The one thing most don’t do that UAV Forecast did was give the option of the wind/gust speed at various heights. Most of these alternatives all seem to just display the ground wind speed.
Over time I’ve learned that basically 17mph on the ground probably equates to 25mph at 400ft/125m which generally any weather forecast will give you ground wind/gust speeds hours/days in advance. If I plan to venture 20+ miles from home the basic weather forecast is usually all you need. Although as many of us will have experienced, they quite usually get it wrong. The days you stay in and give it a miss, it ends up great, and when you go out on what looks a decent forecast it usually starts raining the minute you get there!
Airdata also gives you wind data at various heights - I incorrectly stated earlier that it didn’t, but I then found out that if you tap the wind speed or gust square icon (there is a “?”) it opens up and gives you speed or gusts at about 4-5 different heights. Not as fine grained as UAV but helpful nonetheless.
I’ve reported a couple of other issues to them recently and have found myself in long conversation with them about this, trying to nudge them to improve it a bit more.
Opened the UAV Forecast tonight on my phone. It used to show a 3hr forecast ( using for free) Now however, it’s only showing a preview page ( not live)
Seems they’ve gone down the subscription route completely
Any other free apps people use these days ?
Cheers
I removed it ages ago… Found it inaccurate more than once… I now use weatherfile.com that connects directly to a wind sensor at my favourite flying location with great and very accurate live data. For rain I check the Met Office.
Ventusky is good, and free (for the moment) I usually find it pretty accurate as well. aprs.fi also uses weather stations all over the UK so you can see the current windspeeds etc
I like Windfinder, as my other interest is sailing, it’s really aimed at kite surfers but gives me very accurate local conditions & forecast. My nearest station is less than a mile away (Blackpool airport). It is subscription based though you do get a 7 day free trial. It has a nice widget I keep on my Home Screen.
I use Airdata as an indicator ‘especially if I’m going on a trek’ that said as I always say the best forecast reader is yourself ‘what you see with your own eyes’
A lot of the supposed go-to apps are good at first then either end up subscription only or incresingly less accurate. I just get a rough idea from the met office website then work it out from what effect any wind is having on trees and tall structures at the location. Plenty of flags and wind socks where I fly.
