In today’s cockpit, your EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) is as essential as your headset. Two of the most widely used apps in corporate and charter aviation are ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, but which one is better for your type of flying?
As an active Part 135 captain and mentor, I’ve flown with both. Here’s a breakdown from a real-world operational perspective:
🧭 1. User Interface & Ease of Use
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ForeFlight:
Polished, intuitive, and fast. Most new users feel comfortable within minutes. Especially friendly for iPad-first workflows. -
Garmin Pilot:
Slightly steeper learning curve, but customizable and deeply integrated with Garmin avionics. Ideal for pilots who fly aircraft with Garmin panels.
✅ Verdict:
ForeFlight wins on simplicity. Garmin wins on cockpit integration.
🗺️ 2. Flight Planning
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ForeFlight:
Rich route options, weather overlays, fuel planning, and performance profiles (especially strong for jet operators). -
Garmin Pilot:
Excellent for VFR and IFR routes, with unique vertical navigation tools and dynamic airspace management.
✅ Verdict:
ForeFlight offers more advanced flight planning features for charter/corporate ops.
📱 3. Avionics Integration
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ForeFlight:
Strong integration with Jeppesen charts, Stratus ADS-B, and select panel avionics. -
Garmin Pilot:
Unmatched if you're flying with Garmin panel avionics (GTN, G3X, G500, etc.). Wireless syncing is seamless.
✅ Verdict:
If your cockpit is Garmin-heavy, Garmin Pilot makes life easier.
📊 4. Performance Tracking & Checklists
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ForeFlight:
Allows you to store custom checklists and performance profiles. Supports detailed weight & balance and fuel planning. -
Garmin Pilot:
More basic on checklists, but integrates well with in-flight flight data monitoring when paired with Garmin equipment.
✅ Verdict:
ForeFlight leads for pilots who manage performance profiles manually.
🌎 5. Global Use & Support
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ForeFlight:
Excellent international support. Jeppesen integration is key for Latin America and Europe. -
Garmin Pilot:
Improving, but still more U.S.-centric. Better suited for domestic ops unless fully integrated.
✅ Verdict:
ForeFlight is more robust for international flying.