Home : iPad Pilot News

The top 20 apps for pilots – 2026 edition

February 24, 2026/by Bret Koebbe

How to Improve Your iPad’s Battery Life

February 19, 2026/by John Zimmerman

Product Report: Flight Gear Smart Suction Mount

iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.3

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: key differences to help you decide

Advanced Tips

Weather planning with Garmin Pilot: widgets and flight profile

How to use ForeFlight’s graphical weight and balance feature

6 ForeFlight Features You Probably Aren’t Using

Apple brings blood oxygen monitoring back to Apple Watch

Video Tips

Apps

The top 20 apps for pilots – 2026 edition

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: key differences to help you decide

Top Apple Watch features and apps for pilots

The Best Flight Simulator Apps for iPad

Accessories

Product Report: Flight Gear Smart Suction Mount

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus adds full color screen

The Best iPad Kneeboards for Pilots: 5 Top Picks for 2026

Beginner Tips

How to Improve Your iPad’s Battery Life

How to find your iPad model number

Do I really need to use Airplane Mode on my iPad or iPhone Pilot?

Best iPad Pilot Gifts for 2025

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

The top 20 apps for pilots – 2026 edition

February 24, 2026

/

0 Comments

There are thousands of apps that are useful for pilots, from flight training and weather briefings to calculators and games. With that in mind, compiling a list of the top apps may seem foolish, but once again we're going to try—after all, a brand new iPad pilot needs to start somewhere. This list isn't necessarily our 20 favorite apps, but rather the ones we see in use most often.

How to Improve Your iPad’s Battery Life

February 19, 2026

/

0 Comments

One of the most under-appreciated features of the iPad is its fantastic battery life. Even with a high-resolution screen and a powerful processor, Apple's tablet offers a battery life of 4 to 6 (or more) hours in the air—better than almost every other competing tablet. But there are a number of things you can do to improve the performance of your iPad battery and keep it in top working condition.

Product Report: Flight Gear Smart Suction Mount

February 13, 2026

/

0 Comments

The Flight Gear Smart Suction Mount uses an electric suction system with a mechanical lock, creating a firm, confident hold on smooth cockpit surfaces like glass or clean panels. Press it into place, and you’ll actually hear it lock down. It’s a reassuring detail for the flight deck.

iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.3

February 12, 2026

/

6 Comments

Apple has released iOS and iPadOS 26.3 for iPhone and iPad, which adds an easier way to switch to Android, new privacy controls, updated wallpapers and security updates.

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: key differences to help you decide

February 10, 2026

/

15 Comments

You bought an iPad to use in the airplane and now it's time to make a decision on which app is best for your aviation chart and data needs. Here we'll take a look at 3 standout features from each app that serve as key differentiators.

ForeFlight Video Tip: Creating Flight Binders

February 6, 2026

/

0 Comments

Organizing your charts and procedures for a flight just got is a lot easier using ForeFlight. In this video tip, we’ll show you how to create and use flight binders—a simple way to keep all your departure, approach, and airport charts organized for every trip. Whether you’re planning ahead from the Maps section or adding charts manually, flight binders let you access everything you need quickly and efficiently, right from the Plates section of the app.

How to find your iPad model number

February 3, 2026

/

1 Comment

If you're shopping for a mount or kneeboard you'll quickly have to answer the question, "which iPad do I have?" It's not always as simple as it might sound, so if you're not sure which model you have, you're not alone. If you need to look that information up here’s how to do so.

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

January 30, 2026

/

0 Comments

ForeFlight remains the heavyweight in the EFB world, but with more capable options than ever—and subscription prices that make pilots pause—we’re hearing a familiar question: Should I stick with what I know, or is it time to look around?

Sporty’s Pilot Training App Adds Stunning New Seaplane Rating Course

January 27, 2026

/

0 Comments

Pilots who want to trade the runway for the water now have a new reason to open the Sporty’s Pilot Training app. The app has been updated with a completely new Seaplane Rating Course, combining expert instruction, immersive visuals, and practical training that prepares pilots for the unique challenges of flying on water.

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus adds full color screen

January 23, 2026

/

0 Comments

Garmin's new inReach Mini 3 Plus adds a full color screen and allows pilots to send texts, photos and voice messages in flight via a satellite connection.

Top Apple Watch features and apps for pilots

January 19, 2026

/

0 Comments

There are a lot of aviation apps out there that allow you to access useful aviation and weather data from your wrist. Here we'll take a look at the top weather and aviation apps for Apple Watch, along with how to take advantage of some of the standard Apple Watch features on your next flight.

ForeFlight Quiz: Advanced map challenge

January 14, 2026

/

2 Comments

ForeFlight's moving map screen provides nearly every piece of information a VFR or IFR pilot needs during a flight. Take our latest quiz to see if you know how to access some of its hidden features.

The top 20 apps for pilots – 2026 edition

How to Improve Your iPad’s Battery Life

Advanced Tips

Video Tips

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

Webinar Video: Flying with Your iPad as a Digital Copilot

ForeFlight Video Tip: Packing For a Flight

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

Latest Articles

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

RECENT ARTICLES

RECENT COMMENTS