Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get Pilot My-CastSM by Garmin on my cell phone?
- How do I download the Pilot My-Cast by Garmin application?
- I already have Pilot My-Cast v.4 on my Verizon Wireless phone. How do I upgrade to Pilot My-Cast by Garmin v.7, the version with flight planning?
- How much does Pilot My-Cast by Garmin cost?
- Is there a setup or activation fee?
- How do I pay for Pilot My-Cast?
- Do I have to sign up for an extended term or contract?
- How do I cancel my subscription or request a refund?
- Do I need a data plan to use Pilot My-Cast?
- I currently subscribe to Pilot My-Cast version 4. How do I determine if my phone is compatible with the latest Pilot My-Cast by Garmin (version 7)?
- What should I enter for aircraft “Type” when filling out my aircraft information?
- How do I enter the proper color for my aircraft when filling out my aircraft information?
- How do I enter multiple colors for my aircraft?
- How do I change airports?
- How do I enter a Route?
- How will I know that my flight plan has actually been filed?
- Where does Pilot My-Cast get its weather data from?
- How often is the weather data updated?
- Is Pilot My-Cast an official FAA Weather Briefing?
- I have an unlocked phone. Why can’t I find Pilot My-Cast?
Can I get Pilot My-CastSM by Garmin on my cell phone?
Most traditional cell phones that have been released in the past 2 years are compatible with Pilot My-Cast by Garmin. You can find an up to date listing of compatible phones here.
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How do I download the Pilot My-Cast by Garmin application?
Carrier-Specific instructions are available here.
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I already have Pilot My-Cast v.4 on my Verizon phone. How do I upgrade to Pilot My-Cast by Garmin v.7, the version with flight planning?
On your Verizon phone you will need to first cancel the subscription to the current version that you have loaded. Then, go into Tools on the Go-Get New App-News&Weather and select Pilot My-Cast by Garmin and subscribe. Be aware that once you delete v.4 off your phone you will not be able to get it back.
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How much does Pilot My-Cast by Garmin cost?
The fee for Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is approximately $9.95 per month. We say "approximately" because the cost does vary slightly by carrier, and there may be data access costs. To receive the exact cost, you must begin the subscription sign-up process. Prior to completing the subscription (once we know your carrier and type of phone), we will show you the exact monthly fee for Pilot My-Cast by Garmin. This fee will be billed through your phone carrier on your monthly bill. This monthly fee is separate from the data plan that your carrier may require. Contact your carrier if you are not sure if you have data access.
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Is there a setup or activation fee?
There is no setup, activation or cancellation fee.
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How do I pay for Pilot My-Cast?
The monthly subscription fee is charged by your wireless carrier, and will show up on your cell phone bill.
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Do I have to sign up for an extended term or contract?
There is no contract to sign. Your Pilot My-Cast subscription is month to month, and may be cancelled at any time.
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How do I cancel my subscription or request a refund?
All cancellations and refund requests must be submitted to your cell phone provider. Most of the time you can cancel your subscription right from your phone’s web browser. Contact your carrier for more information.
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Do I need a data plan to use Pilot My-Cast?
Most wireless carriers require a data plan to use third party applications that download information and data such as Pilot My-Cast. Other carriers will use plan minutes when downloading data. Please contact your carrier for more information.
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I currently subscribe to Pilot My-Cast version 4. How do I determine if my phone is compatible with the latest Pilot My-Cast by Garmin (version 7)?
Some older, small-screen phones and ones without enough memory are not be capable of running Pilot My-Cast by Garmin. Check the list of supported phones. (Or call customer service at 1-866-669-2278.)
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What should I enter for aircraft “Type” when filling out my aircraft information?
Simply enter the official International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aircraft Type Designator, just as you would if you were using your DUATS account directly from your computer. If you do not know what the official Type Designator is for your aircraft, you can search the ICAO database here: http://www.icao.int/anb/ais/8643/ To see a list of all aircraft for a particular Manufacturer, enter the Manufacturer's name into the search form, leave the other fields blank, and click search. For example, to see all aircraft made by a Manufacturer with "american" in its name, enter "*american*" (without the quotes) and click search.
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How do I enter the proper color for my aircraft when filling out my aircraft information?
On those phones which do not have a "Color Picker" available when entering aircraft color, you will need to enter either the ABBREVIATION or the WORD from the following table:
| A | Amber | GD | Gold | S | Silver |
| B | Blue | GY | Gray | T | Tan |
| BE | Beige | M | Maroon | TQ | Turquoise |
| BK | Black | O | Orange | V | Violet |
| BR | Brown | P | Purple | W | White |
| G | Green | PK | Pink | Y | Yellow |
| R | Red |
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How do I enter multiple colors for my aircraft?
On those phones which do not have a "Color Picker" available, enter each color needed, separating them with the “/” symbol (available by using the “1” key on your phone). Example: 'RED/BLACK' or 'R/BK'. If your phone has the “Color Picker” option available, simply continue selecting the colors for your aircraft from the dropdown menu until finished.
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How do I change airports?
To add a new airport: From the main menu, select “Airports/Routes”, then select “New…”, then select “New Airport”. Type in the 3 or 4 letter airport identifier (with or without the leading “K”) and select “Done”. You will be given the option to save the airport to your list of favorites.
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How do I enter a Route?
From the main menu select “Airports/Routes”, then select “New…”, then select “New Route”. Enter the 4 digit airport identifier for your departure and destination airports. (Be sure to include the “K”, if applicable.) If it is not a direct flight, you can enter waypoints for the route by scrolling down to “Route of Flight” and entering VORs, FIXes, or other airport identifiers. Separate waypoints by leaving a space between identifiers.
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How will I know that my flight plan has actually been filed?
Once you select the “Confirm” button, your flight plan is immediately transmitted to DUAT or DUATs and filed via your account with either service. The next screen will indicate that the flight plan was filed.
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Where does Pilot My-Cast get its weather data from?
All of the general weather information comes directly from the National Weather Service (NWS). Lightning strike information comes direct from Vaisala, while TFRs come from Jeppesen.
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How often is the weather data updated?
As soon as the information is updated at the NWS we have it available to you! Surface meteorological reports, terminal forecasts, observations and advisories are viewable through Pilot My-Cast as soon as they become available. Radar imagery is updated every 5-10 minutes. Lightning strikes are updated every minute.
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Is Pilot My-Cast an official FAA Weather Briefing?
At this time, Pilot My-Cast is not a certified Official FAA Weather Briefing.
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I have an unlocked phone. Why can’t I find Pilot My-Cast?
Unlocked phones don’t usually have open access to the Carrier’s catalog. Since our software is only available via this catalog, you cannot purchase or download it on an unlocked phone.