New to EFB's

[dsherburn]

I'm returning to flying after being away for 20 years. I've purchased a restored Piper Colt and will be daytime VFR flying only. Much has changed in aviation since I've been away and I'm trying to get my arms around the EFB landscape. I have looked extensively at FF and am now utilizing the 30 day eval of iFly.

Since I'm a vintage (the plane) VFR pilot, weather is a big deal for me. I have looked at the weather layers and downloaded (the long) PDF standard briefing for a short local flight. I do really like the weather awareness features in iFly. However, one of the things I appreciated in FF was the ability to look at all the weather charts before planning a flight. Do you guys use external sites like 1800wxbrief to get the "big picture" or are the weather layers in map mode sufficient? It seems like I can get good weather information once I plan a flight, but I like to look at the overall picture before even planning a flight.

Again, I'm pretty much a rookie bit I'd appreciate any insight. I do like the intuitive, straight forward nature of IFly for the simple flying I'll be doing.

 

[Cobra]

Do you guys use external sites like 1800wxbrief to get the "big picture" or are the weather layers in map mode sufficient? It seems like I can get good weather information once I plan a flight, but I like to look at the overall picture before even planning a flight.

iFly was originally built as a moving-map navigation aid. Flight planning support was added later. I am a long-time user of and big cheerleader for iFly, but I will be honest and tell you that I don't find iFly's preflight planning features to be its strongest asset.

For what it's worth, I personally use Weathermeister for my preflight planning. It's an older tool (and it does require a subscription), but with a very quick data input, it will generate a briefing with comprehensive yet easy-to-consume information. I then use FltPlan.com to file my IFR plan (which is a step that's not applicable for your VFR flying).

iFly does include flight planning and filing support, but for me, it's more convenient to use the separate web-based tools that I'm familiar and comfortable with. Most of the time, I do that from my laptop at home or in the hotel before I head for the airport, or use the FBO's computers at the airport. In a pinch, I can use my phone or tablet too, though.