iFly GPS Forum

I was under the impression that, from a viewpoint of how the FAA's system works, that 1090 was better for the user. Cuts down on a lot of delayed (rebroadcast TIS-B) traffic, in favor of real time traffic. So I'm eager to hear the advantages of 978 too.

1090 CANNOT receive weather updates from the ground towers. ,978 does receive FIS-B and 1090 does not. If you have a Mode A/C Xpndr, UAT is the way to go. Most high end piston poppers that can fly above 10K MSL and sustain higher altitudes and do fly under 18K (Cirrus, Mooney, Beech, etc are mostly going 1090 (even though 18K is the threshold for 1090 if they fly above. However, I have seen several multi-engine Cessnas such 340 and 414's going 978! Then again, I seen a Piper Cherokee with a Garmin 1090 in it - owner didn't care, all he wanted was a slip in, go figure. Weigh your pros and cons. I'm an IA so installation costs are of no concern. I fly mostly low altitudes (2000 ft agl typically, unless x-cntry to Oshkosh or something depending on winds and even then well under 10K msl. Keep in mind though higher flyers declutter their screens especially Part 121 aircraft (airlines). see link below.... http://airfactsjournal.com/2013/01/ads-b-101-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care/ Also, if you install a 1090 slip in xpndr, you will also need a squat switch installed or pressure switch installed within the pitot system (airspeed) to transmit when you are off the ground. (required) Some owners have been misled about 1090 as a slip in xpndr and that's all they need - not. Also, ADS-B airspace below 10K MSL only comprises about 4% of the total airspace within the contiguous 48. So, if you are not based within Charlie airspace or within any Mode C - WHY WORRY ABOUT IT? If you are on the edges, look for a nearby airfield for hanger space outside of those boundries if you don't want to spend the monies and you are VFR- suggestion. OFF TOPIC

Oh ok, you're referring to the advantages of having 978 IN. I agree with all you said, and I think it's lunacy to fly without taking advantage of what 978 IN provides. But I plan to forego the expense of having a certified ADS-B IN system since 1) it's not part of the mandate, and 2) I can build my own dual band IN system and continually upgrade it over the life of the OUT system for a fraction of a certified IN system. I can see where most pilots would prefer a commercial IN solution, especially if cost isn't a driving factor. So for my particular use case, it looks like I'm stuck with 1090 OUT if I plan to do any more island trips, and my 1090/978 IN solution is fine with me, too. And yeah, I fly around with a local group of taildraggers that will never be ADS-B OUT, and they probably have the best time and they never talk to/penetrate ATC's turf.

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Jeff Nokomis Clark, Mooney M20G, iFly app on ASUS ZenPad Z8s, ASUS ZenFone AR, ASUS Windows 10 tablet, Stratux ADS-B w AHRS