AOPA or Golden Eagle... or what?

[Dallas]

I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is better
and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
about.

My question is, what flight planning software do you use?


--
Dallas

[[email protected]]

On Feb 27, 12:46 pm, Dallas > wrote:
> I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
> FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is better
> and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
> about.
>
> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>
> --
> Dallas

AOPA is free with membership.

I usually plan the flight with AOPA, then log onto DUATS to enter an
IFR flight plan.

The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
etc.

Dan

[Robert M. Gary]

On Feb 27, 9:46*am, Dallas > wrote:
> I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
> FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. *I'd like to know which one is better
> and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
> about.
>
> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?

I'm always amazed at how bad flight planning software is with regard
to easy to use, good visuals etc. I use FlightSoft. Its suppose to
superimpose sectional charts but I've never gotten that part to work.
It does do a good job of putting real time weather on your route
though. Lets you know where the big radar returns are etc.

-robert

[[email protected]]

On Feb 27, 1:15 pm, "Robert M. Gary" > wrote:
> > My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>
> I'm always amazed at how bad flight planning software is with regard
> to easy to use, good visuals etc. I use FlightSoft. Its suppose to
> superimpose sectional charts but I've never gotten that part to work.
> It does do a good job of putting real time weather on your route
> though. Lets you know where the big radar returns are etc.
>
> -robert

By the time I finsih up with the computer, drive to the airport,
preheat, fuel, yada yada the wx info I saw online has changed.

XM weather has provided the biggest boost to situational awareness
since plexiglas.

Dan

[[email protected]]

Dallas > wrote:

> I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
> FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is better
> and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
> about.

> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?

Which one is better is a lot like asking which is better, Coke or Pepsi.

I use GoldenEagle after trying the AOPA one. I do subscribe to some of
the charts, which if you have a color printer are handy in that you can
print out your route in pages instead of screwing around folding the
real sectional/TAC.

What I would suggest is that you just try it for a while and see which
one works best for you.


--
Jim Pennino

Remove .spam.sux to reply.

[Ron Lee[_2_]]

>My question is, what flight planning software do you use?

This may not be the same but I use Weathermeister.com

I don't file flight plans (use flight following).

Ron Lee

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

Dallas wrote:
>
> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>

I find the AOPA planner is easy to use and excellent for basic planning,
and the price is right.

I do my filing and final estimates (the planner printout that goes with
me) on DUATS. I have yet to find an airport where I couldn't access DUATS.

I make up a kneeboard information pack with the DUATS flight planner
output, AOPA airport info (FBO info, etc...), and approach plates and
airort diagram, if available. The planner goes on top, then the plates,
then the diagrams, then the AOPA airport info. At the bottom is anything
related to an alternate destination. I write my clearances and fuel log
right on the flight planner page. With the addition of the appropriate
chart, there's nothing more I need while flying.

I've never seen the need to print and carry weather data, but I do write
the current conditions, NOTAMS, TFR's, and winds aloft info on the back
of my planner printout.

[Dallas]

On Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:51:23 -0800 (PST), wrote:

> AOPA is free with membership.

Yeah, GoldenEagle is free too... without membership..

> The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
> etc.

Yeah, that's a real drawback.. you should be able to change the fuel,
altitudes and PAX in real time like a spreadsheet, without reloading. I'd
also like to see a bit more information displayed on their Nav Log, like
airport frequencies, field elevations etc.

I just downloaded GoldenEagle and I guess I'll just install it and have a
look. A couple of advantages it has that look interesting:
Weather Overlay
VFR Relief Charts
current TFRs

If they could merge the program's interface with the ADDS Flight Path
Tool's weather, then they'd really have something.


--
Dallas

[Allen[_1_]]

> wrote in message
...
> On Feb 27, 12:46 pm, Dallas > wrote:
>> I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS
>> GoldenEagle
>> FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is
>> better
>> and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
>> about.
>>
>> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>>
>> --
>> Dallas
>
> AOPA is free with membership.
>
> I usually plan the flight with AOPA, then log onto DUATS to enter an
> IFR flight plan.
>
> The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
> etc.
>
> Dan

I also use the AOPA Real time flight planner and have no problem editing the
flight plan. Do you have their latest version? Under the "Weather" tab
click on "File FAA flight plan", it gives you a flight plan form you can
change any of the fields on.

--

*H. Allen Smith*
WACO - We are all here, because we are not all there.

[Robert M. Gary]

On Feb 27, 10:19*am, " > wrote:
> On Feb 27, 1:15 pm, "Robert M. Gary" > wrote:

> By the time I finsih up with the computer, drive to the airport,
> preheat, fuel, yada yada the wx info I saw online has changed.
>
> XM weather has provided the biggest boost to situational awareness
> since plexiglas.

Well, I drive a Mooney so I'm looking at what states the storms are
in. If I have to fly clear around Idaho its not a big deal. I could
see if you're driving a 172 the wx picture changes "faster" simply
because your rerouting is much smaller.

-Robert

[[email protected]]

On Feb 27, 2:26 pm, "Allen" > wrote:

>
> > The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
> > etc.
>
> > Dan
>
> I also use the AOPA Real time flight planner and have no problem editing the
> flight plan. Do you have their latest version? Under the "Weather" tab
> click on "File FAA flight plan", it gives you a flight plan form you can
> change any of the fields on.
>
> --
>
> *H. Allen Smith*

Do those edits get uploaded when you file?

I couldn't tell...
> WACO - We are all here, because we are not all there.

[[email protected]]

On Feb 27, 3:05 pm, "Robert M. Gary" > wrote:
> On Feb 27, 10:19 am, " > wrote:
>
> > On Feb 27, 1:15 pm, "Robert M. Gary" > wrote:
> > By the time I finsih up with the computer, drive to the airport,
> > preheat, fuel, yada yada the wx info I saw online has changed.
>
> > XM weather has provided the biggest boost to situational awareness
> > since plexiglas.
>
> Well, I drive a Mooney so I'm looking at what states the storms are
> in. If I have to fly clear around Idaho its not a big deal. I could
> see if you're driving a 172 the wx picture changes "faster" simply
> because your rerouting is much smaller.
>
> -Robert

A Bonanza is pretty fast...

Dan

[Don Poitras]

> wrote:
> On Feb 27, 2:26 pm, "Allen" > wrote:

> >
> > > The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
> > > etc.
> >
> > > Dan
> >
> > I also use the AOPA Real time flight planner and have no problem editing the
> > flight plan. Do you have their latest version? Under the "Weather" tab
> > click on "File FAA flight plan", it gives you a flight plan form you can
> > change any of the fields on.
> >
> > --
> >
> > *H. Allen Smith*

> Do those edits get uploaded when you file?

Yes.

> I couldn't tell...

Why not? It prints out the info when it telnets to duats.

--
Don Poitras

[Ross]

Dallas wrote:
> I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
> FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is better
> and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
> about.
>
> My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>
>
Typically I use the old Cirrus. I also have been going more to AOPA's
RTFP. I have used GoldenEagle also since it came out and I have one
route that it provides that is really strange and out of the way. I even
contacted CSC on it. They said to call Jepp. No real solution. It give
me a IFR routing that is different from Cirrus and AOPA which are the
same. Just a little quirk. I think it was AOPA that you have to request
either the FAA or both weather or it will not work properly. I think was
doing the flight plan and getting the correct winds aloft.

--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI

[Allen[_1_]]

> wrote in message
...
> On Feb 27, 2:26 pm, "Allen" > wrote:
>
>>
>> > The AOPA app doesn't let me directly edit fuel on board, # on board,
>> > etc.
>>
>> > Dan
>>
>> I also use the AOPA Real time flight planner and have no problem editing
>> the
>> flight plan. Do you have their latest version? Under the "Weather" tab
>> click on "File FAA flight plan", it gives you a flight plan form you can
>> change any of the fields on.
>>
>> --
>>
>> *H. Allen Smith*
>
> Do those edits get uploaded when you file?
>
> I couldn't tell...

Yes, Don is right. If you look at the end of the text portion of your duat
session it will give you the filed flightplan and tell you if it was
successful or not. It is important to have everything right on the
flightplan (AC type, equipment code, proper time formats, etc.)

--

*H. Allen Smith*
WACO - We are all here, because we are not all there.

[Denny]

Man, am I getting old...

I check the weather channel...
Phone call a couple of AWOS along the route of my flight..
If things look like a go, I go to the airport and call flight service
and get a briefer... I get a full briefing and file the flight plan
with him...
Then I preflight the bird, fold the Howie Keefe charts to the proper
pages, and go...
My XM weather is the plexiglass in front of me...
My alternate routing is the nearest airport...
My alternate flight plan is the nearest airport...
<yes, I do have moving map GPS, I'm not completely stuck in the buggy
whip era>...
I keep moving forward unless I don't like what I see, then I land...
I complete 99% of my flights as filed...

denny

[Ron Lee[_2_]]

>My XM weather is the plexiglass in front of me...
>My alternate routing is the nearest airport...
>My alternate flight plan is the nearest airport...
><yes, I do have moving map GPS, I'm not completely stuck in the buggy
>whip era>...
>I keep moving forward unless I don't like what I see, then I land...
>I complete 99% of my flights as filed...
>
>denny

Denny, that attitude would save many lives a year if people would
learn to stay on the ground when conditions are bad and land whenever
needed to check less than desirable conditions.

No schedule is so important that you have to die because you pressed
on when it was not right.

Ron Lee

[[email protected]]

On Feb 28, 7:20 am, Denny > wrote:
> Man, am I getting old...
>
> I check the weather channel...
> Phone call a couple of AWOS along the route of my flight..
> If things look like a go, I go to the airport and call flight service
> and get a briefer... I get a full briefing and file the flight plan
> with him...
> Then I preflight the bird, fold the Howie Keefe charts to the proper
> pages, and go...
> My XM weather is the plexiglass in front of me...
> My alternate routing is the nearest airport...
> My alternate flight plan is the nearest airport...
> <yes, I do have moving map GPS, I'm not completely stuck in the buggy
> whip era>...
> I keep moving forward unless I don't like what I see, then I land...
> I complete 99% of my flights as filed...
>
> denny

Well hooray for you.

XM weather provides information that NO plexiglas will reveal -- the
presence of embedded cells.

I'll use the XM and get my chest thumping fix elsewhere.

Dan

[BillJ]

Robert M. Gary wrote:
> On Feb 27, 9:46 am, Dallas > wrote:
>
>>I've been using AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, but CSC DUATS GoldenEagle
>>FlightPrep looks more comprehensive. I'd like to know which one is better
>>and I'm also wondering what else might be out there that I don't know
>>about.
>>
>>My question is, what flight planning software do you use?
>
>
> I'm always amazed at how bad flight planning software is with regard
> to easy to use, good visuals etc. I use FlightSoft. Its suppose to
> superimpose sectional charts but I've never gotten that part to work.
> It does do a good job of putting real time weather on your route
> though. Lets you know where the big radar returns are etc.
>
> -robert
Flightsoft works great for me and has for many years. Route shown on
downloaded (real) sectionals and/or low altitude IFR charts.