Entries by John Zimmerman

SkewTLogPro app helps upgrade your weather briefing

/9 Comments/in /by

It seems like there are two types of pilots: those who have never heard of Skew-T log (p) charts and true believers who know they are the source of all truth and knowledge about weather. The second group is overstating things just a bit, but the first group is definitely missing out on some helpful weather information. With a little training—and the affordable SkewTLogPro app—it’s easy to integrate Skew-T diagrams into your normal preflight routine. Here’s how to get started.

How to screenshot an entire web page in iOS 14

/1 Comment/in /by

Screenshots are one of the most useful built-in tools in iOS, whether you’re ordering takeout or planning a flight. It’s particularly handy for saving web pages that won’t be accessible in flight, so we find ourselves using all the time it for radar images, flight plan routing, and fly-in procedures. A new option in Safari makes this tool even more powerful.

What’s new in iPad flight bags

/1 Comment/in /by

The iPad may be called an Electronic Flight Bag, but most pilots still need a real flight bag to stay organized. Fortunately, a slew of new designs offers some great options for staying organized and protecting your aviation gear, without breaking the bank.

ForeFlight upgrades traffic alerts in version 13

/13 Comments/in /by

One year after the mandate, ADS-B Out has gone from a nuisance to a reality. Capitalizing on this new avionics environment, ForeFlight released new traffic features in version 13 of their popular app, making in-flight alerts more helpful. The app also offers an improved weather forecast view and a new approach minimums feature.

The best flight simulator apps for iPad (if you’re a pilot)

/13 Comments/in /by

Mention “flight simulator” right now and most pilots will think of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, but not everyone has a Windows computer that’s powerful enough to run MSFS, and sometimes you only have time for a quick sim session. For those reasons—and many more—there is still a thriving market in iPad-based flight simulators. Here are our top two choices.

Top iPad accessories for pilots – 2021 gear roundup

/in /by

The iPad makes a great all-in-one cockpit tool, combining maps, flight planning, weather, documents, and so much more. That doesn’t mean it stands on its own, though. A few carefully chosen accessories can make it so much more powerful and easy-to-use. Here’s our updated list of the accessories you should consider, and our top recommendations.

Overlooked iPad settings to consider before flying

/5 Comments/in /by

The iPad Settings app offers a dizzying array of options, from changing privacy options to adjusting screen brightness. As we’ve covered before, we think a quick preflight inspection of your iPad is a good idea, but there are a few more obscure settings that some pilots might also want to review. Here are three we’ve learned about the hard way.

Can you connect two Bluetooth devices to your iPad at one time?

/in /by

Bluetooth, once a cutting edge technology, is now woven into the fabric of daily life, from the kitchen to the car. As simple as it seems, though, Bluetooth can actually get pretty complicated, especially if you’re trying to pair your iPad to multiple devices. Let’s explore what the limitations are, and what a typical setup can support.

Understanding USB-C and Power Delivery

/2 Comments/in /by

In a world of competing standards (iOS or Android, Safari or Chrome, Garmin or Avidyne), USB seems like a simple and comforting exception. But now the familiar USB-A port is slowly fading away. Here’s what you need to know about USB-C plugs and what Power Delivery means.