Portable GPS devices are arguably the most useful cockpit tool since the invention of the E6B. Or aeronautical charts. So it was no surprise when our reader survey on portable GPS generated we’ll over 1000 responses. There were comments from pilots still flying trusty, monochrome Magellans to ones using the newest Garmin aera. We saw dozens of poetic waxings about most every major supplier and surprisingly few complaints. That said, no company or product escaped with no complaints and we saw some direct conflicts: Pilot A had such a dismal time with Anywhere Map that he went to Garmin and is much happier, while Pilot B finally got so sick of Garmin troubles he bought an ATC and now flies in a state of bliss. To each his own. Some useful trends emerged, however. Budget-conscious fliers told us that however tempting the latest and greatest GPS might be, an honest assessment of their GPS use proved they didnt need it. A common complaint across all portables was to watch for wear on the screens and keys. All units seemed susceptible here. Most of the remaining items varied with make and model.
The Garmin Dynasty
Just under 66 percent of the respondents had a Garmin aviation GPS. If there was a surprise to that number, it was that it wasnt larger. Overall satisfaction with Garmin GPSs was quite high.
Pilots flying the diminutive GPSMAP 96/96C liked it for its low cost, small size and great battery life on easy-to-find AAs. The chief complaint was the small screen where text can be difficult to read, particularly for older eyes. One 96C owner told us he carries a magnifying glass.
The GPSMAP 196-as we’ll as vintage 195s and GPS III Pilots-emerged as the winner for function over form. “The monochrome display, while not as gee whiz as the color, is extremely clear and easy to read in any light. For me, the extra expense of the color units is not worth the pretty picture.” Monochrome units can be had (or replaced) for cheap on eBay.
Many pilots see the 196 as a great, basic portable for backup and basic tasks. These arent just weekend fliers, either. “Operating a Citation jet I used my Garmin 196 to keep my flight logs, but on one occasion it served to complete an in-progress GPS approach when total nav failure occurred with dual Garmin 530s onboard the aircraft.”