PC/Palm Pilot flight planning software, suggestions?

[SuperDave]

Hello,

I hope you're all having a good day!

I'm looking for constructive input from all you fellow aviators regarding a flight-planning/dispatch program. I know they exist, but I'm trying to narrow it down to a few that have the following qualities. Here's what - in a perfect world - I'm looking for:

For example:

All A/C info is stored in the program such as operational empty weight, block speed, fuel burn etc. Fill in the blanks ex: CYHD-CYYZ, IFR, choose an alternate, add in contingency fuel and it would figure out optimum cruise altitude, ETE, payload, C of G's, and so on. If possible have the option to do all that, but in a strictly VFR configuration with minimum VFR reserves.

Also, the program should be able to use current WX info off the internet to come up with said cruise altitude, ETE etc. The airport database would include all of North America. It should be compatible with Palm Pilots of some sort, so that all this could also be done enroute, or away from base, and have the capability to hold data on various types of aircraft.

It does not have to be free software, if it costs a bit of money, it's OK. I'm just looking for something that is easy to use and works great.

So, if you have some time and advise to offer I would greatly welcome all input, reasons why you like a certain program, why you don't. Is there anything I have missed? Sugesstions of any kind are appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to respond,

Dave

[bandit1]

I wish I could help you but I am looking for the same advice aswell

[kevind]

I have use COPilot..good for simple stuff

http://lauriedavis9.tripod.com/copilot/

Have a look

[D5GRVTY]

I don't think there is any software that is quite that comprehensive available for the palm os, but if there was it would be here http://www.palmflying.com/

And yes, co-pilot is great for the simpler stuff. Don't you have a dispatch for the more complicated stuff

D5

[SuperDave]

Thanks for the replies so far, cool!

The software dosen't have to completely compatible between palm pilots and computers, that was just wishful thinking. Basically, I'm looking for a fairly comprehensive program for dispatch, and then perhaps the Co-pilot program mentioned for quick, away-from base-calculations. The company is growing to the point now where it would be wise to have a system like this installed. It would be especially useful if one could add user waypoints into the system as well. I've been looking around and have found one that will do it, so they say.

But keep the comments and suggestions coming if you got 'em!

Thanks,

Dave

[v1rotate]

Hello,

I hope you're all having a good day!

I'm looking for constructive input from all you fellow aviators regarding a flight-planning/dispatch program. I know they exist, but I'm trying to narrow it down to a few that have the following qualities. Here's what - in a perfect world - I'm looking for:

For example:

All A/C info is stored in the program such as operational empty weight, block speed, fuel burn etc. Fill in the blanks ex: CYHD-CYYZ, IFR, choose an alternate, add in contingency fuel and it would figure out optimum cruise altitude, ETE, payload, C of G's, and so on. If possible have the option to do all that, but in a strictly VFR configuration with minimum VFR reserves.

Also, the program should be able to use current WX info off the internet to come up with said cruise altitude, ETE etc. The airport database would include all of North America. It should be compatible with Palm Pilots of some sort, so that all this could also be done enroute, or away from base, and have the capability to hold data on various types of aircraft.

It does not have to be free software, if it costs a bit of money, it's OK. I'm just looking for something that is easy to use and works great.

So, if you have some time and advise to offer I would greatly welcome all input, reasons why you like a certain program, why you don't. Is there anything I have missed? Sugesstions of any kind are appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to respond,

Dave

Dave,

I use "Dispatch" it's effin great. You arrive in the office and it magically prints out everything for you all ready to go. You call them to concur and go flying... consider upgrading to a real operator whom does your flightplanning for you.

[bandit1]

V1 rotate, don't be a dick.

You think you're cool because you work for a company that has a dispatch system?

Maybe Dave is happy were he is. I don't know what he does but he could be making 150 grand a year flying a corportate G4. And is happy too.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he is flying a clapped out ho in the boonies for a shit operator.

That's just my 2 cents

[32a]

The CF uses JetPlan. Profiles can be tailored to individual tail numbers and cruise preferences (high speed, long range, etc.) Weather, NOTAM and filing services included. http://www.jeppesen.com/wlcs/index.jsp? ... t=jpdc.jsp

Do your flightplanning and filing on a computer; save to a data card; transfer the info into the airplane's FMS and you're on your way.

There are other outfilts who will do ground handling arrangements, diplo clearances and accommodations as well.

[bandit1]

How much does jetplan cost? Is it on a per month basis?

[SuperDave]

Hello,

Maybe some time down the road I'll work at a place where Dispatch does everything. But as bandit1 suggested, I am happy where I'm at. It's a small company that is growing, and since we're all pretty busy, I offered to help find us a useful program. We are on a self-dispatch system, and writing everything out on a operational flt plan and manually inserting the proper data can become tedious at times. It's not too bad yet, since we don't fly IFR everyday, but that will change with the new aircraft we have online. It does not have an FMS, but has the sophistication and capability to be dispatched anywhere throughout North America at a moments notice.

Besides, ya gots to keep with the times. Some things are just easier on a computer.

I very much appreciate the inputs so far, thank you.

Dave

[bandit1]

Everyone is different and not everyone has the same career goals either. I've worked with a disatch system and for someone starting out in the IFR world, it's way too easy.

You don't learn as much when it comes to choosing routes, alternates etc, filing flt plans.... and after that dispatch becomes necessary.

I know some guys that fly IFR every day but couldn't file a flight plan properly.

Most of the operational IFR stuff, you learn on the job, not in a flight school.

[JetPilot123]

http://www.fltplan.com works good. it will do most of that and a lot more too. it's free.

also http://www.mygdc.com is very good and many jet and charter ops use it. it costs alittle.

i have used both and they are very much the same. fltplan.com is more for US stuff but will work for major canadian airports.

[32a]

I don't know JetPlan costs. I'm sure the company will be glad to speak to potential customers. It is excellent for long range random route selection and intergration into complex IFR ATC structures. Filing an ATC flight plan with a click of a button is certainly handy as well.

[Mr. Jones]

This company allows you to demo the full version and also offers a free version. The samsung Q1 Tablet PC looks like it would be nice for in the cockpit or on the road. http://www.seattleavionics.com/products.shtml