I went over to a friend's house this weekend and played around a bit
with his Jepp FliteStar progran, but the functionality I want it going
to set me back $249 initially. I don't even know if that comes with any
updates? If not, then I have to add even more money to that
figure...ugh. I really liked the profile view of my flioght that Jepp
has compared to the Golden Eagle software.

In messing around with the software, I have found that I prefer to plan
it on a paper sectional and use ther software to plan a general route
that I think I want to fly. In filling out my nav log, I can put on
there reference points tha I might not otherwise be able to mark in the
computer generated plan. (Example: 1 NM W of KSPB, 3 NM E of KKLS,
BTG 300 FROM)

I found it interesting that none of the software I have selected so far
is more specific on a PA-28 than to be a "generic" pa-28. I fly the
Cherokee 140, which does have a different performance than a Cherokee
180. Minor gripe, I guess, but a little annoying because the POH for
the Cherokee (1969) really sucks.

Long story short, I'm going to hold off on buying any software for a
while becvause I don't really need it. The Golden Eagle does a passable
job of helping me "rubber band" the routes so I can find a better route.
to tweak on paper.

Chris


Chris G. wrote:
I'm considering purchasing flight planning software, such as the
Jeppesen FliteStar or the RMS software or some other flight planning
software after I finish my flight training. I don't intend to have it
plan the route for me, but I do want the ability to change my mind "on
the fly" and see how that impacts my flight planning. I still prefer to
do the final planning by hand on paper with the software as a backup to
make sure I didn't make a large error in my calculations.

What have your experiences been with the different software? What did
you like and dislike about the software you used?

Thanks,

Chris