By Jeff Van West

Stratus ADS-B Weather: Simple and Seamless

This one-box solution for streaming ADS-B weather and GPS to ForeFlight on the iPad is the most compelling alternative to satellite weather we’ve seen.

In-flight weather for the iPad is nothing new. SkyRadar’s ADS-B receiver worked with WingX for well over a year, and Baron’s Mobile Link can deliver XM satellite weather to ForeFlight, Global Nav Source, FlightGuide and others. What is new is some competition. Sporty’s Pilot Shop teamed up with ForeFlight and device manufacturer Appareo to offer ADS-B weather on an iPad with the $799 Stratus. Not only has the $799 Stratus’ appearance forced a price-drop on competing units, it’s also set a new bar for simplicity. Stratus requires no power cords or external antennas for an average flight. The box has all of one button. Turn it on. Go fly.