Last year we did an extended test with the inReach satellite communicator, an established product from Delorme that Garmin had recently acquired. Overall we liked it, as it offered a relatively affordable and portable way to add some connectivity in the cockpit. Now there’s a new, smaller option: the inReach Mini.
The latest generation of portable ADS-B receivers has proven to be quite reliable in the cockpit, but as with any technical product there is a learning curve. Since all of these devices wirelessly transmit data to your tablet, one of the first areas to consider is the WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Let’s look at how to troubleshoot potential connection problems with a Stratus 3.
A new generation of portable weather receivers has hit the market over the last year, with new hardware from Appareo, Garmin, and uAvionix offering new features and (in general) lower prices. ForeFlight recently announced support for the latest receivers from Garmin, which means new options for pilots – especially in the world of satellite weather.
Portable ADS-B receivers for the iPad can receive ADS-B traffic in addition to weather. But unlike weather, which is broadcast continuously, traffic is only transmitted in response to specific prompts. This can make ADS-B traffic very confusing – when does it work and when doesn’t it work?
ForeFlight introduced Sentry at EAA AirVenture 2018, and the small ADS-B receiver has found a following since then. At $499, it’s a good value and packs a lot of features into a small device. We took it flying in a Cirrus SR22 to see how it performs, and to compare it to Stratus 3, the other popular ADS-B receiver for ForeFlight.
The aviation app market has been consolidating over the last few years. That trend looks set to continue, or even accelerate, as Garmin announced they have acquired Fltplan.com, including the popular flight planning website and EFB apps. Here’s what that could mean for pilots.
The number of features available in ForeFlight is truly staggering, with everything from basics like moving maps to advanced performance planning. But beyond the flashy tools, ForeFlight has a number of time-saving features that can make your next flight safer and easier. Here are five of our favorites.
Garmin is continuing its relentless push for a connected cockpit, with avionics and apps that allow a wide variety of portable and panel-mount products to sync up. The latest (and greatest) offering is the Flight Stream 510, a tiny card that unlocks an impressive number of features. We recently flew with it and the latest version of the Garmin Pilot app and came away very impressed. Here’s a detailed review.
Keeping all your electronic devices charged in the cockpit is a continual struggle for many pilots. Between an iPad (or two), an iPhone, an ADS-B receiver and passenger needs, the power requirements can be quite high. A new battery pack from Flight Gear solves this problem and is specifically made for pilots. We went flying with it to see what it can do.
Many airlines and corporate flight departments require pilots to carry fire containment systems on all flights. After all, in a pressurized airplane at 37,000 feet, you can’t exactly throw the tablet out the window. Fortunately, there’s a new option that is both portable and far less expensive than traditional systems.
How do you plan a flight – from the Maps page, the Flights page or somewhere else? In this post, we’ll walk through a procedure for planning a flight and considering all the important information. It’s certainly not the only way to plan a flight in ForeFlight, but it should get you thinking.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B, is a hot topic among pilots right now. With the January 1, 2020 deadline to equip with ADS-B Out coming up fast, the time to make a decision about a panel upgrade is here. In addition, a new group of portable ADS-B receivers have been introduced this year, making it a great time to add in-flight weather to your favorite EFB app. In this fast-paced webinar recording, you’ll learn all about ADS-B In, ADS-B Out, the options for equipment, and some operating tips.
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