Beginner’s guide to flying with an iPad—how to get started

It’s hard to imagine climbing into a modern cockpit without an iPad nearby. What started as an easy-to-use consumer tablet has evolved into an indispensable digital copilot for pilots everywhere. Whether you’re using it for preflight planning, synthetic vision, or real-time weather, the iPad makes flying safer, faster, and far less cluttered.

If you’re new to flying with an EFB, starting out can feel overwhelming with so many app choices, mounts, and hardware options available. We’ve brought together our top beginner tutorials, legal briefings, and app recommendations into one easy-to-navigate resource to help you get off the ground with confidence.

Step 1: Videos

The best way for any new iPad pilot to start out is by watching some in-depth videos. These resources are packed with information for the beginning pilot:

Flying with the iPad – Your Digital Copilot

Step 2: Which iPad and Which Apps?

• Which iPad Should I Buy?
• Should pilots buy an iPad with built-in GPS?
• Top 20 Aviation Apps
• ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot
• Which ForeFlight subscription plan is right for me?
• Top 10 Weather Apps for Pilots
• Top Apple Watch Features for Pilots
• Best Simulator Apps
• Aviation App Directory

Step 3: Essential Operating Tips

• iPad Preflight Checklist
• iPad Settings to Check Before Your Next Flight
• Best Way to Clean Your iPad
• How to Customize Your Control Center
• iPad Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Optimize iPad Battery Life
• iPad Legal Briefing for Pilots
• Flying with your iPad at Night
• What to do when your iPad gets too hot (or too cold)
• App Troubleshooting Techniques for Pilots
• Annual Maintenance Checklist for Your iPad
• Top 10 Mistakes iPad Pilots Make

Step 4: Mounting and Backup Power Options

• Starlink Mini Mounting Options
• How to mount your iPhone in the cockpit
• Best iPad Kneeboards
• Charging Your iPad
• Backup Battery Roundup

Step 5: Accessories

• Flying with Starlink
• Sentry ADS-B Receivers
• iPad-friendly flight bags

Is there an iPad topic that we have not covered and you’d like to know more about? Post a comment below or send us an email at [email protected].

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iPad Pilot News Staff

iPad Pilot News (IPN) cuts through the tech clutter to help pilots get the most from their iPad EFBs. Published by Sporty’s Pilot Shop—the world’s largest pilot shop and a top developer of iPad apps and accessories—IPN keeps pilots informed, efficient, and connected in the cockpit.

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