Garmin Pilot widget menu

Weather planning with Garmin Pilot: widgets and flight profile

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One of Garmin Pilot's standout features is its split-screen mode. While many pilots know how to use split-screen for viewing approach charts or traffic, there are also some valuable tools for weather planning, both before takeoff and during cruise. Here's how to use the Widgets and Flight Profile features.
Arrival alert in app

Overlooked tools for learning about an airport in ForeFlight

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Flying to a new airport can be an intimidating experience, but with a little time spent studying ForeFlight you can learn a lot and enjoy a safer arrival at Big City International. This means more than just checking the runway layout and the tower frequency, though; in recent years, a number of new resources have become available. Here are five to check out.

How to scan documents into your favorite aviation app

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More and more pilots are going completely paperless in the cockpit, but that requires some paper documents to be scanned first. Fortunately, Apple includes some hidden capabilities in the Notes app, including the addition of a powerful scanner utility. This can be used to scan just about any type of physical document.
Garmin Pilot SV with pressure altitude

Understanding pressure altitude and GPS altitude in aviation apps

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If you've flown with synthetic vision for long, you've probably noticed that the speed and altitude don't match the panel. What's going on. The answer is pretty simple—the panel and the iPad are showing different data from different sources—but the details are important. Here's a somewhat geeky dive into the details.

Should you buy an iPad with a built-in GPS?

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It's a decision every pilot makes when purchasing a new iPad: should I spend the extra money and buy the model with an internal GPS? We recently went flying with a new iPad mini with a built-in GPS to test it out and help determine if it's the right upgrade for you.

Charging your iPad—it’s all about the watts

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Charging technology has come a long way since 2010 when the iPad first debuted. Here's what to look for when upgrading your charger and cables.

How to use the Sentry Plus advanced features (and unlock a new one)

Sentry Plus is the most capable ADS-B receiver on the market, providing a wealth of in-flight navigation, weather, traffic and safety awareness features. Here we're going to take a look at its advanced settings, to help you best customize it for your specific flight operation.
Multitasking iPad

iOS screen gestures: how to navigate your iPad faster

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You can do almost everything on your iPad without touching a button—in fact, all the new iPhone and iPad models have removed the home button completely. Whether it’s closing an app, switching apps, opening the control center, or searching for something, iOS has multiple gestures that can save time or unlock additional features.

Optimize your iPad’s location services setting options

The iPad's software settings allow you to customize which apps can use your location to improve the user experience. While this is essential for moving map navigation apps in the airplane, you'll find that it's not necessarily important for all types of apps to be able to access this data. Here we'll show you how to customize these settings to improve your iPad's battery life.

How to create your own iPad proficiency review

As the old saying goes, "train like you fly, fly like you train." If you fly with an iPad, don't hide it during your training flights. Better to make it an integral part of your proficiency program, whether you're on your own or with an instructor, including what to do if it fails. Here's a suggested list of topics to cover.

Can you use an iPad on a checkride? Advice from 3 FAA examiners

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While the iPad was introduced over nine years ago, some FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) still aren't comfortable with its use on a check ride. The good news is that these DPEs are increasingly rare, and as the podcast recording below explains, iPads are 100% allowed on check rides. Listen for some honest tips from three experienced DPEs.
ForeFlight send Flight to Logbook

Using the Flights tab in ForeFlight—pro tips

ForeFlight's Maps page can be a pilot's best friend, since it's packed with visual planning tools and helpful information. But for experienced pilots, especially those who file IFR or fly high performance airplanes, the Flights tab offers a wealth of powerful features. Here are six that are often overlooked.