The very first Flight Stream install!

Finally iPad/iPhone connections to your avionics! Maxcraft performed the first Garmin Connext installation with our customer Dave Qualley. Read on for his comments:

Flight Stream in action

When Garmin first announced their Flight Stream product back in August I was immediately interested.  It finally began shipping last week, and I was excited to take the leap and be the first to install this promising looking device in my C182.  I’m in the midst of training for my IFR rating, and I can really see the value in having more information displayed at my fingertips while in flight.  The ability to check the weather for my route, then upload my route from the iPad into the Garmin 530W is a real time saver.  So far I’ve only had time to make one flight with the Flight Stream installed.  I found the data displayed on the iPad matched up perfectly with the same data that was displayed on my Aspen PFD.  I’m a diehard Foreflight user, so the switch to the Garmin Pilot app is a big change for me. 

Flight Stream screen shot

I find the two apps are very similar in their capabilities so far, and it’s just going to be a matter of using the Garmin app for a while to become more proficient with it.  So far there are two features that have really impressed me.  The synthetic vision is absolutely stunning to look at, and the accuracy of the terrain and runway locations is right on with what I see out the window.  The synthetic vision will certainly provide enhanced situational awareness during IFR approaches.  The Flight Stream also enables me to flight plan Victor airways and upload them to the Garmin 530.  The ability to enter airways wasn’t possible on the Garmin 530 until now.  I look forward to flying with the Flight Stream and Garmin Pilot in the near future.

Check out our blog for more updates and inflight videos. As well here is a technical paper we wrote after the product announcement

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.