iPad in Aztec

Getting started with Sentry: models, mounting, and setup

An ADS-B receiver is an essential tool for any pilot flying with an iPad. These portable devices deliver critical information to your favorite app, including datalink weather, nearby traffic, and GPS position. The Sentry family is the best-selling option right now, with three models to suit different needs and budgets. Here's what each model can do and how to get started flying with Sentry.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 and inReach Messenger

How to send text messages in flight with the Garmin inReach

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Flying a light airplane doesn't have to mean pilots are totally cut off. Garmin's inReach portable communicators are becoming increasingly capable and affordable. They certainly don't enable email or web browsing, but they are useful for short text messages, flight tracking, and even emergency messages—and they integrate nicely with the Garmin Pilot app. Best of all, you can be up and running for less than $500 all-in.

iPad kneeboard buyer’s guide—2023 edition

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Every pilot should secure their iPad in the cockpit, for both convenience and safety. The most popular ways to do this involve either a mount or a kneeboard. In this article, we'll review some of the most popular iPad kneeboard options, so you can make an informed decision if you're not a mount person. There are more options than ever, and most of them are quite good.

New Reliefband Sport model attaches to Apple Watch

The new Reliefband Sport builds on the utility of the original Reliefband Classic by adding the option to wear it on the same wristband as an Apple Watch. It is also waterproof and includes a 30-hour rechargeable battery.
Flight Outfitters Centerline kneeboard

Flight Outfitters updates popular iPad kneeboard

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Flight Outfitters has been making iPad accessories for close to a decade now, and we've always been impressed with their thoughtful design details and rugged construction. This month they introduced the latest generation of their flagship iPad kneeboard, now called the Centerline Kneeboard, with some smart updates.

iPad charging tips for pilots—on the ground and in the air

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One of the standout features of the iPad is its long battery life—a fully charged battery should last you about 9-10 hours (more like 4-6 when using an ADS-B receiver and when the screen is on full bright). Here's how to keep that battery charged up for your next flight, including wall plugs, battery packs, and more.

How to mount and use your iPhone as an EFB in the cockpit

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The larger iPhones are finding a home in many cockpits, which can run full-featured versions of popular flight planning and navigation apps like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot. Regardless of how you use your iPhone, it's smart to secure it in the cockpit. Here are a few options from Robust, RAM and MyGoFlight that offer convenient ways to keep them stable.

New high-output USB charger powers 3 devices at once

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Keeping all of your portable devices charged before flight presents a challenge for pilots, as the number can quickly grow to over 6 devices. Sporty's latest Flight Gear Three Port Smart Charger simplifies this task thanks to its ability to deliver up to 65 watts and charge three devices simultaneously.
iPad kneeboard

New slimline iPad kneeboards—universal fit, low price

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Our never-ending quest for the perfect iPad kneeboard has turned up a new contender: the Slimline Rotating Kneeboard from Flight Gear. This simple, no-frills kneeboard is (as the name suggests) small and unobtrusive in the cockpit—perfect for the pilot who's worried about a kneeboard interfering with the yoke during takeoff and landing. At only $22.95, it's also one of the least expensive iPad kneeboards we've seen.
GPS outage

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

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.

Stratus 3 ADS-B receiver adds new app and avionics compatibility

The Stratus line of ADS-B receivers has been a pilot favorite for over ten years now, thanks to their ease of use and reliable reception of ADS-B traffic and weather. The latest model, Stratus 3, recently added support for new aviation apps and panel-mount avionics systems.
Battery pack

Updated Flight Gear battery pack adds features, cuts size

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Keeping all your portable devices charged in the cockpit isn't easy. Our favorite option for the last few years has been a sleek white battery brick from Flight Gear, and now an updated version is available. The Flight Gear Battery Pack is 20% smaller than the preceding generation and still just half an inch thick, but it packs 20,000 mAh of power. There's even a new organizer case.