Home : iPad Pilot News

Electronic flight bag legal briefing for pilots—2026 edition

May 29, 2026/by Bret Koebbe

How to Configure ICAO Equipment Codes for VFR and IFR Flight Plans

May 26, 2026/by Bret Koebbe

iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.5

PilotWorkshops’ Mastery series now available in the Sporty’s Pilot Training app

Glide2 app review: planning the impossible turn before takeoff

Advanced Tips

How to Configure ICAO Equipment Codes for VFR and IFR Flight Plans

How to Customize the Control Center on Your iPad or iPhone

Does Your EFB Backup Plan Pass the Test?

Use ForeFlight Debrief to grade and score every flight

Video Tips

Apps

PilotWorkshops’ Mastery series now available in the Sporty’s Pilot Training app

Glide2 app review: planning the impossible turn before takeoff

Engine out? How to use ForeFlight’s new Emergency Glide feature

Master ForeFlight with New “Power Users” Training from Sporty’s and ForeFlight

Accessories

Product PIREP: Bluebird Aero iPad Case

Flying with Starlink: Tips, Setup, and Real-World Performance

Garmin introduces D2 Mach 2 Pro smartwatch with LTE, Iridium

Beginner Tips

Electronic flight bag legal briefing for pilots—2026 edition

iPad Storage Full? 8 Ways to Free Up Space Before Your Next Flight (2026 Update)

How to Improve Your iPad’s Battery Life

How to find your iPad model number

Quizzes

Quiz: What do these aviation iPad app acronyms mean?

iPad Pilot’s Charging Quiz: Is Your Battery Ready for Takeoff?

Getting Started

iPad Frequently Asked Questions for Pilots

June 28, 2024/by Bret Koebbe

Pilot’s guide to the iPad – how to get started

January 20, 2020/by Bret Koebbe

Pilot’s guide to the iPad – how to get started

January 13, 2017/by John Zimmerman

iOS Update Green Light Program

Latest Articles

Electronic flight bag legal briefing for pilots—2026 edition

May 29, 2026

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Each year we publish a plain-language review of the FARs and Advisory Circulars pertaining to the use of iPads and electronic flight bags in the cockpit. This is great information for pilots looking to make the transition from paper charts to an iPad, but should also be reviewed by experienced iPad pilots as well.

How to Configure ICAO Equipment Codes for VFR and IFR Flight Plans

May 26, 2026

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1 Comment

Filing a VFR or IFR flight plan today is a breeze with today's aviation iPad apps, but entering all the required aircraft data to meet the ICAO requirements of the form can be a bit confusing. Here we'll break it down in plain English to help you understand each requirement.

iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.5

May 25, 2026

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9 Comments

Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 for iPhone and iPad with security fixes and several new features. As with any software update, we recommend waiting until your app or accessory developer has time to test it and verify there are no compatibility issues.

PilotWorkshops’ Mastery series now available in the Sporty’s Pilot Training app

May 19, 2026

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The Sporty’s Pilot Training app has steadily evolved from a course viewer into one of the most capable aviation training platforms available for pilots using the iPad. The latest addition continues that trend, with PilotWorkshops’ popular VFR Mastery and IFR Mastery series now fully integrated into the online platform and dedicated app for iOS.

Glide2 app review: planning the impossible turn before takeoff

May 15, 2026

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The so-called “impossible turn”—attempting to return to the runway after an engine failure on departure—has been debated by pilots for decades. While some instructors teach it as a viable option under the right conditions, others warn that attempting the maneuver too low can quickly become unrecoverable. A new app called Glide2 attempts to bring more structure to that decision-making process.

How to Customize the Control Center on Your iPad or iPhone

May 13, 2026

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Control Center on iPhone and iPad has evolved into a fully customizable tool for quick access to key system settings. For pilots using an iPad as an EFB, it’s an efficient way to manage connectivity, brightness, Focus mode, and other essential controls without leaving your aviation app.

Product PIREP: Bluebird Aero iPad Case

May 8, 2026

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The new Bluebird Aero iPad Case for iPad Mini 6/7 combines active cooling, backup power, and mounting flexibility into a single, purpose-built case for pilots using the iPad Mini.

Does Your EFB Backup Plan Pass the Test?

May 5, 2026

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4 Comments

You’re cruising along at 6,500 feet, glancing down at your iPad to review the weather ahead. Then, suddenly—it goes dark. Maybe it overheated, maybe the battery died, or maybe the app just froze. Whatever the cause, your trusty iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) is now an expensive paperweight. Now what? A good backup plan starts with a simple rule: two of everything.

Flying with Starlink: Tips, Setup, and Real-World Performance

May 1, 2026

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6 Comments

High-speed internet in a piston airplane? Starlink is making it possible. Based on real-world flights, we explore performance, mounting options, and what pilots need to know about hardware, coverage, and changing plan options.

Engine out? How to use ForeFlight’s new Emergency Glide feature

April 27, 2026

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2 Comments

ForeFlight's latest update is now available on the App Store and includes Emergency Glide Mode to help pilots identify the best place to land in the event of engine failure.

Garmin introduces D2 Mach 2 Pro smartwatch with LTE, Iridium

April 24, 2026

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As we reported last fall, the Garmin D2 Air X15 and D2 Mach 2 smartwatches pack an incredible number of features into attractive pilot watches. Now Garmin has added a new top-of-the-line model, the D2 Mach 2 Pro, which includes built-in connectivity features that make it a truly standalone tool.

Starlink Update: New Aviation Plans, More Data, and In-Flight Speed Limits Explained

April 23, 2026

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15 Comments

If you’ve been using Starlink to stay connected in the cockpit, Starlink just issued an important update that’s worth understanding before your next trip. Here’s the plain-English version of what changed, what your options are, and how to decide whether an Aviation plan makes sense for you.

Electronic flight bag legal briefing for pilots—2026 edition

How to Configure ICAO Equipment Codes for VFR and IFR Flight Plans

Advanced Tips

Video Tips

ForeFlight Video Tip: Accessing Airport Information

ForeFlight Video Tip: Sharing Your Flight

ForeFlight Video Tip: Creating Flight Binders

Shopping for a Flight Planning App? Start With How You Fly

ForeFlight Video Tip: Creating a Weight and Balance

Video: RNAV Approach with Garmin SmartCharts

Apps

Accessories

Beginner Tips

Quizzes

Getting Started

iPad Frequently Asked Questions for Pilots

Pilot’s guide to the iPad – how to get started

Pilot’s guide to the iPad – how to get started

iOS Update Green Light Program

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