What’s the best external GPS for pilots?
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External iPad GPSs were one of the first accessories to appear for the iPad. After the iPad was released in 2010, pilots quickly realized the tablet was far more useful with an accurate position source—moving maps, terrain warnings, and so much more come into play. Initially, there were very few options for pilots, but the market rapidly expanded and now there are more choices than ever. How do you pick the right one? Let’s survey the market.
Do you need a GPS?
The Dual XGPS150 has been a popular option for over a decade.
The first question some pilots may ask is whether you even need an external iPad GPS. If you own a WiFi-only model iPad, it’s simple—you have no built-in GPS so you definitely need one. However, LTE model iPads (ones with the cellular radio in it) have a built-in GPS receiver. Note that this GPS is completely separate from the cell service, so you don’t even have to have an active data plan for the GPS to work. You could buy an LTE model iPad, never activate your Verizon or AT&T service, and still have GPS data.
While the on-board GPS does work with all popular aviation apps, it was really designed for ground use and in our experience it’s not always as reliable in the air. It’s become much better in recent years (as our recent test flight showed), so it is a solid option that we use regularly. However, there’s nothing like a standalone backup, so many iPad pilots—even those with an LTE iPad—opt for an external GPS. It’s pretty cheap insurance.
ADS-B Receivers
More recently, with the exploding popularity of portable ADS-B receivers like the Stratus and Sentry, external iPad GPSs have faded in popularity. If you have a full-featured ADS-B receiver, you do not need a separate GPS, since all of them include one already. However, if you’re just getting started with the iPad and don’t want to spend $500 for an ADS-B receiver, a GPS represents a great way to get started.
Note that GPSs are app-agnostic—that is, they work with almost any app because Apple builds “location services” into its core iOS functionality. This is not true for ADS-B receivers, which are usually matched to specific aviation apps.
Choosing a model
All of the current GPS models on the market today are wireless, so they connect to your iPad via Bluetooth. That means they require some basic setup to pair the two devices, and there’s a battery to keep charged in the GPS. But there are plenty of advantages to a wireless GPS, including the ability to mount it out of the way or in a better place for reception. Popular wireless GPS models include the Dual Electronics XGPS150A, the Garmin GLO 2 and the Bad Elf Pro. The Bad Elf Pro even includes a small screen for status messages and basic GPS position data. Prices range from $99.95 to $249.99.
The Bad Elf Pro+ is our top pick for deluxe GPSs.
If you want to step up to the higher end of the market, there is one other option to consider: the Bad Elf Pro+ GPS. This adds a longer battery life, automatic data logging functions, and the ability to connect to multiple iPads simultaneously—a nice feature for two pilot crews or for connecting to a phone for backup. None of these are necessarily must-have features, but if you’ll be flying regularly with a GPS, the longer battery life is worth it alone. The Bad Elf Pro+ even includes an altimeter, and is available for $249.99.
Our picks
Which one is best for pilots? None of these GPSs is really a bad choice, but we’ll offer two picks. For a good performer at a good price, the Dual XGPS150A is hard to beat. At just $129.95, it offers good battery life, reliable performance and a handy dash mount. It has been one of the best-selling models for years and gets good reviews from pilots.
For a deluxe model, or for pilots who fly with multiple devices in the cockpit, we like the Bad Elf Pro+. At $249.99 it isn’t cheap, but it’s very well made and has a number of great features: an incredible 35-hour battery life, handy built-in screen, altimeter, and connection to multiple devices. It’s useful outside the airplane too, for hiking or boating.
You can see the entire selection of iPad GPSs at Sporty’s.
Because a GPS receiver needs a clear sky image, as well as isolation from EMI (electro magnetic interference) devices, it is preferable that a GPS receiver be a stand-alone device. I found that placing the GPS receiver in the aft baggage compartment of small G/A aircraft generally is an optimum solution.
I recommend you upload data to a service like CloudAhoy. you’ll never know how
… ahhh … the frustrations of responding to ‘blogs with a smartphone …..
At any rate, I like the Bad Elf and Cloud Ahoy combination.
I have the Garmin glo I believe it’s called. Haven’t used it in quite a few years because it would disconnect about 3x’s an hour or more. Get an iPad with gps and forget about the problem forever.
Yes, most GPS’s are great, however, the Garmin GDL 50 is outstanding, especially when using ForeFlight. Not only do you get both GPS types, you also get ADS-in traffic and weather and an AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) that allows ForeFlight to give you a digital HSI and navigation. In a complete aircraft power outage, you can continue to fly and navigate with one of these. Highly recommend!
I have a Garmin GLD 39 in my C182, and connect to it via bluetooth as the article indicates. My Mini IPad is the cellular type, but I seem to lose traffic when I am in the air. I check that it is connected which it is, but cannot get traffic. I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong. Any ideas?
This sounds obvious, but verify you have the traffic layer turned on in your app and if you want to be extra sure turn off any traffic filters.
I’ve had the Dual 150, and it’s excellent.
But frankly, it’s obsolete.
These days I only use a Stratus 3 because of the ability to see traffic, especially if we’re both below radar, something which often happens in the mountains.
Also, I use a new Mini 6 cellular for its ability to maintain position if the stratus connections fails. I recommend turning off your phone’s hotspot, and the iPad’s ability to automatically join other networks. This may keep it from disconnecting at the just the wrong moment.
I would always have the iPad with GPS. Never have I ever had an iPad fail but my Dual failed during a cross country the day after warranty ran out. Dual was very nice and replaced it anyway, but had I not had the GPS in the iPad, I would have had to go back to stone age navigation. The iPad with GPS is only slightly more expensive and well worth it in my opinion.