iPad Pilot News

Home flight simulators provide a cost-effective way to stay proficient with your IFR and VFR flying for times when you can't make it out to the airport. Here's a thorough guide covering how to use them with your favorite EFB app and training tips to get the most out of each session.

Apple recently released iOS and iPad OS 14.5, which marks the biggest update to the iOS 14 operating system to date. iOS 14.5 includes a long list of new features, including the ability to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch, AirTags support, 5G support for dual-SIM users, new emoji characters, an option to select a preferred music service to use with Siri, accidents/hazards/speed checks in Apple Maps and AirPlay 2 support for Fitness+.

ForeFlight recently released their biggest update for 2021 packed full of new features. The list includes a new dynamic wind and temperature view on the map, taxi routes, weather legends, airport 3D runway lighting, improved document importing, background downloads and new European Charts.

You can do almost everything on your iPad without touching a button—in fact, newer iPhone and iPad Pro models don’t even have a home button. 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. Once you get proficient with them, they can really save time in the cockpit.

AOPA recently presented a new webinar on how to effectively and legally use EFBs as a replacement for paper charts and traditional flight planning resources. Check out a video recording of the webinar here and learn how you can use your iPad and apps like ForeFlight to comply with the preflight requirements of FAR 91.103.

Since the iPad was first introduced in 2010, it has been marketed as a mobile consumer device. For the last several years we’ve seen signs of Apple attempting to consolidate their product lineup and...

The Live ATC Air Radio app provides a convenient method for listening to ATC audio feeds in a dedicated app for iPhone and iPad. The latest update adds a new improved interface and support for mixing ATC audio with other podcast and music apps.

For most pilots, a circling approach is not a part of regular flying, so it's definitely worth practicing with a flight instructor. To get the most out of that practice session, we like to record our flights with a data logger (Stratus 3, Garmin G1000, etc.) and then use an app like CloudAhoy for a detailed debriefing. With some recent updates, it's easier than ever to grade your performance on those three key components.

Airline pilots have rarely had access to ADS-B on their tablets, mostly due to app limitations and company restrictions. That is beginning to change with version 4.3.3 of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, the most popular app for airline pilots. FliteDeck Pro is powered by ForeFlight, and the partnership is obvious in the growing feature list, which now includes support for Sentry and Sentry Mini.

The FAA recently released a new Advisory Circular with practical advice on how to complete a self-weather briefing using the latest technology. Here's a review of what's included in the AC and key takeaways found in the new guidance.