We’ve long considered CloudAhoy to be a hidden gem in the world of aviation apps. While it has a vibrant community of users, we think more pilots would benefit from its data-driven approach to flight training and proficiency. This week the company released a major update, with version 6.0 and a new Pro level subscription hitting the market.
While the iPad was introduced over nine years ago, some FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) still aren’t comfortable with its use on a check ride. The good news is that these DPEs are increasingly rare, and as the podcast recording below explains, iPads are 100% allowed on check rides. Listen for some honest tips from three experienced DPEs.
Garmin’s GDL series of weather receivers is a mainstay of the portable avionics market, offering an excellent mix of features and growing compatibility lists. Fortunately, Garmin now offers PMA versions of their remote mount models, called the GDL 50R/51R/52R, so they can be installed in certificated aircraft without breaking any rules.
Confused by ADS-B traffic? We’ll explain why traffic is sometimes complete and sometimes quite limited, with this series of graphics. Whether you’re flying with just a portable receiver or a full avionics stack, you’ll know what to expect.
Earlier this year we reviewed a unique new carbon monoxide detector, the Aithre Shield, that used a free app to offer precise monitoring of the cockpit environment. Now the company has added oxygen system monitoring to the mix, with an updated app and a new accessory called Altus.
Flying with backup is part of any smart pilot’s pre-flight plan. For us, that usually means at least a flashlight and a battery pack, since both come in handy on almost every flight. A new device is worth considering, since it combines those essential tools into one convenient product.
Where to mount a tablet in a helicopter is a tricky question since the pilot typically has both hands on the controls at all times and there is no yoke to use for mounting as there is in an airplane. The high vibration environment can also pose some unique challenges. Here’s our advice.
For most pilots, learning to talk on the radio is a challenge – right up there with crosswind landings on the list of struggles. While learning to crab and slip still requires plenty of time in the airplane, some new technology makes it much easier to perfect those communication skills. The latest example is PlaneEnglish, an app for Android and iOS devices that uses speech recognition to coach you through different scenarios.
ForeFlight has gained a loyal following in part by continuously adding features, so the ForeFlight of two years ago looks almost unrecognizable today. That’s great news for pilots, who get powerful new tools seemingly every month, but it does mean that some features occasionally get lost in the shuffle. Here’s a look at five helpful features in ForeFlight that you may not be using.
On a recent flight we got to try Fltplan Go when connected to a Garmin Flight Stream 510, and came away impressed. While Fltplan Go is not as polished and powerful as the Garmin Pilot app, it still packs a number of useful features into a free app, including weather and flight plan transfer.
If you’re considering a datalink weather receiver for your iPad (like a Sentry, Stratus, or GDL), one of the first decisions you’ll face is the source of your weather data: ADS-B or SiriusXM? Here’s a review of the similarities and differences, plus our advice for choosing the right solution.
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.
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