ForeFlight, Garmin Collaborate on Wireless Connectivity

Cats and dogs will probably never live together in true harmony, but at least ForeFlight Mobile app users can now wirelessly link to their Garmin cockpit avionics after an announcement that is being described by the companies as a "groundbreaking collaboration."

ForeFlight has long sought to tap into the market for Garmin panel avionics connectivity, but as competitors in the flight app business the two have been fiercely battling to win over the same customers. That's all changing as of right now with the news that ForeFlight Mobile users can use Garmin's Flight Stream wireless gateway to receive Garmin ADS-B weather and traffic, GPS data, and dynamic pitch and bank information on their iPhones and iPads running ForeFlight Mobile 7.2.

Flight plan transfer capability is "currently in development and will be available in a future app update," ForeFlight says.

Through the collaboration, ForeFlight Mobile now connects to the Flight Stream 210 ($999 retail price) and Flight Stream 110 ($549 retail). These are Garmin's Bluetooth wireless units that will allow display of, among other things, the full suite of ADS-B weather and traffic information received via the GDL 88/84. The Flight Stream 210, with its internal attitude sensor, powers ForeFlight's Synthetic Vision and adds a backup attitude capability with dynamic pitch and bank information.

WAAS GPS position information from GTN 650/750, GNS 430W/530W navigators, or GDL 88 with an internal WAAS receiver can also be used to power features like ForeFlight Mobile's moving map, geo-referenced approach plates, and taxi diagrams to enhance situational awareness in the air and on the ground.

"We're pleased to welcome ForeFlight into Garmin's connectivity ecosystem which will enable even more aircraft owners the opportunity to utilize the excellent benefits of Connext," said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. "Both Garmin and ForeFlight loyal customers will find this collaboration attractive as it emphasizes ForeFlight's commitment to serve their customers with a quality app, and Garmin's commitment to offering practical solutions that optimize the flying experience."

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