Flashlight and charger

All-in-one backup: combination flashlight and USB battery pack

Flying with backup is part of any smart pilot's pre-flight plan. For us, that usually means at least a flashlight and a battery pack, since both come in handy on almost every flight. A new device is worth considering, since it combines those essential tools into one convenient product.
BoxElder

How do I mount my tablet or phone in a helicopter?

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Where to mount a tablet in a helicopter is a tricky question since the pilot typically has both hands on the controls at all times and there is no yoke to use for mounting as there is in an airplane. The high vibration environment can also pose some unique challenges. Here's our advice.

New RAM Perfect Fit Cradles released for iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ models

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The iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9" models are hands down the best full-size iPads for pilots, and you can now secure them in the cockpit with RAM's EZ-Roll’r form-fitting cradles.

ADS-B vs. SiriusXM datalink weather – what’s the difference?

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If you're considering a datalink weather receiver for your iPad (like a Sentry, Stratus, or GDL), one of the first decisions you'll face is the source of your weather data: ADS-B or SiriusXM? Here's a review of the similarities and differences, plus our advice for choosing the right solution.
Flight Gear Small Backup Battery

Sporty’s adds smaller Flight Gear Battery Pack

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Last year at Oshkosh 2018, Sporty's introduced a handy battery pack that is specifically made for pilots. We loved it from the start and we've carried it on every flight. Now there's a new option with the same great features but in a more compact size and at a lower price. Here's a look at the specs.

ForeFlight introduces Sentry Mini ADS-B Receiver

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Now there’s an affordable and easy-to-use option for flying with ADS-B weather and traffic. Sentry Mini, introduced this week at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, is an incredibly small, lightweight ADS-B receiver that’s specifically made for ForeFlight. It delivers subscription-free datalink weather, including radar, lightning, METARs, TAFs, and TFRs, plus dual band ADS-B traffic and WAAS GPS position. All these features are packed into a case that weighs less than two ounces and is smaller than a deck of cards.

How to mount your iPhone in the cockpit

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The larger iPhone 7, 8, X and XS models are finding a home in many cockpits, as pilots come to appreciate larger screens on these new phones. Regardless of how you use your iPhone, it's smart to secure it in the cockpit. Here are a few options from RAM and MyGoFlight that offer convenient ways to keep them stable.
Flight Outfitters iPad kneeboard

Kneeboard options for iPad Pro models

The latest generation of iPad Pro models from Apple are some of the most powerful tablets ever made, with desktop-class performance and vibrant screens. However, the gorgeous screens come with one minor footnote: their edge-to-edge design means not all kneeboards work well with them.

ADS-B weather adds new product, faster radar updates

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One of the promises of ADS-B datalink weather (technically called FIS-B) was that it would improve over time, with new weather products and better performance coming out free of charge. Over the last month, tens of thousands of pilots flying with subscription-free ADS-B weather have seen even more new products appear. It doesn't require any new hardware, just an update to the latest version of ForeFlight. 
Robust mount

How do I mount my iPad in the airplane?

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Securing your iPad while you fly is important for safety (to prevent your tablet from flying around the cockpit), but also for convenience (to keep it close by and easy to use). There are plenty of different mounts to choose from, but they aren't all universal. Which one is right for you? It depends a lot on the type of airplane you fly. Let's look at some examples.

Product PIREP video: Robust Mounting Systems

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Robust Mounts feature universal cradles (one for tablets, one for phones) that adapt to different sizes and can even accommodate cases. In addition to the suction cup mount, there's now a yoke mount option, making this a solid contender for GA pilots. To test it out in real world conditions, we recently took the Robust Mounts flying in a Cessna 172. Here's our video report.
Stratus 3 on dash

Which ADS-B or SiriusXM weather receiver should I buy?

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A common question we get at iPad Pilot News lately: "which ADS-B receiver should I buy?" With all the options (over a dozen at last count), it's easy to get confused. Here, we'll try to offer a practical guide to choosing the right ADS-B receiver. We will focus on the most popular models.