Top 10 apps for Student Pilots

9. MyRadar

There are literally hundreds of radar apps in the App Store, and with good reason—checking the radar is an essential task for pilots. Almost all of these apps use the same data (from the National Weather Service), so it’s mostly how this data is presented that distinguishes apps from each other. One of our favorites is MyRadar. It’s free, fast, and easy to use, with high-quality looping radar and simple controls. And there are some nice aviation features in there too, like an AIRMETs and TFR overlay. They even offer a CarPlay app to view radar imagery on driving maps in your car).

MyRadar is free to download in the App Store. An annual subscription to Aviation Charts (Sectionals and IFR En Route) is $24.99.

8. CloudAhoy

This powerful app makes it easy to record and debrief your flight lessons, complete with chart overlays, altitude graphs and automatic maneuver detection. Want to see how your S-turns across a road look? CloudAhoy will show you. Use the free app to record your flight, or upload track logs from ForeFlight.

CloudAhoy is free to download in the App Store; an annual subscription is $64.99.

7. LiveATC Air Radio

One of the best ways to learn ATC communication is to spend some time at a towered airport with a handheld radio and listen to the ATC/pilot interactions from the ground. This app allows you to do just that, but from anywhere you have an internet connection. LiveATC provides over 1,000 live audio feeds from all over the world of towered airport, approach and ARTCC frequencies.

LiveATC Air Radio is available for $3.99 in the App Store.

6. FAR/AIM

Every student pilot should carry a copy of the FAR/AIM with them, and this iPad app version makes it easier than ever. It includes all the applicable federal aviation regulations, the complete Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Pilot/Controller Glossary and more. Use the table of contents to go to a specific section, or use the search feature to quickly find what you’re looking for.

FAR/AIM is available for $9.99 in the App Store.

5. Plane English

This interactive radio simulator walks students through a variety of scenarios, from the basics of the phonetic alphabet to complicated taxi routes at busy airports. Follow the prompts and talk right to your phone or iPad. The app uses voice recognition and speech analysis to offer instantaneous feedback, so you know what needs work.

PlaneEnglish is available for free in the App Store; a VFR annual subscription is $59.99.

4. E6B Flight Computer

The E6B app from Sporty’s represents the next generation of flight computer, with its roots dating back to the mechanical version designed for military pilots. The powerful iPhone/iPad app expands on all the features of the traditional E6B, including 27 aviation functions, 22 conversions, basic calculator, and complete timer features. It’s a great way to determine groundspeed, density altitude and many other crucial performance calculations.

Sporty’s E6B flight computer is available for $9.99 in the App Store.

3. Infinite Flight Simulator

Ok, so this one might not help you pass your written test or solve a weight and balance problem, but it sure is a lot of fun! The simulation and aerodynamics are very realistic, allowing you to practice your maneuvers in the Cessna 172 or Cub. There’s even a training server where you can interact with other pilots and ATC in real-time to practice your communication skills. Infiite Flight recently announced an integration with Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course which allows students to seamlessly transition from watching instructional videos to flying simulated maneuvers.

Infinite Flight Simulator is available for free in the App Store but requires a paid subscription to enable full functionality.

2. ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot/FltPlan Go/FlyQ

A good Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) app is just about essential for a student pilot. These all-in-one planning and navigation apps can do an amazing number of tasks, from weather briefings to moving maps. There are many apps to choose from, but ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go and FlyQ are the most popular options, with ForeFlight firmly established at the top.

ForeFlight includes flight plan filing and weather briefings, digital sectionals and airport/facility directory, in-flight navigation when used with a GPS, in-flight weather (from ADS-B or SiriusXM receivers), and more. Instrument student pilots will also appreciate the included IFR en route and approach charts. There are even options for a checklist, digital logbook, and weight and balance calculations.

ForeFlight Mobile offers a 30-day trial free. A Basic Plus subscription is $120 annually or $240 for the Pro Plus subscription (includes all VFR/IFR charts and updates for the US).

1. Sporty’s Pilot Training app

Sporty’s Pilot Training app includes a wealth of training resources for student pilots all in one convenient app. The featured course in the app is Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which offers over 20 hours of engaging HD video training, written test prep, and a comprehensive resource library. Upon successful completion, the course also provides pilots with an endorsement take the official FAA knowledge test. It also offers a lot of free resources for student pilots, like digital FAA handbooks, a flight school finder, videos on how to start your flight training and a complete syllabus.

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course , and all included courses, are available to sample free with full course purchase available through the app.

The Pilot Training app offers access to nearly 30 aviation courses, including Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course, Aviation Weather, Flying with ForeFlight, Flight Review, Garmin G1000 Checkout, VFR and IFR Communications, Aerobatics, and transition courses for helicopters, seaplanes, gliders and multiengine airplanes. The Pilot Training app is also available for Android, AppleTV, AndroidTV, FireTV and RokuTV.