Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I am looking at buying a used 396 but I see on Garmins website that the 396 has been discontinued. Im still ok with that since a used 396 is much less expensive than the 496 and it seems almost the same (with a few exceptions of course). Does anyone know of a reason not to buy the 396 related to its discontinuance? I would think I could still download the updated information even though its discontinued... right? I just want run it by some other folks before I plunk down a grand.

I'm not a fan of Garmin, they think there are the only ones making GPS's. There products are good but expensive and at anytime will discontinue a product. The 396 will get the job done.
Bob and I use RMS-Flightsoft. It is microsoft based and can be loaded on a 10" netbook which can be used outside the plane. The software cost around $350 for the setup and $110 a year for updates. It has all the bells and whistles the Garmin has at half the price. Check it out.

Look on Ebay. You should be able to buy a nice used 396 for $800 or less. I did 6 months ago, just when Garmin announced it was discontinued. Prices will drop as time goes on.

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Dave M
Sacramento
ex-T-18 owner

I have a 296, it is still supported by Garmin and it has features that you will not find in the "digital sectional" world. I would not worry about Garmin not supporting a 396 for at least 5 years.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD