iPad Pilot News

The heavyweight fight between ForeFlight and Garmin continues. The same week ForeFlight released its biggest update in recent memory, Garmin unveiled their own app update, version 10.1. This is hardly the big overhaul that ForeFlight delivered, but it does offer some nice additions and thoughtful modifications to popular features.

Insurance might seem like a very conservative industry, one that would resist the march of technology as long as possible. That's true in some ways (ever faxed an insurance renewal form in after filling out the same information five times?), but a new app from Starr Aviation is a refreshing change. It offers pilots the option to purchase renter's insurance right from the app, and the ability to track flying skill over time.

ForeFlight released its much-anticipated update this week, adding full support for iPad split-screen multitasking. This major update also adds the ability to edit the tab order on the bottom of the screen, internet-sourced traffic display, reorganized Airports screen layout and a few small improvements to the Maps screen.

iOS 13.5 speeds up access to the passcode field on devices with Face ID when you are wearing a face mask and introduces the ‌Exposure Notification‌ API to support COVID-19 contact tracing apps from public health authorities. This update also introduces an option to control automatic prominence of video tiles on Group ‌FaceTime‌ calls and includes bug fixes and other improvements.

Considering your first iPad or upgrading your old one? There are a lot of options. In this article, we'll walk you through all the options, then offer our choice for the best overall aviation tablet.

There are thousands of weather apps for the general public, from free to quite expensive. These are great for deciding whether you need a jacket tomorrow, but when it comes to aviation weather--looking at thunderstorms, ice, turbulence, visibility and so much more--these apps just aren't enough. So we'll focus on apps that offer more for pilots, both free and paid.

With the threat of coronavirus hanging over most segments of aviation, many pilots are  getting a quick education on proper cleaning procedures. Wiping down the yokes, avionics, and door handles after each flight has become standard practice at many flight schools, flying clubs, and charter companies. That focus on cleanliness extends to tablets and phones too—but what is safe?

There are many misconceptions among pilots related to the iPad's capabilities in the cockpit. Take our latest quiz based on questions we've received from pilots over the last 12 months to see if you know the difference between iPad fact and fiction, and hopefully learn a few things along the way.

CloudAhoy started life as a desktop app and, until recently, the user interface reflected that heritage. While the feature list is long and impressive, some of the options were a little hard to use—especially on a mobile device. The company knows that more and more pilots are debriefing on their iPads, so they have redesigned the Debrief section of the app to be easier to use. Here's a look at the new layout.

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.