Apple’s annual September get-together has become a highly anticipated event for technology fans, as the company usually announces new hardware and features just in time for Christmas shopping. This year’s edition lacked some of the usual fireworks, with no iPad changes and relatively modest iPhone upgrades, but there was still plenty of news. Let’s cut through the hype and explore what pilot should know.
ForeFlight received at lot of attention at Oshkosh this year when it previewed version 8 of its industry-leading app. That update, a major release, is now available in the App Store and it adds a number of new features and refinements. Let’s explore what’s changed and go over a few tips to take advantage of the latest tools.
This is the time of year when 2017 FAR/AIM books are released, incorporating all the changes in the last 12 months. That makes it a great time to consider an app – for less than the price of one new book, you can have an app that never expires.
While ADS-B Out avionics are pretty simple to operate (they’re basically just upgraded transponders), it is important to ensure your system is working properly. Simply choosing the wrong setting during installation can lead to significant errors, and we’ve heard a number of stories where this has happened. Fortunately, it’s free and easy to check.
For aircraft owners looking for a more permanent charging solution, there are some great options now available. Mid-Continent Instruments, a respected manufacturer of avionics, has a variety of dual USB charging devices that can be permanently installed to provide full-time access to power for portable devices.
iPad panel mounts have been around for years, but we think the latest designs from Guardian Avionics may be the best yet. These durable mounts are made from ABS plastic, and they mount to the panel with just four screws. The end result is very clean and professional installation.
The 2016 edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was notably upbeat, with large crowds and plenty of new product announcements. The positive momentum was evident in the world of iPad apps and accessories, especially from big players like Garmin, ForeFlight and Avidyne. While we can’t possibly recap every announcement and new feature, here are three trends that dominated the discussion in Wisconsin.
There is finally a good option for pilots worried about overheating iPads, with the release of the X-Naut Active Cooling Mount. This cradle has a vented case and built-in cooling fans that direct airflow over the back of the iPad, aimed at the areas of the tablet that run the hottest. It may sound like overkill, but we’ve flown with it and the X-Naut really works.
The latest entrant into the crowded market is Appareo, a leader in the ADS-B In world with their line of Stratus portable receivers, who is now trying to make the transition to panel-mount products. Their first solution is Stratus ESG, an all-in-one product that combines WAAS GPS, transponder and ADS-B Out. It was introduced last year at the Aircraft Electronics Association show and has now been certified.
New tablets mean new accessories, as companies like RAM and MyGoFlight follow up Apple’s announcements a few months later with their own new product introductions. A slew of new accessories hit the market recently, so here we’ll review what’s new.
Unquestionably the hottest iPad accessory over the past four years has been the ADS-B receiver. While US pilots have enjoyed these benefits for years, many pilots in Canada, Europe and elsewhere are wondering whether this technology works in other countries.
Considering your first iPad or upgrading your old one? There are a lot of options. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the options, then offer our choice for the best overall aviation tablet.
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