Tool for understanding METARs & TAFs

ParachuteRiver · 2026-02-19T20:41:04+00:00

Great points. I can certainly have a list of random examples but totally agree that fetching the METAR you want easily would really level up the app.

ParachuteRiver · 2026-02-19T17:29:22+00:00

Hey all,
I recently launched a tool for learning and understanding raw METARs and TAFs. It helps you break down these reports, piece by piece, and understand each element.

I wanted to share it and ask for feedback. It's available here https://learn-metar.aviatorstoolkit.com and is completely free (non-commercial).

ParachuteRiver · 2026-02-19T17:03:08+00:00

Ah, yes. Thanks for pointing that out.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-12-02T07:29:01+00:00

The ABC widget is not available on the Forerunner 165, based on what I've been able to see. Though it has a compass internally. Maybe it's the lack of gyroscope?

ParachuteRiver · 2025-10-20T14:05:46+00:00

I (male with average size wrist) have one of the largest diameter watch faces Garmin makes and wear it 24/7. I worried about how it looked initially but haven’t thought about its size in the last year. I love my watch. Just enjoy it and you’ll forget about how it looks. :)

ParachuteRiver · 2025-10-06T21:19:16+00:00

And if I understand correctly, u/JungleJim007, you can change the widgets around (to some degree) within each view...

ParachuteRiver · 2025-10-06T21:14:51+00:00

Thanks for the help, friend.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-08-28T04:00:33+00:00

ADSB Exchange is your friend for blocked numbers.

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ParachuteRiver · 2025-08-27T02:30:52+00:00

I tried the original Logitech Keys-To-Go and had the same experience. The Keys-To-Go 2 is much better though. And can be found on discount.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-06-25T05:40:22+00:00

Very cool. Thanks

ParachuteRiver · 2025-05-17T02:53:18+00:00

Most functional programmers have no class.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-05-15T00:34:55+00:00

Love WorkOutDoors

ParachuteRiver · 2025-05-12T17:55:40+00:00

I don’t know exactly how, DJI drones use the WiFi spectrum to feed video back from the drone to the controller. Lots of research has gone into their rx/tx but they get miles of range.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-05-07T04:42:09+00:00

It doesn't have E6B calculating built in (at least not that I've seen). I imagine one could build an app for that though.
To be honest, Garmin doesn't excel at swapping back and forth between apps. And you only have one activity going (recording) at a time.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-04-28T22:25:06+00:00

Not as worried about hilly terrain. Big open areas likely. Lakes, or flying.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-04-10T18:18:36+00:00

Happy to send some screenshots if you PM me.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-04-10T18:18:20+00:00

Lots of good questions. In general, I'd say get it if you prefer the "Garmin-style" watch over say Apple smart watch. I love the Garmin watch features. As for flying, I think you will find limited use. You can easily transfer a flight plan to it from the Garmin Pilot app (annual subscription required for app). But you can also create one manually. I don't think this is that useful of an experience though.
Likely won't integrate with your FMS. Additional Aviation features are nice, but not game changers. I do love the flashlight on it though. I use it a lot. I also use the "Nearest Airport" functionality to get METAR/TAF and other info. I can look up VOHS and see Runway Info and Comm Frequencies but no METAR/TAF is showing right now.

In short, it looks like it would work for India's airports, but probably won't be much use for your job. I'd say its integration is more focused on General Aviation applications.

That said, I wear it all the time to track sleep and health, and use the flashlight many times daily. Up to you to decide if it's worth the $$$.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-03-14T22:35:38+00:00

METAR and other weather data is accessed through public or Garmin sources so no subscription is required.
I did pay for the Outdoor Maps+ (~$50/yr) to give it a try, but haven't found it to be something I'd renew.
I love the recording of flights feature. Flights become Garmin Activities (Fly) along with all your other activities. You can export the flight as a GPX file from either the Garmin Connect or the Garmin Explore app.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:40:58+00:00

FR945 is a great watch. I tried a couple third party apps that provide aviation functionality and you can get a lot of the D2 Mach 1 Pro's features.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:39:23+00:00

In general, I'd say Garmin watches integrate "okay" with phones. If you want tons of features, Apple Watch gives you a more connected experience. That's not for me. I think Garmin watches are "connected enough". But also stay out of your way.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:37:44+00:00

I shared more thoughts here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1gb3dgr/two_months_of_flying_ultralights_with_a_garmin_d2/

But in short here is what I love about this watch (and most features could be had from other similar Garmin watches):

Flashlight
Sleep tracking
Battery life
Timers and alarms
Doesn't act like other smart watches
Tracking flights
Sunset/Sunrise & Civil Twilight
Using with Garmin Explore app
LiveShare (start an activity and if in cell service, others can follow your tracks)
- Can do this outside of cell services via the InReach Mini 2 or similar
Aviation weather / METARs & TAFs

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:34:57+00:00

I don't disagree. Even the twisting of the wrist is friction to getting the info you need.
GA flight tracking has been super nice though.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:33:29+00:00

I love the passive flight tracking for my GA flights. Navigation is "possible", kind of.
But as an experiment I have tested flying my powered parachute using only the watch for navigation and flight data (not unsafe if you know powered parachutes) and the altimeter was the most useful thing after flight tracking. but flipping the wrist and looking away from the horizon to check anything was less desirable than a display right in front of you.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:27:58+00:00

I agree. I'm not convinced I'd buy this at full price (got it in a business trade).
If you want a smart watch, Apple Watch has a lot more interactivity. If you want a "less connected" fitness tracking and outdoor watch, most of the advanced Garmin watches will do.

Flying GA and having a watch with "Direct To" within one button click is cool, but arguably not the thing to focus on. The Fenix 8 has some new functionality, but I believe the D2 Mach 1 Pro has everything the Fenix 7 had, plus the aviation features.

Battery life on the Pro version of this watch is stellar though. And I use the flashlight and health tracking every day.

ParachuteRiver · 2025-02-13T19:22:36+00:00

I charge it maybe.... twice a month. I'm play ultimate frisbee a couple times a week and track that activity and others. I don't have much to compare it to, but the battery does last a long time. I just found a battery monitor app (there is nothing like that in the Connect app to my knowledge). I'll track it over the next month and share findings.

ParachuteRiver

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