Entries by Bret Koebbe

Important iPad preflight considerations for iOS 11

The most recent iOS 11 software update for iPad and iPhone has been a success by all standards, with no major bugs reported since the public release. With that being said, there a few caveats pilots should be aware of after updating to iOS 11, related to GPS and the wireless controls in the new Control Center.

How to use ForeFlight’s weight and balance tool

ForeFlight’s helpful weight and balance tool allows you to quickly analyze last minute loading changes and will alert you if any parameters are outside your airplane’s envelope. To help you get going we’ll show you how to use this feature to create a custom aircraft profile and work through a typical calculation.

Pilot’s Guide to iOS 11

The much-anticipated iOS 11 software update is now available for your iPhone and iPad. There are several things pilots should take into consideration when deciding when to update, and we’ll cover them here. We’ll also take a look at several new iOS 11 features that pilots should take note of after updating.

Apple introduces 3 new iPhone models with wireless charging

Apple’s annual September get-together has become a highly anticipated event for technology fans, as the company usually announces new hardware and features just in time for Christmas shopping. This year was bigger than normal though, with the introduction of 3 new iPhone models and a new Apple Watch.

Video tip: Beyond the TAF – Other weather forecasts you should be looking at on your iPad

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is the most widely used weather forecast product by pilots, and for good reason. It’s updated 4 times daily by meteorologists and is the most accurate forecast available for local airport weather. The TAF is not perfect though and has some geographic limitations and size constraints. This week’s video tip shares some additional forecast tools in your favorite iPad app to supplement the information from the TAF during your preflight briefing.

Avionics training apps for iPad

Today’s modern avionics for GA airplanes have evolved from basic GPS and Nav/Comm radios to full flight management systems, providing pilots with extensive navigation capabilities and a wealth of in-flight information. Here’s a look at the various training app options for iPad to help you practice using these systems from Garmin, Avidyne and Aspen from the comfort of your home.

Quiz: How well do you know the ADS-B traffic system?

Portable ADS-B receivers for the iPad have made traffic in the cockpit much more accessible, but it can be challenging at times to know if you’re seeing everything that’s out there. Take this quiz and test if you can spot the traffic at 12 o’clock high or if you need to check your six.

MiraCheck brings audio checklists to iPad

A new app called MiraCheck recently hit the app store and takes the iPad checklist concept to a new level. By integrating voice controls and voice recognition, it provides a heads-up and hands-free way to run normal and emergency checklists in flight, turning your iPad into a virtual copilot.

iPad Connected Panel Buyer’s Guide

More and more connected panel options are hitting the market, allowing you to wirelessly connect your iPad to panel-mount GPS and ADS-B receivers. Here we’ll run down all the avionics options and review app compatibility.

Garmin Pilot video tips show how to use app’s unique features

The Garmin Pilot app has become so feature-rich that it can be tough to keep up with all of its capabilities. A few of our lesser-known favorites are the Freehand™ route planning tool, personal minimums, minimum weather requirement warnings and the Nearest map utility. Here is a series of video tips showing how to use each one on your next flight.