In the world of aviation, precision and reliability are paramount. So when it comes to navigation, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Aviation GPS systems have evolved significantly over the years. With a plethora of options available, deciding on the best aviation GPS unit for your needs can be a daunting task.
This article aims to simplify the decision-making process by outlining key considerations and options for prospective buyers. We’ll be answering these key questions:
- Do you actually need a separate GPS unit?
- What type of unit should you get?
- What features are important to you?
Looking for a comparison of all the best-selling GPS units on the market? Explore our GPS comparison chart for a detailed side-by-side feature breakdown.
Do You Need a GPS Unit for Your Aircraft?
There are a few reasons a portable GPS system is a valuable add-on to your aircraft.
- Even if your aircraft comes equipped with advanced navigation systems, a backup portable GPS unit can be a life-saving failsafe.
- Beyond basic navigation, GPS units can provide real-time weather updates, air traffic data, and airport information. However, it's essential to note that not all GPS units offer these features out of the box, and those with advanced capabilities tend to come with a higher price tag.
- Convenience features, such as compatibility with iPads, tablets, or cell phones, as well as automatic flight data logging.
What Type of Aviation GPS Unit is Right for You?
Aviation GPS units come in various forms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common types to consider.
Portable/Handheld GPS Unit
Portable GPS units are indispensable tools for modern navigation, offering both versatility and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of their key features and considerations.
Moving Map GPS
Moving map GPS technology transforms the way we interact with navigation systems in aviation, making complex data elegantly simple and accessible. Here's a breakdown of its key features and functionality:
Real-Time Positioning
- Displays your aircraft’s position in real time at the center of the map.
- The map dynamically moves as the aircraft moves, providing constant, live updates.
Enhanced Information Clarity
- Presents detailed navigation data in a clear and visually intuitive format.
- Far more accessible than traditional readouts of coordinates, headings, or waypoints.
Widespread Availability
- A standard feature in a wide range of modern GPS units, making it accessible to pilots of varying expertise.
This cutting-edge technology effortlessly combines usability with precision, ensuring every flight is a seamless and informed experience.
Terrain Awareness
Understanding terrain awareness is crucial for safe navigation, especially in challenging visibility or high-traffic areas. Here's a breakdown of this essential GPS feature:
Proximity Warnings to Terrain
- Terrain awareness works by collaborating with moving map GPS units to identify potential collisions with terrain.
- The system uses color-coded shading to signal proximity:
- Yellow: Indicates nearby terrain.
- Red: Indicates dangerously close terrain.
Advanced Monitoring Capabilities
- Some units offer additional functionalities, including:
- Monitoring your position relative to adjacent airspace.
- Sending alerts for sudden altitude changes.
- Notifying about excessive banking angles.
Ideal for Low-Visibility Flying
- This feature is invaluable when navigating:
- Areas of reduced visibility.
- High-traffic airspaces where precision is key.
By integrating terrain awareness technology, pilots can enhance safety and confidently handle the skies, no matter the conditions.
ADS-B Receiver Compatibility
If your aircraft has an ADS-B In receiver, some GPS units can use that to display certain information.
Note the difference between ADS-B In vs ADS-B Out:
ADS-B In receivers will allow the pilot to see any aircraft with an operating transponder and it will give them altitude and heading information to help see and avoid other aircraft. It will also display important weather information without requiring a subscription!
ADS-B Out Receivers are required for the aircraft and are usually built into the transponder. They provide information about an aircraft’s GPS location, altitude, ground speed, and more to air traffic control to help with traffic flow and collision avoidance.
Weather Information
Staying informed about weather conditions is vital for safer and well-informed flight decisions. Here’s how GPS units and compatible features help pilots stay ahead:
Real-Time Weather Information
- Certain GPS units display real-time weather updates, providing critical insights during flights.
- When paired with moving map GPS, pilots gain valuable data for safer navigation and decision-making.
Free Weather Updates with ADS-B
- If your GPS unit is ADS-B compatible and you have an ADS-B receiver, you can access free weather updates effortlessly.
Enhanced Coverage with Sirius XM
- Select models, like the Garmin GDL 51 and Garmin GDL 52, also enable access to Sirius XM.
- Sirius XM offers reliable, continuous weather coverage, alongside all the entertainment benefits of satellite radio. Requires subscription.
With these features, GPS-equipped pilots can confidently chart paths through changing skies, harnessing the beauty of technology to make navigation seamless and secure.
iPads With In-Flight GPS Capabilities
If you’re wondering whether your iPad can double as an in-flight GPS, here’s what you need to know.
LTE/Cellular-Model iPad can double as a GPS system due to the following reasons.
- Built-in GPS Receiver: If you already own an LTE/cellular-model iPad, good news—it comes equipped with a built-in GPS receiver.
- No Cellular Network Required for GPS: You don’t need an active cellular plan to use the GPS functionality, making it a potentially cost-effective option for navigation.
Some limitations to consider if choosing an iPad for your GPS system include:
- Signal Reliability: While an iPad’s GPS can perform effectively, relying solely on it may not always be reliable. Signal drops can occur unexpectedly during use.
- Cost Considerations:
- Purchasing a new LTE/cellular-model iPad specifically for GPS functions is not the most budget-friendly solution.
- Cellular iPads are significantly pricier than their WiFi-only counterparts.
- An External GPS (see below) can provide a cost-effective solution to the built-in GPS limitations.
If you are using a WiFi-only model for GPS, there are a couple of things you need to know.
- External GPS Receiver Required: To use a WiFi-only iPad for navigation, you’ll need to purchase an external GPS receiver, which adds to the cost.
- Added Reliability: External GPS units are more reliable than the internal GPS. They use Satellites and not Cell Towers. If you are flying in remote areas, an External GPS is a recommended option.
iPad-Compatible GPS Accessories
Equip yourself with an Aviation iPad Mount – with various mounting options available, including yoke mounts, suction mounts, claw mounts, and more. Or, you can also use an iPad Kneeboard for up-close and easy access.
Aviation GPS Smartwatches
Aviation smartwatches, while innovative and feature-packed, are often considered less practical for aviation compared to their iPad and portable GPS unit counterparts. The main limitation lies in their screen size and user interface. Smartwatches have small displays that make it difficult to view detailed maps, weather overlays, or airspace information at a glance. In contrast, iPads and dedicated GPS units offer larger, higher-resolution screens specifically designed to present critical flight information clearly and efficiently, enhancing situational awareness.
Another key drawback is the limited functionality of aviation GPS smartwatches compared to dedicated devices. While smartwatches can provide supplementary data like GPS coordinates, weather alerts, or timers, they are not robust enough to serve as a pilot’s primary navigation tool.
Battery life can also be a concern, as the intensive use of GPS and other features can drain smartwatch batteries quickly, especially during long flights. Meanwhile, iPads and portable GPS units are equipped with more reliable battery performance and are designed to integrate seamlessly with cockpit workflows, offering comprehensive navigation, planning, and real-time updates.
For these reasons, pilots often view aviation smartwatches as secondary tools rather than primary resources.
Finding Your Way
In summary, choosing the right aviation GPS unit involves considering your specific needs and budget. Whether you opt for an iPad, a portable GPS unit, or an aviator smartwatch, it's essential to prioritize reliability and the features that matter most to you.
Once you've made your decision, be sure to explore Marv Golden's selection of GPS units and accessories to find the perfect fit for your aviation needs. Happy flying!
Don’t forget to check out our GPS Comparison Chart for a side-by-side features breakdown of all our available GPS systems.