I've recently started using Sky Demon IPad trial and I am totally impressed by the product. It makes the pre-flight brief a doddle. I intend to use Sky Demon for this very task and utilise the resulting PLOG and Plates print with my A5 Kneeboard. In my instance, I do not require the live navigation element of Sky Demon as the aircraft I fly already has a full Nav suite (SD Nav does look very impressive nevertheless!). Unfortunately the only print that can be selected is A4 which is too large.

I understand there are few apps out there that allow print specification to be defined (A4/A5 etc..) on the ipad which is frustrating to me, being such a powerful tool that it is. I'm many cases I find myself needing to print something.

If Sky Demon were able to define a print dimension on the IPad for PLOG, Plates and maps etc.. I think this would be extremely useful and would allow the briefing material to be used for every users own individual requirements.

Nevertheless, and extremely good program!

Andy.

Totally agree. SD is however a complete solution that combines planning,navigation and documentation, all in one. Is that somewhat similar to the Nav suite you are using in the aircraft?

On the PC version, when you go into print you get the option of 'Two per page'. Is this not present on the iPad version too?

The aircraft I currently use has Bendix King nav equipment installed and I'm happy to continue to use that particular setup in that particular aircraft. If I were to go and fly something different with not such a convenient setup, I may well exploit the full features Sky Demon has to offer in terms of live nav.

The iPad version print arrangement is simply a checkbox, which, once checked gives you the option of selecting a printer and number of copies, and that is all. The net result is a default A4 print out which cannot be changed.

This is characteristic of most apps however. Even the iPad HP ePrint app offers the same limited functions, albeit with the small addition of print quality.

I do wonder how feasible it is to incorporate more functionality into the printing element since so few apps have much more than the above capability?

Sky Demon remains the best in its class for me and credit to the continued updates reflecting users suggestions.

Andy.

I think that the print manager functionality is basically provided by iOS and used by all apps. If that's the case an app developer would have to write low level hacks to provide his own print management and driver functionality, which is probably something most developers shy away from.

-- Chris.

I'm no designer but I'd agree with you Chris. Perhaps Apple's IO6 update due very soon might sort a few issues out. Here's to hoping!

Andy.

As an after thought, if the PLOG were also available in JPEG format, it looks like print apps such as ePrint would output up to something like 8" x 10" size, as if it were printing a photo. Print to A5 and we might be there?

Andy.