iPad Garmin Pilot + GDL39: Performance Evaluation
Dallas - Plainview - Albuquerque - Deming - Andrews - Dallas: Start at rightmost node and proceed counter clockwise We have tested the iPad + GDL39 equipment installed in our Zenith 601 HDS, N314LB, during three days of cross-country VFR flights along the following route: Dallas, TX - Plainview, TX - Albuquerque, NM - Deming, NM - Andrews, TX - Dallas. The route is displayed in the above screenshot of the iPad. Weather on days 1 and 3 was difficult, thus forcing full use of the system. The performance evaluation below consists of four parts: The Good, the Not-so-good, the Unexpected, and Further Thoughts and Recommendations. The Good The Garmin Pilot supplies many useful pieces of data, carries out tasks that previously were difficult or impossible to do, and generally helps to make flight safer. Four aspects stand out for pilots restricted to VFR flight. 1. The Weather option of the map overlays delivers the VRF/MVFR/IFR/LIFR classification for ea...