Flight Data Systems has introduced two ADS-B receivers designed for portable devices and experimental airplanes. Like Sporty’s Stratus and Garmin’s GDL 39, the portable Pathfinder provides subscription-free, real-time weather and traffic through the ADS-B system, a network that the FAA recently announced has been completed across the country.
The Pathfinder, which is a single-band, 978 MHz UAT receiver, talks to the iPad through apps such as WingX and eKneeboard, and Android devices through the FlightPro (Avilution) app. Other apps are expected to be available; however, the Garmin Pilot app and Foreflight are likely not going to be included on the list since they have their own dedicated ADS-B units. The Pathfinder’s WiFi allows for up to seven devices to use the ADS-B services at one time. In addition to the ADS-B capabilities, the unit includes WAAS GPS.
