Quick Q&A re SkyDemon and SkyEcho

I had a question from Keith Jones about my use of carry-on devices for navigation and conspicuity instead of using the plane’s on-board avionics.
This is a quick video discussing my views on sky Demon and sky account for VFR flights.
Here's the full text of Keith's question:
"Why when your aircraft has two IFR capable area nav systems and a track keeping indicator ( HSI ) do you spend so much time using an iPad and a stuck on the window traffic box? Both of these seem to take up huge amounts of time with reliability issues, yet seem to offer nothing that a flight plan loaded into the double GPS installation ( you use crossfill ?) and a good look out can provide. It appears to me that the carry on equipment is increasing cockpit workload rather than reducing it. I do use skydemon as a planning tool but it once in the aircraft it has a very secondary role as an electronic fight bag. The performance of the skyecho has just re-enforced my feeling that cary on conspicuity units are of limited use and the money spent on such units is mis-directed, especially as in an aircraft like yours reliable non TSO traffic systems are available that can display traffic on the GPS screen and give audio warnings via the aircraft audio panel. None the less the video was an interesting view of how others use tools to fly aircraft and a well produced , I think ( with your permission ) I might use it as a training aid. With a few of my students now reaching the navigation part of their training it might well promote discussion on cockpit workload and use of PED’s in the cockpit.

[@alzdeane]

Charlie, agree here - my shareoplane has GNS430 in it, and while excellent at what it does, it doesn't show other traffic or a proper moving map like I get on my iPad mini running RunwayHD with PilotAware.

[@gap9992]

I agree too. We have 2 x 430s and the display is way way behind SkyDemon on a iPad mini. Situational Awareness is so much better and you can do all sorts of unofficial instrument stuff on SD as well as see traffic. It also has a vast amount of useful information. I will put a FP into a 430 in case SD crashes (it never has for me) Our simple AP can follow the 430 GPS track but it is so much easier to navigate using SD on the iPad and just use heading mode on the AP SkyDemon is the best value for money in GA !! (I also have Runway HD just in case SD crashes, and Pilot Aware and SKyEcho2! lol)

[@theflyingpara]

Nicely done.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Thanks.

[@nsutcliffe246]

Hi Charlie. Please would you tell me what iPad mount you are using? Thanks

[@CharlieLamdin]

I use this one plus a suction cup which works well mostly, but at higher altitudes the lower ambient pressure means that sometimes the suction fails

[@nsutcliffe246]

@@CharlieLamdin Thanks but I can't see a name or a link to the one you use?

[@CharlieLamdin]

@@nsutcliffe246 sorry, YT must have removed the link I pasted there. I use the FlightStore website, they have a huge range of iPad mounts. flightstore.co.uk Just tick the "RAM Mounts" box option on the main search and it will take you straight there. You'll need the mount and a suction cup holder.

[@nsutcliffe246]

@@CharlieLamdin Thanks Charlie, I'll go and take a look. I'm enjoying your videos!

[@MartinLeeney]

Hi, what is the suction bracket you are using?

[@CharlieLamdin]

Hi, I use one of these with the appropriate iPad bracket www.flightstore.co.uk/search/pilot-supplies-c1/ram-mounts-c36/ram-mounting-kits-c653/ipad-suction

[@MartinLeeney]

@@CharlieLamdin Thanks Charlie great help.

[@halfrhovsquared]

An alternative to SkyEcho is PilotAware. I use both. PilotAware sees more. SkyEcho is seen by more. I use the PilotAware for my traffic display on SkyDemon and run the SkyEcho without a connection. PilotAware sends using their own proprietary format which is why it is not so visible to non-PilotAware aircraft whereas SkyEcho sends in accordance with the CAA standards. PilotAware will see SkyEcho but SkyEcho will not see PilotAware.

[@CharlieLamdin]

What aircraft do you fly?

[@halfrhovsquared]

@@CharlieLamdin - a bright red 2009 Autogyro MTO Sport. I post flights (and clips from flights) on my channel.

[@CharlieLamdin]

@@halfrhovsquared subscribed!

[@halfrhovsquared]

@@CharlieLamdin - Likewise. I’m currently watching your series of videos on your trip around Scotland (as that’s my stomping ground). I am impressed by your unusual Cessna 182, though. I’ve never seen one like that (and unless I happen to spot yours, I suspect I never will).

[@CharlieLamdin]

What an amazing place to call your old stomping ground!