The annual National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) show is always packed with news, and that means more than just business jets. ForeFlight kicked off the show with a number of announcements, including new multi-user flight planning tools, enhanced map options, and new airport information. Here’s what you need to know.
For the last six months, we’ve been flying with the Robust line of mounts in a variety of aircraft. As we mentioned in a previous product review, this collection of phone and tablet mounts offers excellent quality at surprisingly affordable prices. Until recently, the only options for a base were the standard yoke clamp and suction cup, but now there are three additional options.
There are certainly important differences in how features are implemented in different apps, but there haven’t been many truly new app features over the past few years. One exception is Garmin’s Emergency Mode. It’s simple, but thoughtfully designed and very useful. Here’s how to use it.
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.
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