Good portable GPS unit

Question

I am looking for a good portable aviation GPS that I can put in the Cessna 172 I rent. I am looking for something under $1,000. What would you recommend?

Answer 1

Garmin don't make them any longer (still supported), but in my humble opinion the GPS III Pilot is a fantastic unit that has not been outdone since in its class. Very easy to use, intuitive menus, very long battery life, fits in your pocket and has all the features you need. A yoke mount or strip of velcro means easy swapping from one aircraft to another. You can change the moving map display from horizontal to vertical, a feature not available in the replacement GPS 96 model. I've used many Garmin units (295, 430 etc.) in the various planes I fly and I still like my trusty old III Pilot the most. Should be able to pick one up very cheaply on Ebay or similar, download an update and you're away laughing for very little cash outlay. Happy aviating!

Answer 2

Go go for the 196( Garmin), you can use it in the car and on the boat as well,

updates are inexpensive (relative). Used ones are abundant.~$500

Answer 3

I know that Garmin makes a great product. Here is a link to Sprotys http://www.sportys.com/acb/Category.cfm?... They have everything aviation and that is the page that has the GPS units on it.

Answer 4

Go to ebay you can buy a Garmin 195 / 196 or a 296 in your budget.  

I have the 196, I know it has been passed up by several models, but I tell you it does the job and I keep that and a handle held Nav/Com in my flight bag and they work great.

I suggest what ever you get / buy the optional AA battery pack.  I simply go down to costco and buy one of those 50 AA battery packages and keep about 20 AA batteries in a ziplock bag in my flight bag.

I ferried about a dosen aircraft from coast to coast and this has worked out fantastic for me.

good luck.  Oh and yes garmin will still sell you the latest database.

Answer 5

I agree with Garmin.  I used to have a Magellan myself, but I don't see them in the aviation lineup right now.

Check out the ads in Trade a Plane.  There's sure to be some specials from OSH left over....................

Answer 6

Garmin GPS 196 is what you want.

This little unit does air, cars and boats.

i bought one a year ago as a backup to my in-panel unit and use it all the time for the car etc.

It has moving map and all the bells and whistles you will ever need as a renter.

Answer 7

Check for a Garmin, I think they have different models that might be under 1K. I use a Garmin 92, small but has lots of features, moving map etc. It was under your price, not sure they make it anymore.

Answer 8

Google Tropical Aero or Garmin.  You're going to find a better deal (more complete product for your money) at these sites than Ebay.  They sell used, reconditioned GPSs, and they'll have some mounting hardware you can use to attach to the yoke.

The only thing they generally don't do is update the database.  You can do that on your PC by going to the Garmin site and look for downloads, after that it'll make sense.

PS Garmin is VERY specific about it's prices.  Avionics shops do not get to make it up as they go and that's way you'll see most of a certain model going for a certain price.