Entries by Bret Koebbe

Creating your own iPad proficiency review

As the old saying goes, “train like you fly, fly like you train.” If you fly with an iPad, don’t hide it during your training flights. Better to make it an integral part of your proficiency program, whether you’re on your own or with an instructor, including what to do if it fails. Here’s a suggested list of topics to cover.

iPad Proficiency Check webinar recording

The webinar was presented by Bret Koebbe, a pilot at Sporty’s Pilot Shop and editor of iPad Pilot News. This info-packed presentation explored topics applicable to pilots of all iPad experience levels.

How to mark up charts in your aviation app

Many aviation apps offer the ability to add annotations and markups directly on charts. With the Apple Pencil (or even a “dumb” stylus), it’s even easier. Here we’re going to show you how to use this feature in several apps and offer tips on how to make make the most of them during your flying.

Understanding Sentry ADS-B settings

The latest generation of ADS-B receivers now offer subscription-free weather, traffic, GPS, backup attitude, pressure altitude and carbon monoxide monitoring. As the feature list has grown, the options and settings list has also grown. In this post, we’ll walk through the various options for configuring your Sentry, so you can get the most out of your investment.

New Get Started Learning to Fly course available in Pilot Training app

Sporty’s Pilot Training app has helped tens of thousands of pilots earn their pilot certificate, add new ratings, learn how to use a wide variety of advanced avionics systems and get checked out in new aircraft types. The latest update adds a new free Get Started Learning to Fly course, as well as lots of new content in the Instrument Rating and ForeFlight courses.

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.

The 10 best weather apps for pilots

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.

Quiz: Flying with the iPad, fact vs. fiction

There are many misconceptions among pilots related to the iPad’s capabilities in the cockpit. Take our latest quiz based on questions we’ve received from pilots over the last 12 months to see if you know the difference between iPad fact and fiction, and hopefully learn a few things along the way.