Best Pilot Handheld GPSes and Aviation GPS Receivers: Reviews and Deals
When it comes to navigating the skies, pilots need reliable tools to ensure they stay on course. Handheld GPS devices and aviation GPS receivers have become essential for any pilot, whether they’re flying a small private plane or a commercial airliner. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best pilot handheld GPSes and aviation GPS receivers, and also highlight the best deals on these devices.
The Best Handheld Aviation GPS
Garmin GPSMAP 66i
Garmin is a well-known brand in the GPS industry, and their GPSMAP 66i is a top choice for pilots. It comes equipped with a 3-inch color display and a long battery life of up to 35 hours. The GPSMAP 66i also has inReach satellite communication capabilities, making it a reliable backup option for pilots who fly in remote areas.
Aera 660
The Aera 660 is another popular handheld GPS for pilots. It features a 5-inch touchscreen display, making it easy to read and operate. It also has an extensive aviation database, with detailed airport information, including runways, frequencies, and more.
ForeFlight
ForeFlight is an aviation GPS app that runs on iOS devices. It offers a wide range of features, including flight planning, weather information, and airport information. The app is continually updated, making it an excellent option for pilots who want access to the latest information.
Bad Elf GPS Pro+
The Bad Elf GPS Pro+ is a compact and affordable option for pilots. It offers a long battery life of up to 35 hours and can connect to up to five devices simultaneously. The Bad Elf GPS Pro+ also has a built-in data logger, making it a great backup option for pilots.
Garmin GDL 50
The Garmin GDL 50 is an aviation GPS receiver that offers both GPS and ADS-B capabilities. It features a compact design, making it easy to install in any aircraft. The GDL 50 also comes with a free app, allowing pilots to access weather and traffic information on their mobile devices.
Garmin inReach GPS Mini
Mini GPS Satellite Communicator
- As pilots, we sometimes get trapped in our post-flight tasks, often forgetting to tell loved ones that we safely arrived.
- With Garmin’s new inReach product series, you’ll confine touch with people on the bottom through its satellite communication system, while they will also keep an in-depth eye on your journey through GPS.
- The Garmin inReach Mini is the most compact model during this series.
GPS Features
Don’t compromise your safety, look for aviator GPS systems that have all the necessary features you will want in the air.
For instance, having the option of a split-screen moving map can help navigate you in aviation, land or water.
Check out the following benefits of using a GPS receiver in the air:
- Log Book
- Databases
- Digital Mapping
- Flight Reporting
Digital land mapping is an important tool of the aviator GPS system, as it is the software that allows pilots to chart their course.
Garmin D2 Delta Aviator Watch
GPS Pilot Watch
- Flight Automatic logging and alerts for course deviations, and pattern altitudes.
- Synchronize alongside your Avionics for enhanced GPS navigation and mapping data
- While sport watch functions offer estimated wrist-based pulse, activity profiles, fitness tracking, and more, Smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone) assist you to confine touch on the go.
- Connect with panel audio or headset (sold separately) equipped with Bluetooth technology for phone-free listening
- allows you to make convenient payments alongside your watch, so you’ll leave your cash and cards reception, Garmin Pay contactless payment solution (with participating banks)
- Battery life – Smartwatch mode – Up to 12 days, Display size – 1.2 inches (30.4 mm) diameter.
Now you can plan points, routes, and travel time all on your PC or laptop computer. Direct access to built-in land points like boundaries, cities, roads, and rivers anywhere in the world will help you make the smartest choices.
Once you’ve downloaded your flight plan into your GPS receiver you can retrieve this information in the air. Remember it’s always handy to have alternative routes available, just in case.
If you’re stuck in a real air emergency access to the Global Positioning System will help guide you out of a rough patch with real-time location information.
As you can see, flight reporting is made easy with the tracking and logging GPS system. You will save lots of time with this automatic feature.
Aviator GPS systems have a built-in logbook feature that records your departure and arrival destinations according to flight time.
The logbook benefits work in conjunction with the GPS database, which is a handy resource to find listings of local airports, runway directions, and frequencies in all different time zones.
Garmin GDL 52 Portable SiriusXM/ADS-B Receiver
Garmin GDL 52 Portable
- datalink weather and traffic ads-B “dual-link” traffic with Target Trend and Terminal Traffic technology for Wireless connectivity for display on select mobile device apps and Garmin portables provide GPS position data
Models & Brands
Let this handy online guide help you find top-quality brand names in aviator GPS systems.
You can get the most deals and discounts on systems that have moving map graphics and steering guidance, all on a high-resolution screen.
Become oriented with runway centerlines with the advanced graphics of new GPS receivers. Turn-by-turn features can guide you in routing and landing with ease.
Check out some of these hot brand names in aviator GPS: Garmin, Smiths, Jeppeson, Icom, Vertex, Lowrance, Magellan, Delorme, Avionics, and Avmap.
Conclusion
There are many excellent pilot handheld GPSes and aviation GPS receivers available on the market. When choosing the right one for you, it’s essential to consider factors such as the device’s features, battery life, and price. By taking advantage of the best deals on these devices, pilots can save money and invest in the tools they need to navigate the skies with confidence.
