Suggestions for 10.3

Flybuddy wrote: Got an IFD being installed this week but got to fly a neighbors plane equipped with a 440 this morning and work an IFD for the first time. I was very impressed with it as I was able to do all functions by myself with no help and no manual. Really user friendly and intuitive. One suggestion, on simple direct to flights it would be nice if the IFD remembered last leg entered upon startup this way you could put your next destination prior to shutdown. May not seem like a big deal but helpful when you have multiple devices to set up making for an extended run up. Yes, I do know you can save as a prior flight plan but it's still easier if you don't have to touch it at all (except for allow/ignore).

In regard to remembering the last leg upon startup, I prefer to start with a clean slate.  Things can change between shutdown and startup on how I’m going to fly.  A clean slate has me be very deliberate about my route right before takeoff.  The primary function of the IFD is to support IFR flight plans, this is a VFR point to point request, which I think will actually hinder IFR operations.  Some things to consider:

·         Most of the time, I’m not sure what my next route or waypoint will be upon shutdown, so this feature will rarely come into play.  Also, after shutdown or before the next flight, I can always put waypoints into the IFD100 for auto loading when connected to the panel IFD.

·         When flying IFR, upon shutdown, the IFD will retain the last route flown.  Then on startup, I no longer have the option of just entering a route on the FPL page.  I will either need to delete the old waypoints while entering the new, or I will be relegated to entering everything new in the ROUTE page.  It limits my options and will cause extra work.

·         Upon startup now, I can do a database update in less time than it takes to warm up, taxi, and run-up.  Loading a single VFR waypoint would be simpler and faster than that.  I think you will find no extended run-up is necessary.

I am left to conclude that for most IFR operations, this feature request would be a hindrance.  Also, it will only come into play when the next VFR flight and waypoint are known, which is probably not very often (at least for me).  Even then, the IFD 100 will certainly suffice.