I’m wondering if anyone has had experience with the following and could answer my question?
I currently have a Wifi only iPad that I’ve used throughout my PPL training.
I know the website lists the iPad requirements as the Wifi+Cellular (even if you don’t activate the data plan) since it has a built-in GPS for location data purposes.
However, I currently have an external GPS unit (that is WAAS capable, and certainly more accurate than the built-in Ipad GPS receiver, as well as having additional benefits, i.e., dual band ADS-B, Satellite/FIS-B weather, etc.)
Given that the built-in GPS receiver is well documented as not being the most accurate/reliable compared to an external unit, has anyone brought (and was allowed to use) an external GPS unit, or are they absolutely firm on that requirement?
Has anyone had any experience with this, or should I just call the Admissions line and ask them?
This is my exact situation. I called ATP on Tuesday with a long list of questions, including this one. They told me it was fine to use my existing WiFi only iPad with my Bad Elf Pro. I got my first class medical Wednesday and enrolled Thursday with a start date of June 17.
Awesome, that is great to hear Andy!
And congrats on locking in a start date. What location did you choose?
Tory, I have the iPad mini; I find it to be the perfect fit of size and function; it may work well for others, but I find the regular size iPads to be just a bit too big and clunky for constant use in the aircraft.
I have the Garmin GDL-52 external GPS unit, which includes WAAS GPS, SiriusXM Satellite weather, and dual band ADSB-In.
I’d say! I wish there was a location that close to me, lol,
I live in Boston, MA, and the closest location is Hartford. I am contemplating that as one of my options, although at this point, given the luck I had with my PPL training and the New England weather, I am more inclined to head somewhere south towards warmer weather, and am seriously eyeing Tampa as one of my top choices.
You’ll be very pleased with the iPad mini 4; many people (including myself) feel like the larger iPads are cumbersome in the small cockpits.
2 If your ATP location is blessed with G1000 NXi-equipped aircraft, Foreflight will use the GPS track from the plane instead of what you’re tracking anyway. This was a tremendous help on crew when I could let my iPad sleep and preserve battery as Pilot Monitoring while I explored the G1000 more.
I saw that you did your training at the CRQ location. I was curious to know if you also did your 1st medical here in San Diego? If it’s the case, could you recommend an AME?
I have found Dr. Jeffrey Dysart, he has good reviews and heard good things about him. But before booking an appointment with him, I would welcome your input and advice on a San Diego AME (if you ever did your 1st here, of course).
