

The free FltPlan Go app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows, and is among the few that it is compatible with Garmin Flightstream database uploading technology. Popular features include the free Fltplan flight-planning and filing website, available for U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Panama and parts of Venezuela and Colombia, as well as premium web-based offerings. Garmin says that won’t change.įltPlan has risen to become one of the largest flight-planning companies in the world, creating more than 6.3 million flight plans annually for its 165,000 registered users, primarily because of its free tools. Perhaps surprisingly given its lower price, the GDL 50 has a better battery life at 8 hours compared to the 5 hours of the GDL 52.Garmin has acquired Connecticut-based flight-planning, scheduling and trip-support services company, a company many pilots rely on for a decidedly self-serving reason: Aviation charts and many features in the FltPlan Go app and website are free while other app developers charge subscription fees. The main difference between the Garmin GDL 50 and GDL 52 is that the latter comes with SiriusXM Weather and SiriusXM Radio services.

The GDL 50 is compatible with the following: This provides you with a clear, real-time overview of what’s happening with traffic on busy runways and taxiways.

One other feature that pilots will appreciate is the GDL 50’s TerminalTraffic technology. The GDL 50 also allows you to receive ADS-B position reports directly from other aircraft in your vicinity and will alert you both audibly and visually by announcing traffic targets. You can therefore make faster, better target avoidance decisions to enhance your safety. Garmin TargetTrend provides dynamic traffic tracking, as it shows which aircraft trajectories are most likely to converge with your own. One aspect that really sets the Garmin GDL 50 apart from other receivers is its invaluable traffic features. Plus, you always get the most current weather picture, as the GDL 50 can queue the ADS-B weather data as the device is sleeping or even turned off. METARs, TAFs, winds and temperatures aloft, PIREPs, and NOTAMs are all graphically displayed on the receiver’s high-resolution screen. Receiving subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather information isn’t anything new, but the way in which it is displayed on the GDL 50 is. the receiver’s built-in attitude sensors means that certain Garmin devices and apps with Garmin’s SVX synthetic vision technology can act as a backup attitude. Built-in GPSĭue to its built-in WAAS GPS receiver, the GDL 50 delivers highly accurate aircraft position, speed, and altitude information straight to your mobile device app.įurthermore. You are also able to plug the receiver into your aircraft’s 12V power outlet with the included adapter cable or use the microUSB port that is found on the side of the unit to charge the battery.
#Fltplan go vs foreflight full
A full charge gives 8 hours of continuous operation. The Garmin GDL 50 has the most impressive battery performance of any ADS-B Receiver, regardless of price. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the GDL 50 so great.Ĭlick Here to See the Current Price: Garmin GDL 50 Price Battery Life Some pilots might even find it preferable over the GDL 52 if they can forgo SiriusXM radio services. If you’re looking for a step-up from the popular Stratux receiver, the Garmin GDL 50 is an excellent choice thanks to its enhanced functionality and features.
