THE REVOLUTION IS NOW!
The GPS handheld's your top avionics product. Little could beat the peace of mind that this great navigation system gives a pilot. Modern handheld GPS units have entire databases with easy updating using a plug-in chip or PC. A few of these models not only show you the way to the closest airport (a handy feature in times of an emergency), but even compute an approximate approach path from the extended centerline of the runway.In the many years I've been in aviation, I've never seen any one change in avionics that has affected the industry as much as GPS. This technology has opened up a world of accurate navigation to every pilot. Easy VFR navigation can now be a matter of how well the pilot is equipped rather than how well his aircraft is equipped. Every pilot should consider equipping himself with one of these pocket-sized wonders. If you fly with one you'll never want to fly without one again!
Economies of scale and fierce competition have pushed prices down to incredibly low levels. Any large price decreases are very unlikely at this point. For example, the Garmin GPSMAP-396, C-Map's EKP-IV, and Honeywell/Skymap IIIC show a trend to higher priced, feature packed color GPS systems for the GA pilot.
Trying to sort out all the different models in an effort to purchase the best one ordinarily takes a lot of time. Asking your pilot buddies or the local mechanic friend for their advice is generally a matter of the blind leading the blind. Local dealers do not have enough experience with all the models and usually end up pushing what they have rather than what's best for you. The magazine reviewers often don't get the whole story relative to software, manufacturing and back up glitches. The consumer magazines often name products of the year and pilots blindly purchase them even though they may not be right for them and their specific sort of flying.
So what should a pilot do?
Since we stock and sell all of them, our main interest is getting you the best handheld GPS for your kind of flying.
First of all, remember that all of the aviation units are good. The most frequently asked question is, "Which unit is the easiest to use?" The answer is the one you buy, because that one is the one you will learn to operate. Once you learn its system, all the different units will appear more difficult in comparison. The truth is that all of these units are easy to operate, but the ones with the most features will always take more time to learn. It makes sense -- if you want a model with GPS overlay information, you will have to study the section in the manual on GPS overlays! A manufacturer wouldn't dare introduce a model that was difficult to use just because pilots would immediately protest and sales would plummet.
Another point that a little of reviewers bring up is the number of keystrokes required to enter a waypoint, route, or function. What's very important is how easy and intuitive the model is to operate. Can you figure out how to use the basic navigation and database features of the GPS without reading the manual? Will you remember how to operate it a month later? Can it be operated fast without looking at the keys?
If you own your own aircraft, you should consider permanently installing a GPS antenna. An outside antenna ensures that your GPS will never lose its signal and it makes for a finished, professional cockpit installation by keeping antenna wires from draping across the instrument panel.
There are many similarities in the capability, features, and included accessories of the handheld GPS units listed below. The subtle differences in models often makes the difference between getting the right kind of GPS for your kind of flying or being disappointed with a poor choice.
After you review the units in this section, call us! An APG-Eastern Avionics professional is ready to sort out the details and get you the unit that perfectly suits your needs, wants, and budget.
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