What’s the best iPad for Pilots – 2026 Edition
Buying your first iPad or upgrading an older one? We break down the differences between each and give some insight for those looking to buy.
Author Archive for: bkoebbe
Entries by Bret Koebbe
ADS-B Quiz for Pilots: Test Your Datalink Weather Knowledge
The free datalink weather component of the ADS-B network has been a big hit with iPad pilots flying with portable ADS-B receivers. But how well do you really know the system? Test your knowledge here in our latest quiz.
The 10 Best Weather Apps for Pilots—2026 Edition
There are thousands of weather apps for the general public, from free to quite expensive. These are great for deciding whether you need a jacket tomorrow, but when it comes to aviation weather—looking at thunderstorms, ice, turbulence, visibility and so much more—these apps just aren’t enough. So we’ll focus on apps that offer more for pilots, both free and paid.
What to Do When Your iPad Gets Too Hot (or Too Cold) in the Cockpit
The iPad is a powerful tool in the cockpit, but it’s still a consumer electronic device at heart—sensitive to temperature extremes. As summer flying ramps up, take a few precautions to protect your iPad from overheating.
Electronic flight bag legal briefing for pilots—2026 edition
Each year we publish a plain-language review of the FARs and Advisory Circulars pertaining to the use of iPads and electronic flight bags in the cockpit. This is great information for pilots looking to make the transition from paper charts to an iPad, but should also be reviewed by experienced iPad pilots as well.
How to Configure ICAO Equipment Codes for VFR and IFR Flight Plans
Filing a VFR or IFR flight plan today is a breeze with today’s aviation iPad apps, but entering all the required aircraft data to meet the ICAO requirements of the form can be a bit confusing. Here we’ll break it down in plain English to help you understand each requirement.
iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.5
Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 for iPhone and iPad with security fixes and several new features. As with any software update, we recommend waiting until your app or accessory developer has time to test it and verify there are no compatibility issues.
How to Customize the Control Center on Your iPad or iPhone
Control Center on iPhone and iPad has evolved into a fully customizable tool for quick access to key system settings. For pilots using an iPad as an EFB, it’s an efficient way to manage connectivity, brightness, Focus mode, and other essential controls without leaving your aviation app.
Flying with Starlink: Tips, Setup, and Real-World Performance
High-speed internet in a piston airplane? Starlink is making it possible. Based on real-world flights, we explore performance, mounting options, and what pilots need to know about hardware, coverage, and changing plan options.
Engine out? How to use ForeFlight’s new Emergency Glide feature
ForeFlight’s latest update is now available on the App Store and includes Emergency Glide Mode to help pilots identify the best place to land in the event of engine failure.
Sentry ADS-B Receivers for ForeFlight – comparing all three models
Sentry is a family of compact, affordable ADS-B receivers specifically made for ForeFlight. In addition to popular features like subscription-free weather and traffic, some Sentry models also include a carbon monoxide detector to warn of dangerous conditions in the cockpit and an automatic flight data recorder.
iPad Storage Full? 8 Ways to Free Up Space Before Your Next Flight (2026 Update)
It has happened to almost every pilot: you’re ready to download a new app or update your charts for an upcoming flight, and you get the dreaded “iPad Storage Full” message. Over time, as you download more apps, take more photos, and store more aviation data, your device can run out of space—usually at the worst possible time. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to clean things up and free up space before your next flight.
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