Jeppesen charts - worth the extra money?

[@l.gilder5586]

I have been using FAA Charts for 25 years and I swapped over to the Jepp Charts 2 weeks ago. I am very impressed with them and now don't know why I didn't do it earlier. Although I am only a Baron and Bonanza driver, I now see why all the jet pilots love them. Thanks for the video, it was very helpful as well!

[@martinpauly]

Thanks! - Martin

[@flywiththeguys]

It's like you're reading my mind! I've been going through this in my head trying to decide which ones to get. Considering starting my instrument journey.

[@martinpauly]

Go for it, Carl - get your instrument rating. Thank me later! - Martin

[@andrewhanson4991]

Well done Martin. I started my flying career with government charts, mostly because way back then, I couldn’t afford the big jep binders. Those things were huge and pricey. But now I use jep exclusively on my iPad and panel, and they’re considerably more affordable in my opinion.

[@martinpauly]

The paper subscription was quite expensive, and I never had one. Now that it's all electronic, the price is more reasonable. - Martin

[@MBProductionStudio]

I've always wondered the big advantage, but didn't want to front the money without knowing. Thanks Martin!

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure, Blake! - Martin

[@brettwest549]

As always, plenty of great useful info. You sold me. Thanks Martin, I’m subscribing to the Jepp charts tomorrow.

[@martinpauly]

I hope you'll like them as much as I do, Brett! - Martin

[@aviatr2000]

Hi Martin, Thanks for this great video! I’ve been “on the fence” about adding Jepp charts on ForeFlight for a long time. Your comparison convinced me to go with Jepp. Being able to easily find/see info on the charts is becoming more important. I think we’re about the same age, so you know what I mean! Love your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@martinpauly]

Thanks for the feedback! - Martin

[@pgreenx]

I think these Jeppesen guys talk themselves into why they are better. Whatever you are used to is best for you

[@martinpauly]

I agree with you in that the charts you are used to are easier to read than the charts you are not used to. Having said that, each of us can decide for ourselves which charts we want to get used to. I think in this video I pointed out a few objective differences which tip the scale in favor of Jeppesen. My prediction is if Jeppesen charts were free of charge, very few pilots would use the government charts. Regards, Martin

[@mishmish1968]

Thanks for this informative video, and tuning for the coming upload.

[@esqflyer6788]

Great video! One thing you missed: on ForeFlight, the Jepp charts include georeferenced SIDs and STARs (the FAA SID and STAR charts are not georeferenced.)

[@martinpauly]

That is a good feature, and yes, I did miss that. I don't fly to airports with SIDs and STARs very often, but I will certainly give it a try next time. Thank you for pointing this out! - Martin

[@perimeletiou]

When I was a flying as an instructor(25 years ago), flying in the Long Island area and New England, chose to get the Jepp charts, mainly because that is what airlines use all over the world, and familiarize myself as opposed to NOS charts. But eventually realized all the features you mentioned and after a year when I got my first airline job in Greece, they were using Jeppesen. Worldwide there are other providers, like the british Aerad (used it in my second airline job, for a few years, not a big fan), and then my airline changed to LIDO ( Lufthansa product), in my opinion better than Jepp, but is suited for airlines. Currently the airline I work for is using Jeppesen, and I think for General Aviation is the best choice ever. I am sure you will love it, and will never change back. Keep making all these great flights! Guten Flug!

[@martinpauly]

ευχαριστώ, Periklis. - Martin

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G, day Martin from Sydney, Australia. * that was a concise instructional video on the information and different formats. * I will take time pausing each chart and familiarize myself with symbols and info. * in closing there are a number of electronic data base subscriptions for a pilot to consider: for purchase. *Bear, a thought: "keep it simple for the type of flying: * VFR, local, terrain, airspace and to keep current with reguational modification. "Blue skies" 🌈🌝

[@martinpauly]

Blue skies to you as well, John! - Martin

[@MichaelLloyd]

When I re-start my instrument training I'll go with Jepp charts in Foreflight. I started (2 decades ago) with Jepps. I still have the binders and the big leather case from those days. I won't miss the paper updates :) or big bag.

[@martinpauly]

I guess many feel nostalgic about those leather binders and the feel of the paper chart. I can understand that. Back then, it was the choice of biweekly maintenance of the chart updates in the binders (Jeppesen) vs. the environmentally less-friendly tossing of all charts every four weeks. This is where the iPad shines. - Martin

[@dennisd7292]

Martin, another great video analysis. Note to anyone adding the Jeppesen charts to ForeFlight. Purchasing thru the ForeFlight app rather than thru Jeppesen gets you use on all your devices rather than one device, and is cheaper by $16/Yr....$199 vs $215.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Dennis. The actual price depends a lot on what equipment you are looking at. For me, it was a wash whether I got the subscription through ForeFlight ($199/year) or my Avidyne IFD Jeppesen subscription ($200/year), but the latter also transfers to two ForeFlight devices - so for the same money, I can get these charts in my panel-mount avionics AND on my iPad. That was a simple decision. 😁 Best regards, Martin

[@UAL1kFlyer]

Outstanding assessment. I just switched to Jepp myself. I also like that you can get “trip kits” for single trips to foreign destinations. So you can fly to Toronto without buying Canada. I do like the government taxi diagrams because they are (normally) larger and less cluttered than the Jepp versions. The government ones also have the virtue of being free so you can swap them in as needed for complicated taxi situations.

[@martinpauly]

Yes, trip kits... Jeppesen even has an electronic equivalent of trip kits, a one-time database download - useful for the occasional international trip. - Martin

[@Cousin.]

Thanks for this info Martin!

[@christinewunder8433]

Very helpful, Martin, as work my way through King's IFR course.

[@BonanzaPilot]

I fly Bonanzas for a living. I fly in, out, and through some of the most complex airspaces in existence and often go places I have never been. Jeppesen is way easier to read and info is quicker to find. I figure if the Jepp charts save me one time from making a mistake over the course of my career, the price was worth it. Mix that with saved time and they are a no-brainer.

[@martinpauly]

That's a good way to look at it 👍 - Martin

[@lohphat]

I earned my IFR using Jepp charts 20 years ago. I too got used to manually adding and removing pages when the bundle came in the mail. Having the western US manual in my bag took up a lot of space. I haven't flown in almost 10 years now after a move and a career change, but I hope to start flying again soon. Now, everything is on an EFB device. No more wasted time and space. Has Jepp passed on the savings to the consumer in not having to print and distribute manual updates? Last time I looked, the annual subscriptions are still pretty expensive.

[@martinpauly]

As an add-on to ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, Jeppesen charts are quite affordable. I paid $100 for a one-year subscription - not bad; I bet paper was more expensive. - Martin

[@lohphat]

@@martinpauly Holy CRAP a Western US paper subscription is now $798.00/yr Digital for 4 devices Western US: $380.00

[@martinpauly]

@@lohphat Yeah…. I can’t really think of any upsides to a paper subscription.

[@danielisbell5187]

Martin, Thanks for the video! I actually got the Jepp upgrade for FREE with ForeFlight this year because I upgraded my ForeFlight Subscription. I have been trying out the Jepp charts and maps and have struggled to find the value. But the way you put it, it seems to be a NO BRAINER! I appreciate the insight! I will continue to try them. I’d love to hook up sometime and do an IPC with you in my 182. Hope all is well sir! Keep up the inspirational content!

[@martinpauly]

Hi Dan, thanks for the feedback. I'll be happy to do an IPC with you in your 182! Best, Martin

[@jrwarner579]

Thank You Martin appreciate the info!!!

[@martinpauly]

My pleasure, JR. - Martin

[@dandrewmd11]

I use Jepp charts because I have used them for the last 40 years. I have a student that uses NOS and I have to reacquaint myself every flight (I cheat and look at my Jepps on my IPad). One thing I tell young pilots (I used to help in interviews for one of my airlines)....you will not see any airline use NOS. Learn Jepp. Especially with an incoming military pilot, one of the things we did in the interview was to hand them a Jepp approach plate and have them talk about all the information. Some stumbled at some basic stuff BUT it is just a different format and they did more than fine after they got used to the differences.

[@martinpauly]

No question - Jeppesen is the way to go for most airlines around the world. - Martin

[@donemory7459]

Nice comparison Martin...I too am in the decision mode too of not to pay the additional cost for Jepp charts. I decided to try the Jepp charts when I purchased my IFD540 last year. I like the idea of being able to use Jepp charts on the IFD100 as well. Hopefully weather here in the northeast will start improving soon so I can continue to use the Jepp charts to make a final decision when the subscription comes up. Again thank you for the comparison. :-) Don/NE Ohio

[@martinpauly]

Fingers crossed for a nice spring with some good flying weather, Don! - Martin

[@waelbeheiry6056]

thanks for the information, it is valuable

[@daviddefelice6997]

Martin - question - I have a Bonanza with Garmin G500, GTN 750. They both display government charts and procedures. But I also have a Foreflight Pro subscription. Does one Jeppesen subscription allow me to display on the Garmin products as well as Foreflight?

[@martinpauly]

Hi David. I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question. Might be time to contact Jeppesen's support team. - Martin

[@billnicholson2470]

Great info and comparison. Very concise and interesting. Not a pilot but love learning new stuff. The Jepps seem way better except the cost.

[@martinpauly]

Thanks, Bill. You have to wonder, if Jeppesen and Government charts were priced the same way, how many people would fly using the Government charts? That tells you something... - Martin

[@frankiep.8446]

Hi Martin, Forgive my question if it was previously asked, and answered; You say you bring up the (Avidyne) Jeppesen charts up on your iPad using ForeFlight? Have you migrated the Avidyne Jeps charts into ForeFlight? If so, how did you do this? Thanks

[@martinpauly]

Hi Frankie, it used to be such that I can add the Jeppesen charts to my Avidyne IFD subscription and then also use that same subscription to unlock Jeppesen charts on up to two other devices, such as an iPad with ForeFlight. They no longer allow that, so I pay the additional $200/year to ForeFlight now to get Jeppesen charts there, and I no longer have them on the IFDs (they were kind of hard to read there anyway). - Martin

[@frankiep.8446]

@@martinpauly Hi Martin, That's what I've also realized. After watching your video, which - by the way - was / are very good, I thought you had found a 'work-around'. Tnaks for your reply. Stay safe and be well!

[@kevin4sambos119]

Hello Martin, can you help me please. Have single IFD540, use iPad mini w/FF. Will the Avidyne single IFD, $299 Full USA Nav/Data only Jeppesen chart subscription be enough for IFR flying, approaches, and such within the USA only? Thanks and great channel.

[@martinpauly]

The $299 NavData "a la carte" option is all you legally need to fly IFR with an IFD. Just to be clear, in your question you called that the "Jeppesen chart subscription", but charts are not included - only the nav data (i.e. airports, airways, approaches, SIDs, STARs, etc. to load into your flight plan, not to display as a chart). Personally, I would recommend at least once also load terrain and obstacle data. The IFD has a terrific terrain alerting function, but it only works of course when it has a terrain and obstacle database loaded. They don't have to be updated to work or to be legal, and certainly there is no need ti update terrain regularly. 😁 - Martin

[@kevin4sambos119]

@@martinpauly Hi Martin, I do oreads have terrain and obstacles downloaded once and for 2021 I went “a la crate” w the $299 plan since I’m planning on using my FF approach plates on my iPad mini (backup on cellphone). I have found to read the approach charts off the IFD540 was a bit tediously small. Where as with the IPad mini I can enlarge it confidentLy. I appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@martinpauly]

@@kevin4sambos119 Sounds like you are all set.

[@ik04]

Howdy Martin! Back when I first began instrument flying and instructing, I used Jeppesen paper products and never thought much about whether it was better than anything else because it was all I knew. After becoming a military pilot and using only DoD FLIP, I became comfortable with those products and they are similar to the FAA charts. Now that I am back in the GA world and everything is digital, I use whatever is on hand and they all work the same in my mind. Jeppesen charts are superior for high altitude and high speed for sure, but for typical GA flying, I find it advantageous to be able to use them all easily. I still use paper, too, so what do I know?

[@martinpauly]

Hi Kevin. Have you tried an iPad? I thought I was a "late bloomer" when I started using the iPad in the cockpit in 2010 or so, with one of the first ADS-B 'in' solutions. It was a game changer, and I have never looked back. Sometimes it feels nice to unfold a large paper chart (enroute or sectional), but I don't find them very practical in the cockpit. Anyways, just curious if you've given it a try. Regards, Martin

[@ik04]

@@martinpauly Yep, I have a couple of 7 and 9 inch Android tablets and they work great. Someday I'll be flying again and I'll figure out a way to either mount one or keep it on my kneeboard.

[@ericm333]

Thanks for sharing

[@EricLoser]

Do you only need one subscription for both Avidyne and ForeFlight or are they separate subscriptions?

[@martinpauly]

Back when this video was made, the JeppChart subscription as part of the Avidyne IFD data also allowed JeppCharts to be viewed in ForeFlight on an iPad. To my knowledge, Jeppesen doesn't allow that anymore, meaning a separate subscription option is required within ForeFlight. Regards, Martin

[@EricLoser]

@@martinpauly thanks! Having an IFD installed in my Cherokee later this month and got excited for a second. Thanks for taking the time to respond to this older video.

[@jjohnston94]

How would a paper-chart VFR pilot ease into this system at the level of least commitment? I do like the idea of having an airport diagram at my fingertips; I really miss the old "Flight Guide", in the little 6-ring binders.

[@martinpauly]

What geographic area are you talking about? United States? I want to understand what VFR paper charts you are using today. - Martin

[@jjohnston94]

@@martinpauly Southwest US. I just get the latest revision of the FAA VFR sectional charts from Sporty's, Amazon, an FBO, wherever's handy. I hardly ever go outside the area covered by the Albuquerque sectional. Once in a great while I will get the latest Denver, Dallas or Phoenix. But I hope to go farther in the future, when I retire and have more free time.

[@rfriesen1644]

What make/brand of LED landing lights do you use? are you happy with them?

[@martinpauly]

I have Whelen lights on my plane - landing light, taxi light, position lights, strobes, and the ACL. They do the job, and then are reasonably bright. There are even brighter landing lights, but those come at a steep price tag. So yes, I think what I have is alright! - Martin

[@midlifeflyer]

I think you missed an obvious one when comparing the BFI approach charts. The missed approach icons near the profile view. The FAA chart shows the entire missed approach. The Jepp does not. If the approach involves more than a straight ahead climb, Jepp stops short.

[@martinpauly]

Yes, that is true. However, I wonder which is better: completeness (FAA) or quick highlight of just the FIRST COUPLE of steps (Jepp). I can see that case being made either way. - Martin

[@midlifeflyer]

@@martinpauly Agreed. And I do like Jepp charts. Just not significantly more than FAA charts, except for international ops. Both require understanding their format and their limitations. The Jepp one stop shop for airport information is probably the single best feature but with EFBs even that is less significant than it use to be.

[@johnathancorgan3994]

I have been using Jepp charts for several years, and I completely agree with your assessment except for one thing. The Jepp IFR charts are terrible--that scaling you mention never works quite right, and I've often ended up with a screen completely unreadable with overlapping fix names covering everything. Dunno if it's me or some config option in Foreflight, but I just stick with the FAA IFR chart and use the Jepp approaches.

[@martinpauly]

Jonathan, I must admit after having looked at the Jeppesen enroute charts on a few flights, I'm not feeling the love so far. I do like the concept of decluttering automatically by scale, but so far I am finding it difficult sometimes to find the information I am looking for. - Martin

[@joeldavis3489]

I use Jep charts on Foreflight and like them all except the enroute charts. To me the auto decluter (like all of them in ForeFlight) is too aggressive. I want all the information there at any zoom level.

[@martinpauly]

I see what you mean, Joel. Now that I've experienced the Jepp enroute charts in flight a bit more, I am leaning towards agreeing with you. I do like the general idea, but I think the details of how it's implemented could be improved significantly. Best regards, Martin

[@kevin4sambos119]

Martin, got to ask you please, is the upgrade to the IFD550 over the 540 worth it for flying IFR more soon? Thanks

[@martinpauly]

That's a tough one, and depends a lot on what other equipment you have. In my case, I like the 550 because it includes a very good backup attitude indicator - and I did not have one before, Another reason to go for the 550 is if you have a twin with onboard radar, the 550 provides input to the radar display that synchs it up with aircraft movement. If you don't have radar and already have a separate backup attitude indicator, I would just go with the 540. Does that answer your question? Regards, Martin

[@kevin4sambos119]

@@martinpauly Hello Martin, my plane has recently had an avionics suite upgrade of dual G5’s, (AI/HSI), Avidyne IFD540, w/Lynx NGT9000, & Trutrak A/P, . I love seeing your IFD550 and wondered if I have the 540 if it’s worth upgrading sometime? I have an IFR rating and working on my IPC after getting the avionics updates. Thanks Martin for very informative videos.

[@martinpauly]

@@kevin4sambos119 Is your second G5 a backup attitude indicator for the first one? If so, I would just stick with the 540. If not, then upgrading to a 550 would give you a nice backup for this important instrument.

[@kevin4sambos119]

@@martinpauly Hi Martin, yes my 2nd G5 is an HSI and back up attitude indicator also, So me upgrading from the 540 to 550 might be costly to do also. Thanks much Martin ✈️

[@peateralexanderreymond8280]

jeppesen just work on ipad? what the ipad air 3/4 recommend to use jeppesen? please give me answer sir 😊

[@bigphoto1]

I have always flown with the Jepp charts. One thing you didn't mention unless I missed it that on the Jepp charts your can see your aircraft icon on the approach charts where you can't on the government charts.

[@brianparkman8183]

I use the govt charts in Foreflight and the approach charts ARE georeferenced and you can see your aircraft on them with the right subscription.

[@daviddefelice6997]

@@brianparkman8183 Agree. Mine are also georeferenced.

[@bigphoto1]

@@brianparkman8183 guess I should have added yes on foreflight but on the navigators certified in the cockpit they are not. For example on the G1000 I fly can't see georeferenced not on the IFD-540/440.

[@464RJ]

Are you transitioning to Cirrus Martin?

[@martinpauly]

I'm flying a Cirrus in a flying club (as a CFI).The Bonanza isn't going away, of course! 😁 - Martin

[@464RJ]

@@martinpauly I’ve got A36 that I love but I’m selling it for SR22T just more capabilities and another layer of protection.. love mine 😞 but just considering the limitations & safety record led me to Cirrus ! Thx 🙏🏻 Martin great vids n wealthy knowledge - always learning something new from you 😜

[@prep0wer]

as long as they are vector orientated

[@fu6461]

I thought it said "Eppstein " lol 😆 😂 🤣 😅

[@ctn830]

Jepp definitely worth it!!

[@jonathanfriedman8343]

Interesting, but simply a reiteration of many similar videos. In my opinion the transitions are unnecessary and annoying.

[@gordonfeliciano4315]

I remember in the mid 90's how Jepp charts were all the rage. I hated having to do the monthly paper chart updates. In the 80's, while serving in the Navy, our pilots used government charts. They worked just fine and we had international charts as well. Maybe that's only a military thing? In any event, I personally don't think they're worth the money. Not for GA. I already pay Jeppesen $490 a year for my GNS 430W subscription. They don't need anymore of my money. The more money I save, the more gas I can buy!

[@jimmynieto2365]

Jeppesen is great. However, I fly with government charts, a samsung tablet, and a passive headset. I hope that doesn't make me a bad pilot. I fly occasionally. By renting an airplane. Not everyone can afford all the expensive accessories. You can still be a great pilot and enjoy flying without the fancy stuff. No youtuber is sponsored by the government. Just my 2 cents.

[@martinpauly]

Good point, Jimmy. In no way did I intend to say that Jeppesen charts make you a better pilot. And you are right, the government does not sponsor me, but neither does Jeppesen - I paid full price for the subscription. Regards, Martin

[@daviddefelice6997]

@@martinpauly For all the subscriptions that your video is probably going to sell, Jeppesen should give you a lifetime subscription to all of their products - should you want them. :-)

[@martinpauly]

@@daviddefelice6997 I like where you are going with this, David! 👍 - Martin