ADS-B Review

Today Mary and I ground pounded north to Red Eagle to pick up 08Romeo. Fresh off her ADS-B install and ready to fly once again, 08Romeo will stretch her wings as I take advantage of the new wx and traffic available.

TALE OF THE TAPE...

Garmin GDL-88

Dual-link Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) ADS-B “Out” with optional SBAS/WAAS GPS

Receives subscription-free weather, advanced TargetTrend™ traffic and TerminalTraffic™ display

Displays on GTN series, G500/600 flight displays as well as other select compatible displays

Optional Flight Stream 110 or 210 provides wireless connectivity with tablets and Garmin portables via Connext™

Approved for installation in hundreds of popular aircraft models, including helicopters

Access Aviation Weather
The GDL 88 also features ADS-B “In” datalink technology that allows it to receive subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather broadcast from ADS-B ground stations on this same 978 UAT frequency. On a compatible flight display, this uplink allows you to view graphical NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, NOTAMs, TFRs and more.

Spot Potential Traffic Threats
The GDL 88 can receive ADS-B position reports directly from other aircraft in your vicinity. Because the FAA permits ADS-B broadcasts on 2 frequencies (978 UAT and 1090 ES), the GDL 88 contains both receivers so you can see a comprehensive view of all ADS-B “Out” equipped targets. ADS-B provides the ability to provide air-to-air datalinks with other aircraft. The GDL 88 is compatible with active traffic systems and prioritizes multiple traffic inputs, removing duplicate targets by choosing the highest integrity source available.

ADS-B “In” technology also allows the GDL 88 to receive Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) information. On a compatible display, TIS-B allows you to view the same dynamic traffic picture that ATC ground .

FlightStream 210

Simplifies and streamlines your cockpit management

Works with the Garmin Pilot™ and ForeFlight Mobile apps as well as aera 795/796¹

Enables traffic and weather from your avionics to be viewed on your portable device

Easily load flight plans – including airways – from Garmin Pilot to your GTN™ 750/650 series or GNS 430W/530W series navigator (Flight Stream 210 only)

Provides GPS location and AHRS attitude information

ForeFlight Mobile Connectivity with Garmin
ForeFlight Mobile connects to Garmin avionics via the Flight Stream 110 and 210, Garmin’s Bluetooth wireless gateway, enabling convenient two-way flight plan transfer, and the display of subscription-free ADS-B weather, traffic, backup attitude, and GPS position on your iPad and iPhone.
Two-Way Flight Plan Transfer
Wirelessly transfer your flight plan between ForeFlight Mobile and Garmin GTN and GNS navigators when connected via the Garmin Flight Stream 210, and the Garmin G3X Touch display.

 

Load a simple route, as well as approaches, SIDs, STARs, routes with airways, and search and rescue patterns. ForeFlight Mobile also receives route changes made on the Garmin navigator, keeping your panel and iOS device in sync.

THE INITIAL TEST FLIGHT...

When I first got in the plane and fired up for the initial pairing of the iPad and FlightStream I had an issue. You have to physically switch to the AUX page on the 530 and pair the devices. With this first step completed the device list now displayed Garys iPad, I'm now connected. I had to try and push flight plans from the iPad to the 530, nothing. The iPad clearly showed I was connected to the Flightstrem in my settings bluetooth page. I shut down and went back inside the shop with the folks at Red Eagle to call Garmin.

Flight Plan notice when I changed to a direct flight

Garmin wanted to make sure the firmware was correct and updated on the FlgihtStream 210 for v2.2. Ok, it's a new unit, I'm a bit confused. Apparently some of the first units were shipped without the updated firmware. In order to check this I needed Garmin Pilot...ahh, I don't use Garmin pilot.



Garmin 530 traffic screen

I went back out to the plane to see if the pairing would display what version firmware was on the FS210. This time when I climbed aboard I had the iPad on. I fired up the avionics and it immediately paired with the iPad. I went to the flight plan page and the additional icon, a Bluetooth type symbol, was now in the tool bar.  Excellent! I clicked on it and a screen popped up asking if I wanted to "load from panel" or "send to panel". The flight plan I had for returning to OXB, V29 and all, was now on the 530 without having to chug and plug.



Garmin 530 weather screen



I worked through the message on the 530 asking to confirm the flight plan and tada!, it was ready to go. I went back in and confirmed everything looked good. I loaded up my Adlog with the updated W&B (-4lbs useful load), IFR cert and all the other additional stickies for the respective airframe and avionics logs. Mary and I climbed aboard and taxied out for departure. Once in the air I noticed I forgot to take my Zaon device, I'll have to make another trip north.



For the flight home I decided not to pick up my clearance and instead point direct Ocean City and once at altitude check out traffic and weather. I noticed that the traffic on my main Nav screen did not initially display altitude info but showed a boatload of traffic and the directional tails. Not knowingly when changing the viewing range I think the +/- altitude also showed up. I will have to investigate further.

iPad traffic and weather (photo taken on Thursday local hop)

The wx page loaded up but with clear blue skies not a thing showed up. I did not get the traffic to show up on my iPad but I think that is an iPad setting issue. I didn't want to be head down playing with that while flying home without a safety pilot. I'll work through the issue on the ground tomorrow.

It was a lot of money for the ADS-B solution I selected. However, I have no wires or extra boxes to plug in, charge or carry to/from the plane. In my opinion I have increased the value and usability of the Garmin 530 making changes on the go very simple for single pilot IFR operations.  For this evening I'll be reading the 236 page Pilots Guide to Foreflight Mobile.  I hope to have better pictures and PIREP after a second flight tomorrow.