Wingman: Paragliding Tracker

I love the App but it has a big grip for me. I use this for hang gliding, since 1993 I have used the same Vario and use a 15 year old Garmin to track my flights so this App is a huge improvement. It is easy to read, has no perceived latency (ie signaling lift or sync), the map is clear, bright and easy to read in flight. I was concerned that the battery would get chewed up but this is not the cases, turn off Wifi and my battery life was good.I love the 3D KLM logs to put into Google Earth and to archive my fights. This App saves me buying an expensive new Vario. My grip is I have my iPhone sync to my headset via bluetooth and when I am on a call or using “Hey Siri” the volume from the Amp amplifies 5 to 10 X so it is impossible to hear someone on the phone if I am making a call. The sound is so loud it is likely damaging to my ears so I have had to turn off all sound from the App. Normally using any GPS type App or device, the sound / directions from the GPS are subordinated to a phone call or other priority service, not with Wingman. If there is a configuration issue I am missing, please let me know. If not, this is something that needs to be changed.

I’ve been pleased with this app. I have, however, experienced a couple of issues that I’ve reported, but so far remain unresolved. The auto-launch and auto-land features work well for the first flight. I was told that the program will recognize a second launch automatically and begin to log the second flight, and that this should be the behavior for all subsequent flights. I haven’t been able to get the app to do this; not on my iWatch or my iPhone. This is an annoyance when ridge soaring and top landing. The second issue is that the app is suppose to sync with all my devices. The only way I can get a flight log onto my iPad is by uploading/downloading a .gpx file. I’ve had syncing issues before between my iPhone and iPad in general but have always been able to figure out why. I’m stumped though with Wingman. I very much appreciate that John is constantly working to improve the app. However, ensuring that the advertised features are functional for the user needs to be a priority. In the past John has been very responsive to emails, so I’m hopeful that he can help get these issues resolved for me.

Initially I wrote a very harsh review sighting no support for 3D flight tracking and missing data for one of my flights but I sent an email to John the Wingman creator and explained the issues and he promptly responded. Just getting an immediate response was enough for me to take a second look. It turns out he is continuing to improve the app and plans to add 3D support as soon as possible. He also explained that sometimes data can be lost if the phone is shielded from the satellite signal. He intends to resolve this by introducing a sensitivity setting allowing the user to reduce the signal accuracy which will increase signal reliability. Also, he told me about a new feature he is developing that will allow users to share their flights with other pilots. So, what started out to be a complaint has now become kudos. Thanks John!