iFly GPS Forum

Well, I decided to to a flight plan and briefing using Skyvector, and 1800WXBrief (Leidos) on a desktop computer and iFly (on an Android tablet) simultaneously. I used a common flight for me which is from Albuquerque to Roswell, New Mexico. Much to my surprise, the flight planning was pretty equivalent on all three services. All three services allow for direct waypoint entry, route by airways, or rubber banding on a map. iFly and Leidos had the best altitude optimization for the flight. I like the navigation log feature of Skyvector slightly better but I am not likely to use it since I will have the flight plan in the iFly device that I am using.  I would say that all three are pretty equal which surprised me.

Now for the weather briefing component. This is where Leidos pulled out in front. The briefing format is very easy to understand and shows any potential risks such as SIGMETS, AIRMETS or TFRs in relation to the route of flight graphically. The access to the aviation weather charts is easy and something that I am used to looking at so I like to have them. Just for grins, I logged on to the Leidos site with the tablet and it was still usable. A desktop is better but a tablet will work. 

So going forward I will use 1800wxbrief for flight planning and getting a weather briefing and iFly for flight planning and flying the plan. 

I would still be interested in seeing what others decide on. I am always open to new products and suggestions.

Best,

Rick Davis
N8652N

I noticed this as well, AOPA flight planner was crap on a phone, but Leidos is still usable.

I also have the multi-platform, but have all 3 licenses used up.  Too bad iFly couldn't allow PC web access without requiring an additional license.  I had some recommendations regarding features for the new realplan, if those were incorporated, I'd be really tempted to use iFly on the PC for my pre-flight planning.  I simply find a PC easier regardless of the app because I like the larger screen, multiple monitors so I can pull up extra info on potential pit stops, mouse and keyboard, etc.

I like the large screen for planning, too, and for the same reasons. It's the only reason I ever light up the Windows tablet/laptop, except for the rare occasions that I have to use it for Rotax turbo logs or Airmaster prop adjustments. (And those will be the only reasons as soon as the iFly iOS app gets ported to Mac Catalyst.)