to that I used a company issued IPad with Foreflight Pro.
Prior to that I carried a paper chart as backup to a G1000
Prior to that I carried a paper chart as backup to looking outside.
You happy now grasshopper?
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Don't listen to the naysayers, get familair with an efb (it IS the future/present) and ditch the pencil and paper altogether once you've finished the training.
I haven't flown VFR since pre GPS, but it takes little more than common sense and a small amount of experience to draw a pencil line on a map with some distance/time marks, and then just keep hill X on the right and lake Y on the left etc. Its not a complicated skill you have to worry about losing.
As far as efbs go I use an ipad that I can't stand - but have begun to accept over the years, and Jeppesen which is about as bad (work provides it all). I did use Ozrunways until a few years ago and I did like that, however it became too expensive for something I didn't really need given the employer provided alternative.
As a side note, I dare say there are more people flying around with expired paper charts than there are getting lost because thier efb stopped working. And even after all that is said and done, its going to be overconfidence (particularly with weather) that you need to keep a healthy fear of rather than worrying about paper vs electronic nav equipment.
I haven't flown VFR since pre GPS, but it takes little more than common sense and a small amount of experience to draw a pencil line on a map with some distance/time marks, and then just keep hill X on the right and lake Y on the left etc. Its not a complicated skill you have to worry about losing.
As far as efbs go I use an ipad that I can't stand - but have begun to accept over the years, and Jeppesen which is about as bad (work provides it all). I did use Ozrunways until a few years ago and I did like that, however it became too expensive for something I didn't really need given the employer provided alternative.
As a side note, I dare say there are more people flying around with expired paper charts than there are getting lost because thier efb stopped working. And even after all that is said and done, its going to be overconfidence (particularly with weather) that you need to keep a healthy fear of rather than worrying about paper vs electronic nav equipment.