Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Stadia and Stadia Neptune: Safer landings, simplified

Altitude awareness is crucial for every pilot, especially during landing. Stadia and Stadia Neptune from Skeeter Enterprises provide innovative radar altimeter solutions that make landings safer and more predictable. With easy installation and no FAA paperwork required, these devices are perfect for pilots seeking a simple upgrade to their altitude awareness system.

What Are Stadia and Stadia Neptune?

Stadia ($645) uses light detection and ranging (LIDAR) to measure altitude with two-inch accuracy below 130 feet agl. Stadia Neptune ($1,220) employs radar technology for altimeter readings up to 300 feet agl, offering eight-inch accuracy and the ability to function over water, something LIDAR struggles with.

Both devices are portable and can be mounted on a tie-down ring or wing strut without the need for supplemental type certification. They work seamlessly with smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth, providing real-time altitude data directly to the pilot using audible tones or voice alerts.

Key benefits for pilots

  • Altitude awareness: Both Stadia and Stadia Neptune provide accurate altitude measurements that are especially important during the critical final stages of landing.
  • Training: These systems help flight schools train students to manage altitude control more effectively, ensuring a safer learning environment.
  • Water landing safety: Stadia Neptune is specifically designed to address the challenges of flying over water. While traditional LIDAR devices struggle with water, Stadia Neptune uses radar to provide reliable readings in these conditions, making it indispensable for floatplane pilots.

Bush pilot experience with Stadia Neptune

Phil Asay, a bush pilot in Alaska, shares his experience: "It gives you a good, solid readout over water and land. It just works." Phil's feedback highlights the practicality and reliability of Stadia Neptune in real-world, demanding environments.

How it works

After mounting, Stadia and Stadia Neptune connect to an app on your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Calibration is quick and simple, and once paired, the devices automatically reconnect every time they're powered on. Both units feature long-lasting batteries—up to 10 hours in active mode—ensuring reliability throughout the flight.


A simple, effective upgrade

The ease of installation and simplicity of use make Stadia and Stadia Neptune perfect for general aviation pilots. No complicated paperwork or FAA certifications are needed, making it an ideal upgrade for pilots who want to improve their altitude awareness without breaking the bank.

The bottom line

If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-install altitude awareness system, Stadia and Stadia Neptune deliver superior performance and peace of mind. Whether flying over land or water, these radar altimeters provide real-time altitude data that can make the difference during your landing.

Visit Skeeter Enterprises at SkeeterEnterprises.com to learn more about Stadia and Stadia Neptune and how they can enhance your flying experience.

Topics: Gear, Training and Safety, Takeoffs and Landings