Hi all

I am English but living in Switzerland and I am just starting to fly here. Everyone I spoke to (other pilots, instructors and CFIs) recommend homebriefing, but none of them know SkyDemon.

Is anyone on this forum an active SkyDemon subscriber and living (or flying regularly) in Switzerland?

If so, do I still need homebriefing, ie does SkyDemon provide everything that homebriefing does?

A similar question I posted on the flyer forum got mixed replies, hence my posting here.

Thanks.

Hi Captcrispy,

I'm a German SD subscriber flying as well in Austria and Swizerland and I must say that you'll definitely need homebriefing.com for he weatherbriefing when planning a transalpine trip. SD's METAR and TAF are not enough for mountainous areas!

There is a free 30 days trial period available for homebriefing.com; it's worth a try

regards
Georg

Thanks Georg.

Anyone else?

I am off to England shortly for a week or so; I'll try the free trial when I return.

Thanks.

Hello Captcrispy

Since you are based in the northern part of Switzerland you most probably want to explore also the alpine regions as well go south such as getting to Locarno, Venice, etc. Homebriefing gives you in addition to the METARS, NOTAMs etc. you find in the free sources some more detailed information. Especially the GAFOR-Routes through the alps (General aviation forecast routes) as well as the weather report for Switzerland for VFR-flights give you invaluable information about the feasibility of crossing the alpine ridges and passes on the recommended VFR-Routes. These features saved many times my day, meaning that I didn't get stuck on the wrong side of the alps!

I am flying since 20 years and I am using SD as a tool the is really focused on the VFR-pilots needs. But having said that I would never skip the Homebriefing subsciption in favour of any other service or SD alone. The yearly fee of 45 EUR/58 CHF for Homebriefing is in my view well worth the investment.

Paul

Thanks very much Paul, I only heard vague examples before, but now I am sure. I will now use homebriefing as well as SD.

Thanks again.

Mark.

I live and fly in Austria and neighboring countries. Homebriefing also gives me the peace of mind that on occasion of a ramp check I can prove to the officials that I did my preflight planning using accepted means of information.

-- Chris.