The two biggest names in aviation tech now each offer amazing EFB options. Either you are a new pilot or an experienced pilot who has been flying with both for the longest while.
Appareo has just released their new EFB solution called Stratus Insight. Garnering the name from their well-known line of Stratus products,
First, Lets take a look at the two platforms in question,
ForeFlight is considered one of the best in the industry. Acquired by Boeing in 2019, ForeFlight has become one of the leading EFB resources in the aviation community. Foreflight has a plethora of features that make flying safer and more secure. However, the major disparity with ForeFlight (and the community) are the subscription-based packages and platform limitations.
For one, ForeFlight only exists on the iOS platforms, this could be due to security concerns however this prices many out of the equation.
The starting price for ForeFlight starts at $99.99/yr and can go up to $299.99/year.
Stratus Insight! Stratus Insight is a newcomer into the EFB field however we are including it since it has been receiving rave reviews from the pilots in our community. Stratus Insight was made by Appareo Aviation, the same company which brought you, Stratus. Stratus Insight is a full electronic flight bag (EFB) suite for pilots that includes AHRS with synthetic vision, TAWS, VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, and geo-referenced approach plates.
For a limited time, you can unlock most features for $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr which is competitive with the pricing model of ForeFlight.
Stratus Insight does not have an Android at this time so it is only available to iPadOS users.
Some of the features that Stratus Insight highlights on their site are:
Some of the features that Foreflight Highlights are:
| Feature | Stratus Insight Standard | ForeFlight Standard |
|---|---|---|
|
Charts |
VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, VFR Flyway Charts, IFR High/Low Enroutes, IFR Terminal Procedures
|
FAA VFR Sectionals, TACs, VFR Flyway Charts, IFR High/Low Enroutes, IFR Terminal Procedures, IFR planning, US Helicopter Route charts, VFR/IFR Gulf of Mexico, NAV CANADA VNC, VTA, IFR High/Low Enroutes, IFR Terminal Procedures, CFS, CAP GEN, Water Aerodrome Supplement, AIP charts |
|
Aviation Weather Options |
Geo-referenced icing charts (CIP and FIP), prognostic and surface analysis charts, SPC outlooks, SPC mesoscale discussions, SkewT soundings, and more.NEXRAD, color-coded METARs, TAFs, temperature, dewpoint, visibility, and global winds aloft, graphical AIR/SIGMETs and Center Weather Advisories, and more. |
Animated high resolution NEXRAD composite radar with lightning strikes, rotation detection and storm tracks, global color-enhanced infrared satellite, color-coded METARs, TAFs, temperature, dewpoint, visibility, and global winds aloft, graphical AIR/SIGMETs and Center Weather Advisories, and more. |
|
ADS-B/AHRS Features |
AHRS with synthetic vision |
ADS-B weather and traffic, back-up attitude and GPS position.
Partners include Stratus, Garmin, uAvionix, Avidyne, L-3, Dynon Avionics, FreeFlight, Bad Elf, and more. |
Just like most EFB software you will notice that stratus insight has a map first approach. The main interface is comprised of your map with key information spread along the bottom. You will notice that it keeps the traditional look between waypoint icons and magenta lines used to navigate. This is done so that it keeps the same design language with your existing aircraft navigational aids.
With a stratus installed you can split the interface in half offering you the ability to utilize synthetic vision. This will allow you to have a virtual AHRS display complete with terrain mapping and augmented guidance for flying in tough conditions. In this mode it is clear that stratus insight is better used in a landscape position which may be tough for pilots in a tight cockpit.
Many reading this are probably already familiar with the ForeFlight layout. In fact, the ForeFlight layout is fairly similar to stratus insight in the way that it is mapped forward with vital information at the bottom of the screen. On both platform’s these widgets at the bottom of the map are adjustable to show you the information you need.
Just like stratus insight the screen splits in two offering you the ability to utilize synthetic vision from an ADS-B device.
Both have vertical weather profile solutions however we find the ForeFlight solution is laid out the cleanest and is easier to read.
Pricing on the two platforms is fairly competitive as they are pretty much the same in each category.
Foreflight is fairly simple offering plans at,
Now, these come with comparable features,
Stratus Insight has a different pricing model that comes around the same price as ForeFlight’s Basic Plus offering.
Obviously going with the yearly option will save you in the long run since $10 x 12 months would equal $120/year.
Now with these key differences, Stratus highlights the feature set of their $99.99/year version alongside ForeFlight’s Pro Plus edition.
| Stratus Insight | ForeFlight | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Now of course these are items taken from the stratus website so they are to be taken with bias in mind. The features that Foreflight does not have on this chart seem menial at best and personally, we do not think that this factors into the overall usability of ForeFlight.
What we would say is the most appealing new option is the ATC Transcription. We are still working on testing the efficacy of this feature and how well it is able to decipher read-outs. But from what we can tell this may be a great tool for users in the cockpit. Providing it is able to transcribe well.
Both of these feature in-depth charts and diagrams for all your aviation needs. Whether you are a beginner pilot or a more advanced airline pilot. It seems like Appareo and Boeing have thought of it all.
Stratus Insight boasts TAWS, VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, and geo-referenced approach plates. This is a fairly nice suite of utilities all offered in the base package.
Foreflight includes FAA VFR Sectionals, TACs, VFR Flyway Charts, IFR High/Low Enroutes, IFR Terminal Procedures, IFR planning, US Helicopter Route charts, VFR/IFR Gulf of Mexico, and more. This is just in the base package for $99.99/year!
Now I think the steal here is that ForeFlight offers Jeppesen Charts which may be appealing to aviators of all types. Jeppesen charts are known for being easier to digest with a better flow in the cockpit. This may be more appealing to more experienced pilots and is a great option/addon to the software.
Looking at the two it’s clear that ForeFlight beats out Stratus insight with a few of the options that users may need. However, these seem to be localized to specialty cases such as US Helicopter Route charts. For users who only need a base package of VFR and IFR charts, the differences may seem mundane. Some may like the option of having more and if so, ForeFlight may be your best bet.
We do believe the option of TACs, US Helicopter Routes, and Jeppesen charts give ForeFlight an advantage in this category. Not to mention the virtual aircraft taxiway charts that make it easier to navigate on the ground. These are some features to consider when looking at the two options.
Flight aids are an important feature set to highlight as the right flight aid can help any pilot out of a sticky situation. This is what makes EFB worth it, the little features that create a safer environment. We will be splitting these flight aids by the different stages of flight. Ground, Departure, Cruise, and Landing. Let’s see what each EFB option has to offer in these categories!
Ground – Both Stratus Insight and ForeFlight feature aircraft charts and diagrams. ForeFlight does feature live taxi features which make it easier to navigate while on the ground.
Departure Aids – Both platforms feature a variety of departure plates and augmented mapping when flying.
Cruise Aids – ForeFlight features advanced performance features which factor into the flight planning and mapping while in cruise.
Landing Aids – Both platforms offer arrival plates for each airport.
No, you do not need a stratus ADS-B device to use Stratus Insight. Stratus Insight is capable of using the internal iPad GPS system to navigate if you choose.
Stratus Insight does not have an Android at this time so it is only available to iPadOS users.
Capabilities-wise, It’s clear that if you are a more advanced pilot looking for pure options and capabilities you should probably stick with the tried-and-true ForeFlight.
ForeFlight has been the leader in the EFB market for decades keeping it one of the most reliable platforms.
Price-wise, if you are looking to start flight training and need more for your money, it’s arguable that Stratus Insight may be the way to go. Stratus insight offers a bit more for their base $99.99 package and if you are interested in short-term operations you can choose their monthly option.
If you also have a stratus product the integrations with your existing receiver may prove to be more effective while using the Stratus platform. You will unlock more features such as integrated updates, services, and features like synthetic vision.
Regardless, you can’t go wrong with either one as they are now the leaders of the industry when it comes to great EFB performance. If you have used either one let us know your thoughts below!
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Stratus Insight by Appareo and ForeFlight By Boeing. The two biggest names in aviation tech now each offer amazing EFB options. Either you are a new pilot or an experienced pilot who has been flying with both for the longest while.
