Electronic charts for iPad

SlumTodd_Millionaire

SlumTodd_Millionaire

Most Hated Member
So now that I'm having to buy my own charts and approach plates for the first time in nearly forever, I'm reminded that Jeppeson's prices are practically rape. A Google search brings up a number of different electronic alternatives for the iPad, but I have no idea which one is good (if any). Any recommendations for something that has all available IFR charts without being as ridiculously expensive as buying paper Jepp plates?
 
I had students who would just download the government stuff for free. IIRC, it comes in PDF form, and you can search it. And the price is right up your alley, now that your not really working anymore. ;)
 
Is Foreflight NOS, though? I couldn't find a good picture on their web site. I've always used Jepps, and I hated NOS back in the day, but I'm not sure if Jeppesen licenses out their charts to any apps.
 
mshunter said:
I had students who would just download the government stuff for free. IIRC, it comes in PDF form, and you can search it. And the price is right up your alley, now that your not really working anymore. ;)
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Wow!

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/vfr/

I had no idea these were free! And legal validity too.

Can one download a VFR sectional that is current from that FAA site, put it on a tablet (Android, Apple, etc) and then use that for VFR Part 91 purposes? (eg, sightseeing/pleasure flying).
 
ForeFlight is NOS. Pretty sure the only way to get Jepp charts on the iPad is through the Jepp app, and those subscriptions are as costly (if not more) than the paper charts.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
So now that I'm having to buy my own charts and approach plates for the first time in nearly forever, I'm reminded that Jeppeson's prices are practically rape. A Google search brings up a number of different electronic alternatives for the iPad, but I have no idea which one is good (if any). Any recommendations for something that has all available IFR charts without being as ridiculously expensive as buying paper Jepp plates?
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Why would you need this? I thought you had turned your back and walked away.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
Is Foreflight NOS, though? I couldn't find a good picture on their web site. I've always used Jepps, and I hated NOS back in the day, but I'm not sure if Jeppesen licenses out their charts to any apps.
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Foreflight is NOS. Jepp keeps their stuff locked down. If you want their charts, they'll make you pay whether using their (allegedly kind of crappy) app or paper.
 
I've played with a few other programs but Foreflight in my opinion is leaps and bounds above everything else. I also bought an IPAD just for it. Its well worth the $$. Someone correct me but i think it was around $150.00 per year for the pro. I know they have a cheaper one around $75.00 that is the basic version. I paid for the pro just for the taxi diagram with your little airplane on it following you around just so i didn't get lost. FAY gets terribly confusing during rush hour. ;) I also think it automatically switches from approach plates to taxi diagrams as well along with 100 other nifty little features. The little talking thing is neat unless its late at night and you had been listening to music on your way in and all the sudden some lady tells you "approaching runway X". It will scare the crap our of you!!! especially if your by yourself.

Oh yea, Foreflight is NOS and i think that they give you a free 90 day trial (they did when i got it years ago, not sure if that is still true)

-K
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
Refresh my memory, what do you need? I remember in my PPL days I always had a VFR sectional chart.
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Roger Roger said:
You need enough to satisfy a fed if you bust airspace. I'd argue that a moving map representation of a current sectional is easily enough to do that.
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*you need enough information to make sure you don't bust an airspace. If you do it's not going to matter whether you had a paper sectional or FF. If you know the airspace around your airport and don't have any airspace to worry about then you don't need any charts at all.

I've always been a fan of Foreflight though. I get the Jepp app for free but I still use FF 99% of the time because the Jepp app sucks so much that I'd rather just use the NOS charts.
 
Foreflight and Fltplan Go both do pretty much the same thing. Fltplan Go is free and has Canadian charts and weight and balance without having to pay extra (Foreflight requires a pro subscription), but Foreflight I've found so far to be much more intuitive. Unfortunately, Jepp charts can only be found on Jepp apps, which as you mentioned unless you have an employer who is buying the app, is basically highway robbery.
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
I remember in my PPL days I always had a VFR sectional chart.
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Me to. And I still do, at least for backup.Check the book (FAR 91.103) it doesn't specifically call for a map unless you're flying large airplanes.
AOPA:
"Some hangar lawyers will also quote FAR 91.503, which says that the pilot in command of an airplane must have "pertinent aeronautical charts" available for each flight. But read carefully and you'll see that FAR 91.503 is under subpart F, Large and Turbine-Powered Multiengine Airplanes and Fractional Ownership Program Aircraft. So, yes, if you're flying something that burns Jet A, or weighs more than 12,500 pounds, or is part of a fractional ownership operation, then you must have current charts aboard."
 
If you were on Android ,you could also try Naviator, I've used it and it worked OK. Has a fully functional 30 day trial and is 1/3 the price of FF.
 
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