ADS-B weather vs. SiriusXM satellite weather—comparing the options
If you're considering a datalink weather receiver for your iPad (like a Sentry, Stratus, or GDL), one of the first decisions you'll face is the source of your weather data: ADS-B or SiriusXM? Both are reliable systems that deliver the same key information, so neither one is a bad choice. But there are important differences to consider. Let's review each option.
Optimize your iPad’s location services settings
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.
ForeFlight 12.6 brings 3D weather view and overheat alerts
ForeFlight has always been strong in the preflight weather department, both in terms of providing forecasts that are hard to find online and in simplifying their display. Version 12.6 of the app takes a step in the direction of simplicity, plus adds a helpful iPad warning. Here's a review.
AOPA app adds new leaderboards to Pilot Passport feature
The latest update to the AOPA app adds new leaderboards to promote friendly competition among pilots based on unique experiences, like most grass runways visited or landings at a Class B airport.
Worried about battery life? Use Apple’s built-in utility
Pilots tend to focus more on optimizing the iPad's battery life than the average iPad user, since this is critical to keeping the device functioning in the airplane over the course of a flight. Fortunately, there's a dedicated utility in the main iPad settings to help shed some light on which apps are using the most power, possibly while running in the background.
How to keep your iPad from overheating in flight
Based on an iPad Pilot News reader survey we conducted, over 70% of respondents reported that they have had the iPad shut down on them at least once in flight due to overheating. This is by far the most common problem reported by pilots when flying with an iPad, but it can be prevented with a little bit of planning and preparation.
iOS Update Green Light Program
LATEST ARTICLES
ForeFlight 12.6 brings 3D weather view and overheat alerts
ForeFlight has always been strong in the preflight weather department, both in terms of providing forecasts that are hard to find online and in simplifying their display. Version 12.6 of the app takes a step in the direction of simplicity, plus adds a helpful iPad warning. Here's a review.
Video tip – How to incorporate the iPad into flight training
Many students beginning their training often ask the question “is the iPad the right tool for me in my flight training?” To help with the decision, Dave Zitt, a senior flight instructor at Sporty's Academy, shares his thoughts on best practices for incorporating the iPad as an EFB when learning to fly.
Quiz: Your iPad just quit on you in flight, now what?
The iPad is one of the most stable computing platforms available today, but it is still susceptible to external factors that can cause it to become unresponsive in flight. Test your iPad troubleshooting knowledge in our latest quiz and learn how to avoid potential pitfalls when using the iPad in the cockpit.
Pilot Report: Flying with Garmin Connext and your iPad
Garmin's Connext system allows you to wirelessly connect your iPad using Bluetooth to the Garmin avionics in your panel, and send ADS-B weather and traffic, GPS position data, flight plan information, AHRS and more right to the ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot apps. Here's a look at how it works in our latest Pilot Report.
ADS-B weather vs. SiriusXM satellite weather—comparing the options
If you're considering a datalink weather receiver for your iPad (like a Sentry, Stratus, or GDL), one of the first decisions you'll face is the source of your weather data: ADS-B or SiriusXM? Both are reliable systems that deliver the same key information, so neither one is a bad choice. But there are important differences to consider. Let's review each option.
iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 13.6
Apple recently released a major update, version 13.6, which adds a variety of new features and bug fixes. iOS 13.6 adds support for digital car keys, introduces audio stories in Apple News+, and contains a new symptoms category in the Health app. This release also includes bug fixes and improvements.
AOPA app adds new leaderboards to Pilot Passport feature
The latest update to the AOPA app adds new leaderboards to promote friendly competition among pilots based on unique experiences, like most grass runways visited or landings at a Class B airport.
Pilot Training app grows to 27 courses with new aerobatics training
Sporty's Pilot Training app (available for both iOS and Android devices) has grown dramatically over the last few years to become a comprehensive aviation library for any pilot interested in improving their flying skills. The latest addition is a new aerobatics course from well-known airshow pilot Patty Wagstaff, which dives into the exciting world of loops, rolls, and spins.
Optimize your iPad’s location services settings
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.
Garmin Pilot adds tab bar interface and new features
The latest Garmin Pilot update adds a familiar new interface option to the app in the form of a tab bar at the bottom of the screen. The update also adds a new live track log function and Garmin's smart Route Data chart download function to the Trip Planning screen.
