The “connected panel” concept was first introduced around 2011, about a year after the original iPad hit the market, as a technology platform that would allow pilots to set up a wireless 2-way connection between your favorite iPad app and the certified avionics in your panel. The concept got off to a slow start, but thanks to new avionics developments from most of the major avionics manufacturers, this technology is starting to become more accessible.
The initial goal for this technology was to find a way to keep your active flight plans in sync between your iPad and GPS in the panel, eliminating the need to enter it twice before takeoff, or modify it in two locations while en route. Then over the past few years, as more and more pilots started equipping with ADS-B Out transponders and realizing the benefits of ADS-B In weather and traffic, the systems started adding the ability to wirelessly transmit this weather and traffic info from the panel to compatible iPad apps as well.
There are lots of hardware/app configuration options currently available, and to help you decide which is best for you we assembled this guide showing all the options grouped by avionics manufacturer.
Garmin
Garmin’s connected panel systems have grown considerably in the past year, and the fact that they’re fully compatible with both Garmin Pilot app and ForeFlight has attracted a lot of interest from iPad pilots.
Flight Stream 110: this installed box, usually installed behind the panel or out of sight, uses Bluetooth to create a wireless link between an iPad and a GDL 88 or GDL 84 ADS-B transceiver to send GPS position, ADS-B weather and traffic to your iPad. It is also compatible with the GDL 69/69A to deliver XM weather to your iPad.
Flight Stream 210: this model builds on the capability of the 110 and adds the ability to transfer flight plans between your iPad and compatible Garmin GNS (e.g. GNS430W) or GNS (e.g. GTN650) navigators. It also includes a built-in AHRS, which will drive the attitude indicator and synthetic vision display on the iPad.
GTX345 Transponder: this new system takes most of the capabilities of the GDL-88 ADS-In receiver and Flight Stream 110 and incorporates it into a standard size 1090MHz ADS-B Out transponder. It also includes Bluetooth to transmit the weather and traffic data to your iPad. It does not offer any flight plan transfer features, so if you own a 430W or GTN650, you’ll also need the Flight Stream 210 to add that capability.
Garmin G3X Touch: Garmin’s glass cockpit system for experiment aircraft includes the Connext wireless capability built-in, allowing you to transfer flight plans between your iPad, the Garmin G3X Touch, and any other installed Garmin navigators (e.g. GTN650). Since it’s experimental and includes Bluetooth, you can also connect a portable GDL39/GDL39R ADS-B In receiver to display traffic and weather on the G3X Touch.
Compatible apps: Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight
More information: Garmin Flight Stream, Garmin GTX345 Transponder and Garmin G3X Touch.
Avidyne
Avidyne has been developing two new all-in one GPS/NAV/Comms for many years now and they just recently hit the market. The two models, IFD440 and 540, were designed with the same dimensions as the Garmin 430/530 series, offering an upgrade path for owners of these systems.
IFD 440/540: Avidyne was forward-looking with these GPS receivers and included both WiFi and Bluetooth for future growth options. This allows them to communicate directly with compatible apps to send GPS data to mobile devices and keep flight plans in sync. A dedicated Avidyne app will also be available soon to wirelessly control the IFD navigator.
Compatible apps: ForeFlight, FltPlan Go and Avidyne IFD100 (coming soon)
More information: Avidyne IFD systems
Appareo
Appareo is most widely known among iPad pilots for its portable Stratus ADS-B In weather and traffic receivers. The company has also developed a certified ADS-B Out transponder, that will be certified any day now and will integrate with existing Stratus 2, 1S and 2S.
Stratus ESG: This 1090 MHz ADS-B out transponder includes a WAAS GPS source and is the same size as existing transponders on the market. It’s a great low-cost ADS-B out solution for pilots who already own a Stratus 2, 1S or 2S, since these portable devices can be hard-wired behind the panel to the ESG transponder to provide an affordable connected panel system. This allows the portable Stratus to use the GPS and ADS-B antennas on the exterior of your airplane for improved performance, and power from your the aircraft electrical system.
Compatible apps: ForeFlight
More information: Appareo ESG Transponder
Aspen
Aspen was the first on the connected panel scene and introduced the concept of flight plan sharing between the iPad and avionics in the panel. While this configuration works with only one specific hardware configuration, it’s a great option to keep your flight plans in sync.
CG100 Connected Gateway: this remote-mounted box creates a Wi-Fi network in your airplane, linking your iPad to an Aspen Evolution flight display and Garmin GNS430 or 530.
Compatible apps: ForeFlight, WingX Pro7 and FlyQ
More information: Aspen Connected Panel
Dynon
Dynon’s SkyView system is a popular glass-cockpit flight instrument and navigation system for experimental airplanes. With an optional WiFi adapter you can add powerful connected panel capabilities to this system.
Dynon WiFi Adapter: After adding this WiFi adapter you’ll be able to wirelessly send GPS position data, flight plans and AHRS data to your iPad.
Compatible Apps: ForeFlight and FlyQ
More information: Dynon SkyView Wireless Connectivity
FreeFlight
FreeFlight offers several ADS-B In and Out options to meet the upcoming FAA requirements, which include WiFi to optionally send the weather and traffic data to your iPad.
RANGR FDL-978-RX: This is an installed ADS-B In only product that includes WiFi to send weather and traffic to compatible mobile devices and apps.
RANGR FDL-978-XVR: The upgraded XVR model builds on the RX system and adds 978 MHz ADS-B Out capability, relying on a 430W/530W for WAAS GPS position data. It also includes WiFi for sending the ADS-B weather and traffic to an iPad.
Compatible Apps: ForeFlight, WingX Pro7, iFly GPS, eKneeboard, Avare and FlyQ EFB
More information: FreeFlight RANGR transponders
Source: Ipad appsiPad connected panel buyer’s guide