Each year we publish a plain-language review of the FARs and Advisory Circulars pertaining to the use of iPads and electronic flight bags in the cockpit. This is great information for pilots looking to make the transition from paper charts to an iPad, but should also be reviewed by experienced iPad pilots as well.
Securing your iPad while you fly is important for safety (to prevent your tablet from flying around the cockpit), but also for convenience (to keep it close by and easy to use). There are plenty of different mounts to choose from, but they aren’t all universal. Which one is right for you? It depends a lot on the type of airplane you fly. Let’s look at some examples.
The reality is modern EFB apps can do so much, and it’s worth taking the time to sit down on a rainy day on the couch and explore their hidden features. It’ll help you break out of your iPad routine and improve your preflight planning and in-flight situational awareness. To get you started, here are 5 lesser-known features in the Garmin Pilot app to check out before the next flight.
A common question we get at iPad Pilot News lately: “which ADS-B receiver should I buy?” With all the options (over a dozen at last count), it’s easy to get confused. Here, we’ll try to offer a practical guide to choosing the right ADS-B receiver. We will focus on the most popular models.
Instrument flying with an iPad these days has never been more convenient. You can file IFR flight plans, view in-flight datalink radar to avoid thunderstorms, and see your real-time location right on the instrument approach chart. This only scratches the surface on what an iPad can do when flying IFR – here are 6 additional tips you can use on your next instrument flight when using the ForeFlight app.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an ever-present threat in piston airplanes, especially in winter when heating systems can introduce the deadly exhaust gas into the cabin. There’s a new CO detector on the market that includes a smartphone app for additional monitoring. Here’s a look at what it can do.
Sporty’s FAR/AIM app for iPhone and iPad has been a popular option for many years, but a recent update adds some helpful new features. The app is continuously updated as regulations change, and a one-time purchase includes all updates. Just buy it once and you’ll always be up to date.
Digital logbooks have been around for many years, but ForeFlight’s introduction of this feature in late 2015 seems to have turbocharged adoption. More and more pilots are using the app to log flights and track currency, but there’s more to this feature than just basic flight logging. Here are seven ways to get the most out of your new logbook.
One of the best upgrades to your iPad is a datalink weather receiver like a Stratus, Sentry or GDL. These portable avionics sit on your dash or suction cup to a side window and receive either subscription-free ADS-B weather from ground stations or SiriusXM satellite weather that requires a monthly subscription. Regardless of your receiver, there are some important rules to follow. In this video tip, you’ll learn how to evaluate radar images to determine if they are dangerous thunderstorms or just rain. There’s more to it than just green, yellow and red colors.
At least once a year, we release a print version of iPad Pilot News. While you can always read the latest tips and news on our website, sometimes it’s nice to browse a magazine layout. Here you can download the full issue as a PDF.
While the latest iPad Pro models would suit (and honestly exceed) most pilots’ needs in the cockpit, there are some other options and features worth considering when purchasing an iPad for use in aviation. Here we’ll break down the differences in each, and give some insight for those looking to buy a used or refurbished iPad, which is a great way to save some money.
Almost from the beginning, Cirrus has been deeply involved in training the pilots who fly their airplanes. Now there’s a better way to access some of this factory-direct training, with the release of a new Cirrus Approach app. Here’s a review.
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