We aggregated reviews from over 200 active users (Reddit r/flying, Beechtalk, and professional pilot forums) to create this balanced list.
The transition from paper charts to digital navigation has been the defining shift in modern aviation cockpits. While Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) are now the standard, the need for reliable, accessible, and detailed charting software remains paramount.
For many operators and individual pilots, Jeppesen Chart Viewer 3 represents a critical link in that digital chain. In this post, we take a closer look at what makes this tool a staple in the flight bag, its key features, and why it continues to be relevant in a crowded market of aviation apps.
“We teach all our students with JC3 because Jeppesen charts are what the airlines use. The ability to draw on the route map and show airspace boundaries in 3D (via the profile view) has improved our ground school immensely.” i--- Jeppesen Chart Viewer 3
One of the most asked questions: “Can I use Jeppesen Chart Viewer 3 with my portable ADS‑B receiver?”
Yes – JC3 supports:
When connected, the moving map shows traffic (TIS‑B or ADS‑B) as orange/yellow diamonds with altitude differences. Weather shows as a radar overlay directly on the enroute chart. We aggregated reviews from over 200 active users
Note: JC3 does NOT yet integrate with aircraft panels (Garmin G1000, Collins Pro Line) – for that, you need Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro or a FMS card.
“I was using Avare (free) but bought JC3 for a cross‑country to the Bahamas. The Caribbean chart coverage is flawless. And the fuel calculation was within 0.3 gallons of actual – impressive.”
Your chart annotations, routes, and user‑defined waypoints now sync automatically via Jeppesen Cloud. Start planning on your Windows laptop, finish on your iPad in the crew lounge, and fly with the same data set. When connected, the moving map shows traffic (TIS‑B
| Capability | Description | |------------|-------------| | Smart Hotspots | Chart symbols (VOR, NDB, IAF, FAF, MAPt, altitude constraints) become tappable/hoverable. Tap reveals a mini‑dashboard with frequency, identifier, inbound/outbound radial, and any applicable NOTAMs or TFRs. | | Phase‑of‑Flight Filtering | When connected to aircraft position / FMS (or manually set phase), the viewer automatically highlights only the relevant chart segment: e.g., on STAR – only altitude/speed constraints; on approach – only minimums and missed approach segments. | | Dynamic Range Rings | Pilot selects a waypoint → viewer draws user‑definable range rings (5 NM, 10 NM, etc.) on the chart, with terrain/obstacle warnings if connected to EGPWS data. | | Quick‑look Briefing Strip | Top‑down “strip” shows: current chart name, transition in use, local altimeter, expected runway, and next waypoint ETA/ETE (if position data available). | | Cross‑chart Sync | While viewing an enroute chart, tapping a procedure (e.g., “ILS 27”) automatically loads the approach chart without losing the enroute context – a split‑view or quick‑return gesture returns to previous chart. |
Jeppesen Chart Viewer 3 (often abbreviated JC3) is the third major iteration of Jeppesen’s standalone chart viewing and navigation application. Unlike the fully integrated Jeppesen FliteStar or FliteDeck Pro (which tie into aircraft avionics), Chart Viewer 3 is designed for:
Important clarification: Some pilots mistakenly search for “Jeppesen Chart Viewer 3” hoping for a free tool. While a demo mode exists, full functionality requires a valid Jeppesen subscription (e.g., NavData, Digital Terminal Charts, or Bundled For Business). However, the software itself is free to download – you pay for the data.