Garmin Pilot vs Foreflight

This video compares 2 popular aviation navigation apps for the ipad.

[@drclive]

This is exactly the features comparison that I was looking for. Many thanks!!

[@nixon4508]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PUBLISHING THIS VIDEO. I WAS THINKING WHAT TO BUY AND THIS VIDEO GAVE ME A EXCELLENT PICTURE BOTH APPS. Thank you again. Nixon

[@gbigsangle3044]

Thanks for doing this...you did a great job of just presenting the major differences and hit on two that I could not figure out on my own with the demos.

[@nizexlizzy]

Glad it helped.

[@spikelanch]

Excellent comparison, thanks for doing that!

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Very thorough info when this was done. Garmin has fixed the issues.

[@EZ_shop]

Excellent comparison Glenn.

[@chamilarobert6009]

Hi Glenn, Thank you. I choose fore-flight. Thank you for your video. Keep it up.

[@guitarplayingman]

Very Very Good!! Thanks so much for your time...

[@A1soldiersaint]

Thanks for this comparo... Very practical.

[@svenf1]

Great work comparing those two products! The main advantage of Garmin Pilot you mentioned (dynamic maps) appears to have been equalized by FF's Aeronautical maps which zoom down all the way to runway level. But of course both products have been developed since you last reviewed them a year ago, so perhaps time for a new review..? (Nevermind, just seeing the link to your Round 2 video below :)

[@nizexlizzy]

sven f not entirely. Garmin still offers topo style maps and islands and such are a lot more accurate depictions. ForeFlight seems to just build a random blob for islands. But they are much better than before

[@flitetym]

Glenn, thank you for an exceptional discussion on Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight. About 21:10, you discuss “losing connection to the device.” This is not a device issue, but a Bluetooth connectivity issue that I've also noticed when using the BadElf GPS Pro 2300. Even though the unit continues data tracking and logging (as confirmed by the unit's screen information), the GPS signal sent to the iPad/Phone drops off. I recall Paul Bertorelli also commenting on this anomaly some time ago (... the units go “brain-dead.”) For this reason alone, I cannot recommend *any* Bluetooth device for *critical* aviation mapping. That said, it appears that Stratus/Foreflight checks in as a more reliable method of mapping, since it employs the WiFi method of data transfer. There's one more “issue” I have with *both* Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight that is rarely discussed: they both rely on a “consumer-grade” operating system (iOS) to power a critical/sensitive application. “Murphy's Law” suggests such operating systems can and will fail the user (i.e., “crash”) at the most inopportune moment - i.e., during the final segment of an instrument approach. I have had several occasions when my iPad Pro just “freezes” for a few seconds (which seem like an eternity in flight). That said, these discussions serve as reminder to us all that IFR navigation relies on certified avionics, and if some other non-certified navigation system is used for “situational awareness”, then these systems should be as close to being purpose-built, “bullet-proof”, and industrial strength as possible (such as the Garmin Aera series of navigators). The priority of use must be: • certified avionics • purpose-built portables • iOS and android systems. Using purpose-built portables in conjunction with the otherwise fine iOS products, will ensure an appropriate level of situational awareness.

[@joae1975]

Great video. I emailed Garmin support to look at it.

[@EvanNadeau]

Thanks so much for doing this review. I haven't seen anything like this with the recent versions. Please keep adding updates every once in a while as each vendor releases updates as that could swing me one way or the other. Thanks again.

[@nizexlizzy]

+Evan Nadeau Thanks and will do my best.

[@marshallhyasi6213]

Great review .. thx sir !

[@bobmeyers3481]

As other have said, great job. A couple recent developments I can comment on. As of August 2016, Foreflight has demoed their soon to be released dynamic map. It looks terrific. Also connection options to Garmin avionics are greatly increased and improved. I'm building an RV-14A and have just installed my panel with a G3x touch, GTN 625 and a GDL-39R. I have successfully connected Foreflight to this system via bluetooth and everything passes back and forth very easily. In fact, slightly better than with Garmin Pilot. Traffic, ADS-B weather, GPS and attitude and heading data all come across as well as two way flight plan data exchange. Works very well.

[@nizexlizzy]

I agree and I plan to do an updated video as soon as they release it to us. Garmin has also updated a few things worth going through again as well. I've got the Flight stream 210 in my Commander and it works great other than Garmin still not having all of the private airports in the 15k units they sale. Thanks for watching and will get another one up as soon as I have the updates. Glenn

[@bobmeyers3481]

Looking forward to your update.

[@tpj1959]

My flying club just installed a Stratus ADS-B transponder. Only works with foreflight. I have both Garmin and Foreflight loaded on my equipment.

[@nizexlizzy]

Glad it helped.

[@Saun2020]

Now I know what to Choose Thank you

[@chandlerstainbrook72]

I think this video, like other people who've said the same, was very useful and helpful. The only problem (if you could call it that) that comes to mind about comparing the two apps, is that Foreflight is only Foreflight, and they can specifically focus on the app, whereas Garmin may have an app that follows Foreflight in usefulness, but they are also outfitting over 90% of the avionics in some if not most newer planes, so they probably focus on that more than the app. From what I've seen, their glass cockpits are pretty amazing. This is only what I see of course, I'm only an aviation enthusiast at the moment, so I am not an expert either.

[@nizexlizzy]

And you would be correct. But my point remains. If you're going to do something that people are going to use and you're going to charge the same amount of money for it as Foreflight charges, then it should perform. If you are not willing to make it perform then don't write it as we don't need "Just another product" on the market. It confuses people, wastes their money and potentially gets them into trouble when it doesn't work. If you're going to write it then make (or attempt to make ) it the best product it can be. Garmin seems to be talking about improving the app in real ways here lately but we just have to wait and see if they actually do. Just my 2 cents.

[@chandlerstainbrook72]

That does make sense and I failed to see it from that perspective. Thanks!

[@bradensminger7994]

I’m not sure if these are all just updated since you made this video, but all but one of your complaints against GP are no longer issues. You can name flight plans, rubber band legs right on the map view, slit screen the syn vis....the only complaint I still have with the app is the fact that you have to manually enter waypoints for approaches.

[@SkiDuneTech]

Thanks for this! I agree with you 100% What I take from this is Foreflight needs a dynamic map! I too could love to see ALL airports and more importantly Airspaces for restrictions as well as radio switch checkpoints. I am a foreflight user and this might be bias but after watching your video I'm sure I made the right call

[@johnf3305]

ForeFlight just announced at AIrVenture that they will be releasing a new version (ForeFlight 8) with dynamic map capabilities at the end of August this year...

[@agutierrez007]

Hi. Loved the video. Garmin and Foreflight just had major updates in early 2017. Any change you'll make an updated video with the new additions? I've been using Foreflight, but I'm also interested in Garmin. Thanks

[@nizexlizzy]

agutierrez007 they did release new updates but ForeFlight added checklists which are cool and garmin released a few hardware level interfaces. Neither did anything super awesome so still waiting before I do another video. Thanks for watching

[@euroflyer4211]

Garmin Pilot DOES allow to view synthetic vision AND the plate ! Choose map, and tap the little < on the right. You’ll get a split screen. In the middle there’s a little symbol, if you tap that you can choose what the other part of the screen shows.

[@colinrogers9927]

There have been significant updates to the app since this video was created

[@Forty5Kimber]

Very well done

[@Dan007UT]

Why is your office in a lake? :) for diverting, have you found in Garmin where it will show you fuel burn OTHER than making it your flight route? It doesnt seem to show it if you select direct to

[@ZENsammyb]

Hey Glenn, great vid! I was curious when (if?) you're planning on doing another side by side comparison since a lot has changed on both platforms. Also, is it still true that Android is steadily behind on updates for Garmin? If so, might have to purchase an ipad again =( Thanks for the time and effort you put into this!

[@ZENsammyb]

Just found round 2.

[@ocliu]

Glenn! Foreflight 8 will have the only thing you said you like about Garmin Pilot, the VFR/IFR dynamic maps!

[@sometimesifly_356]

You can save flight plans on Garmin Pilot by name now. I wish they'd add the ability to put approach plates on the screen though. That is a cool feature.

[@nizexlizzy]

Yes but it is very buggy so waiting for them to get it working before I mention it.

[@hdrabek5195]

They have it now, including Jepps if you buy the subscription

[@nizexlizzy]

+H Drabek yes and hopeful next release cleans it up a bit. They are starting to show real progress now.

[@pierredoyon9283]

Foreflight only pairs with the Stratus which uses ground based transmitters and so only ads-b type info. Garmin can use XM satellite and ads-b and so one can receive critical flight info on the ground and have dual info in the air. That is why I chose Garmin and Garmin Pilot.

[@nizexlizzy]

Pierre Doyon actually not true. Foreflight interfaces with gdl39 as well as xm satellite service.

[@5128goldenrod]

Great video. I am about to upgrade my A36 panel to a G3x/ GTN 750 based package…T minus 5 weeks. I run FlyQ to this point…. So thinking about changing to garmin pilot or foreflight. Are these gaps from 2016 closed vs foreflight…..? What would you choose today?

[@nizexlizzy]

Garmin doesn't do near the work Foreflight does on the app. In fact, I've been involved in some of their testing with GP and 100% of the time they just quit responding to emails and disappear. garmin's changes are 9 times out of 10 things you don't much care about and the things that are the real problems just keep getting ignored. So 100% I would go with Foreflight.

[@labockj]

Glenn, how did you get the altitude restrictions to display on Garmin Pilot. I can't find how to make the Class B limits display

[@nizexlizzy]

+labockj I'm not sure why you are not seeing it. Make sure you have the latest app and select the VFR Garmin map, not the chart. Then zoom in on a class B such as Atlanta and you should see them. Note: if you are zoomed out too far you might not see the information. hope that helps,

[@labockj]

+Glenn Hancock Weird. I don't see it. I wonder if you have a different subscription. Or maybe it's different on an iPad. I'm using android.

[@nizexlizzy]

+labockj Ah, then that is your problem. Garmin doesn't do very well with the ipad version compared to Foreflight and when compared to Android they do even less. The Garmin rep I spoke to last year told me the Android version is normally a year behind the ipad version, so you probably don't have the options I spoke about in the video. Sorry

[@davidgrier403]

+Glenn Hancock I was trying to follow on my Garmin and had the same issues. iPad verses Android results in different looks. Garmin needs to step up to keep business.

[@markf3861]

Or you could just stick with the Android...and stay away from the dark side...just sayin

[@MAGApepe]

thanks... foreflight is the only one that has approved navCanada charts

[@avshiloh2438]

This video is very well done... and it's a good comparison clip. HOWEVER, your knowledge of Garmin Pilot is glaringly weak, whereas you are obviously well versed in ForeFlight. If your knowledge were more balanced, your comparative conclusion would likely be substantially different. Personally, having used both programs extensively, I can make the following two conclusions: 1. With regard to flight planning, ForeFlight has a slight edge over Garmin Pilot. 2. With regard to use during actual flight, Garmin is decisively better that ForeFlight. ...just my opinion...

[@nizexlizzy]

Would love to know exactly what I miss quoted as an example. To say generically that garmin is far better on a trip is a bit of a stretch because it takes a minimum of 2 clicks for one in foreflight. Again. I am not claiming to be an expert in either but I fly about 500 hours a year for my business so I might have a bit more experience with both apps than a casual user. Would love to compare notes though. Why don't you do a video showing me where I was wrong and I can watch it. Thanks for the feedback Glenn

[@nizexlizzy]

Making sure you know there is a new video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/borKoYKlf5lmmpI

[@Bajesus042]

I wish Foreflight worked on android. I might need to get an Ipad now.

[@nizexlizzy]

Well. Consider Garmin has it but they don't keep it up to date so the ipad in the end is still the best solution. I think Foreflight was smart to focus on the best platform and just sticking with it. Trying to support two completely different platforms with an app this complicated really doesn't make much sense unless you're at the bottom just trying to slum up people to use your software. But just my 2 cents...

[@SteveD328]

Foreflight only works on apple products and they refuse to even consider making an Android version. I have inquired many times about this and get the same answer from them, "our feces is not odorous" . This attitude seems to be very common among apple-ites

[@nizexlizzy]

You are correct, however, there are no android versions of anything that compare. Even Garmin is having issues trying to keep them on the same versions. Android is much harder to code for with all the different screen sizes and CPUs available and it ends up being a nightmare. I don't think either company designs for Apple specifically but Apple gives us much better tools to work with and has a much better experience. Plus they provide hardware that makes it easier to deal with. I wouldn't look for any of this to change any time soon. Glenn

[@SteveD328]

Well, I have survived 40 years and 22,000+ hours of aviation without foreflight, so I WILL NOT be buying an ipad or any other apple product just so I don't have to decipher METARs and TAFs

[@tpj1959]

Just get the ipad. Good grief. They don't want their software corrupted...

[@addictedtopussy69]

you're either a Rebel or a Knucklehead. Just get the ipad. Buy it used if it makes you feel better that the money is not going directly to Apple.

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

@@SteveD328 Smart move dude. Always a good idea to have less situational awareness in the cockpit. Old fucks like you shouldn't be flying.

[@scottfranco1962]

Does anyone know if foreflight can be used in portrait mode? I use a yoke mount for the tablet, and that needs a portrait display.

[@nizexlizzy]

Yes, it works just fine in both modes.

[@HarrySingh-zg1pr]

Can you download vfr charts and ifr charts for offline use on Garmin pilot. Like foreflight.

[@nizexlizzy]

Yes

[@pierredoyon9283]

Gdl39 does not get XM so you would have to add a sxar1 and that unit does not have traffic so the gdl52 is the solution here and it only pairs with Garmin Pilot not Foreflight.

[@nizexlizzy]

Pierre Doyon sorry I thought you were saying it couldn’t do it.

[@paulbergman8228]

Hi Glenn, You have made some inaccurate comments about Pilot. There is a Flight Log at the bottom of the Trip Planning page. There you will see Form, Brief and NavLog. The NavLog has all the parameters for fuel burn, leg miles, winds, mag crs, ETA, etc. Click on a 'blue' title and choose a different element to see; there are 23 elements in the NavLog. Yes, I agree that some things have not been updated. The Flight Plan page has the ability to add an airport, waypoint, or route, just click on a waypoint, or listed item, and the choices appear. You can rubber band WP, Routes, Airports on that page only, not on the Map page. The Flight Planning page should be named Route Planning, and the Trip Planning page should be named Flight Plan. I like your idea about named FP's and selected usual airports. I have complained as well, some things have changed, but some have not. They have added many new features, but they are so subtle that on a cursory exam, it looks the same. Thanks for the intro to Foreflight! I am a pilot getting my Instrument rating and Commercial rating, then AGI and IGI for now.

[@nizexlizzy]

+Paul Bergman Thanks for the info and while it is cool that you can see it there it still is not as quick and intuitive as Foreflight. I'm on the flight plan page planning things and trying to make decisions and have to leave and go to a trip plan page to see other information. Just put it all on one page and be done with it. :-) But thanks for the info as I did not know it was available there.

[@benjaminodinakaHOODKIZK]

Wait a minute ... that’s my flight school KEZM Are you in Georgia ?

[@nizexlizzy]

yes

[@ctn830]

Getting an Ipad for Foreflight for me isn't really an option at this time. I dont think Garmin Pilot that far off. Or am I wrong?

[@nizexlizzy]

Its not an ipad for foreflight, it is an ipad for the latest version of even Garmin Pilot. If you want the new features it is your only option.

[@ctn830]

+Glenn Hancock Yeah I realized that when I bought the Garmin PIlot and found out latest version is only on IOS. Looks like I will need Ipad for Garmin Pilot after all. Or now I can consider Foreflight. One of my main features I am looking for is electronic logbook entries. And with digital signatures so my CFI can sign.

[@clayboepple2484]

Not sure about Garmin Pilot, but Foreflight now has an electronic logbook with signature feature. I had been using the Myflightbook app until the added this feature.

[@ctn830]

Clay Boepple Garmin Pilot has logbook with signature also. I hope the update version for Android comes out soon

[@franciscojmercado8538]

Which versions are you comparing?

[@nizexlizzy]

7.6.1 foreflight 8.3.0 garmin pilot

[@franciscojmercado8538]

Thanks!

[@savagecub]

Foreskin flight RIPPED ME OFF !

[@terryk652]

I've been using ForeFlight for over 10 years and some of the features you were saying Garmin has that ForeFlight doesn't was just simply NOT TRUE. Your review of Garmin was thorough for the 7:30 (that I could take inaccuracies and half-hearted research). However, I'd recommend you actually evaluate ForeFlight before reviewing it. Case in point, you mentioned the dynamic maps multiple time on Garmin but you don't know that the similar feature in ForeFlight is called "Aeronautical". Also, visual course editing is done simply in ForeFlight by press and hold on the course. Lastly, to mirror a point in a previous review that ForeFlight is poopy-pants about moving to Android. I agree that I wish it was on Android because I hate "iCrap" and the groupies that act out when even hearing what Android does better. The fact is that "iCrap" is such a simple system built without certain features that it runs much smoother in my opinion...and there-by, safer to be using for an EFB. Maybe one day, I'll risk the hundreds of dollars to move to another device to evaluate the reliability of that for an EFB but my first test (though cheaply done) was a failure. Pardon my frustration but please just do your research. I recommend you study up and re-review the two because I think you could do a great job of comparing the two systems if you do it properly.

[@u.s.patriot3415]

Foreflight moving to Android exclusively, thanks to Boeing! Awesome imho!

[@nizexlizzy]

I hope that is a joke. Tablets for Android suck compared to ipads and there is really zero reason for doing something like that. Not to mention Android development is much more difficult to manage. Where did you read this?

[@nizexlizzy]

Actually I can only find 1 website with such an insane claim and it sounds soooo stupid that I can't believe Boeing would be so petty and stupid. Given the fact that Foreflight ONLY runs on ios and the fact that they are the largest vendor of similar software, I would think this to be the single dumbest move every done in a business. They will surely lose me and I'm sure a vast amount of their customer base if they did this. A few reason: 1) Android tablets in a word suck when compared to iPads. 2) ios is much much more stable and easier to navigate for average users. Hell, I'm an advanced user and Android confuses me some times. 3) Google already tracks my every movement, giving them access to my flying habits as well just ain't gonna happen. 4) If Boeing really is the kind of company to punish all Foreflight users just because a company chose a competitor, then... wow, F*** boeing! lol. I just can't bring myself to think they had anything to do with that breaking news article. Just ask Garmin how they feel about Android compared to iOS development. They've been trying for years to keep their Android version of Garmin Pilot up to the same version as the iOS version and while they're doing better it still isn't caught up.

[@nizexlizzy]

Further proof: From foreflight: ForeFlight is only available on iOS devices such as the iPad and the iPhone. We have no plans for an Android version of ForeFlight Mobile at this time.

[@flexairz]

Now, that would be stupid

[@jimwilson9457]

This video is to old now and is not a good good comparison

[@nizexlizzy]

there is a new one. see comments at top