Entries by John Zimmerman

Video: how to use SiriusXM Weather in Garmin Pilot

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Datalink weather has transformed in-flight decision making, especially since it can be accessed with affordable portable receivers and displayed on popular EFB apps. This quick video tip from Garmin shows how to set up SiriusXM satellite weather on the Garmin Pilot app, how to enable different weather layers, and even how to use widgets to get detailed data on airport conditions. If you’re only looking at radar, this video will help you dive deeper.

Eight iPad settings pilots should know

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The Settings app was fairly basic when the iPad was first released in 2010, providing control of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless radios, screen brightness and email account settings. Ten years later it has evolved into a collection of hundreds of settings, with multi-tier menus that can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for. Here are 8 that are worth knowing about.

Video: reviewing the new PIVOT A20A case

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There are plenty of iPad cases to choose from, but most were not designed specifically for aviation so they’re too bulky and cumbersome in tight cockpits. PIVOT is different. Designed by an airline pilot, this system combines a simple, robust case with a sleek mounting solution. In this video review, you’ll see some of the innovative features on the latest model, the A20A.

Aviation app roundup—news from NBAA and beyond

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The business aviation world descended on Las Vegas this week, as NBAA held its annual convention for the first time since 2019. In addition to news about the latest business jets, there were a number of interesting announcements from app companies. Here’s a quick recap of some headlines, plus other app news over the last month.

GPS outages—how ADS-B receivers can protect against jamming

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Portable ADS-B receivers like Sentry are must-have devices for many pilots, delivering subscription-free weather that helps make better in-flight decisions. Beyond datalink weather, many pilots have also discovered the value of having a portable ADS-B receiver as a backup. There’s another level of redundancy that most pilots don’t consider, though: GPS failure.

Video: comparing the top 4 iPad kneeboards

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Kneeboards have changed drastically over the last 15 years. Once used for charts and flight plan forms, kneeboards are now used to hold the most trusted navigational tool: an iPad, tablet, or phone. There are more options than ever, ranging from very basic to deluxe, so the decision can be a difficult one. In this new video, Sporty’s John Zimmerman compares four popular kneeboards, and offers his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

Apple announces new iPad mini 6 along with iPhone 13

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There’s finally a new iPad mini. Two and a half years after introducing the iPad mini 5, Apple unveiled the sixth generation 8″ tablet at their “California Streaming” event this week. Some had worried that the smallest iPad model, long the most popular option for pilots, might be going away but this update should ensure its survival for at least a few more years. Here’s a look at what’s new.

Stitch screenshots together with Tailor app

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Screenshots are still one of those hidden iOS superpowers, useful for saving airport maps, passenger information, or aircraft data. On an iPad it’s fairly easy to take a screenshot and share it to your favorite aviation app, as we’ve described before. But sometimes all you have is your phone, and getting all the information on a smaller screen is simply impossible. That’s where the Tailor app comes in.

Ventusky app offers beautiful weather maps

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Most pilots are weather geeks, either by disposition or training, and that means a good weather app can be particularly helpful or even fun. The big electronic flight bag apps like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot do a great job of consolidating the key weather maps and forecasts, but there is a role for non-aviation apps. A great example is Ventusky, a $3.99 app that beautifully displays maps of wind, clouds, and more.

Which kneeboards work with the latest iPad Pro?

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The iPad Pro 11″ has proven to be the top choice for pilots interested in peak tablet performance. But once you have your fancy new iPad, the question naturally comes up: what mount or kneeboard works with it? We are big fans of the Robust Mounts, since their universal design accepts many different size tablets, but the story with kneeboards is more complicated. Let’s examine the options.

FlightAware adds subscription option for piston airplane owners

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At the 2021 EAA AirVenture show, FlightAware introduced a new paid service, called Aviator, which offers premium tracking features specifically targeted at piston airplanes. We’ve been using it for a week now and while we wouldn’t call it a must-have, there are some nice features for active pilots and fleet managers.