The iPad Pilot’s Annual Checklist: Keep Your EFB Running Smoothly

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Similar to having your airplane undergo annual maintenance, we recommend that you review the following items to keep your iPad performing.

Garmin SmartCharts: a pilot’s guide to interactive instrument charts

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After nearly a decade of work, avionics giant Garmin has released SmartCharts, a fully interactive version of those familiar approach plates that is accessible in its Garmin Pilot EFB app. This seemingly modest change is actually the result of sophisticated software development, rigorous testing, and exhaustive validation work. In other words, it’s a big deal—a Jeppesen Airway manual moment for the EFB age. Here's how it works.

Pilot’s guide to thunderstorm avoidance with an iPad EFB app

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One of the major weather hazards pilots have to deal with this time of year is convective weather and resulting thunderstorms. This article takes a deep dive look at the resources available in ForeFlight to help you plan a flight around these weather hazards.

Does Your EFB Backup Plan Pass the Test?

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You’re cruising along at 6,500 feet, glancing down at your iPad to review the weather ahead. Then, suddenly—it goes dark. Maybe it overheated, maybe the battery died, or maybe the app just froze. Whatever the cause, your trusty iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) is now an expensive paperweight. Now what? A good backup plan starts with a simple rule: two of everything.

How to File an IFR Flight Plan in ForeFlight: A Comprehensive Guide

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ForeFlight offers a variety of ways to plan a flight, and if…

Mastering night flying with your iPad: Tips for dimming, filters, and more

The days of holding a mini-Maglite in your mouth and shining it down on a paper sectional are gone thanks to the iPad's backlit screen. But just because the iPad solves part of the night lighting equation doesn't mean you can just hop in the airplane and start using it the same way you do during the day. Here are five things to consider the next time you go flying at night with your iPad.

Heads-up, hands-free: How to use iPad audio alerts for safer flights

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The iPad is an engaging visual tool, but many pilots forget about its many audio uses. Especially for those pilots who worry about spending too much "heads-down" time with the iPad, it's worth understanding how apps use audio to make flying more efficient and safe. Let's look at some of the options, and how to set up an audio connection to your headset.

Keep Your iPad Airworthy: Annual Care Tips Every Pilot Should Know

Similar to the routine of having your airplane undergo an annual inspection, we recommend that you take the time to review the following items once a year to keep your iPad, apps and accessories performing at their best.

Why you should use ForeFlight’s Pack feature on every flight

Most pilots know how to use ForeFlight's Pack feature to verify chart downloads before a flight, but it can do much more.

How to set up aircraft equipment codes in aviation apps to file VFR/IFR flight plans

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Filing a VFR or IFR flight plan today is a breeze with today's aviation iPad apps, but entering all the required aircraft data to meet the ICAO requirements of the form can be a bit confusing. Here we'll break it down in plain English to help you understand each requirement.

How to listen to SiriusXM Radio in ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot

Garmin's top-of-the-line portable weather receivers, the compact GDL 52 and GDL 51, receive more than just GPS and weather. With an active SiriusXM subscription, pilots and passengers can also enjoy music and live sports in flight. Once you've configured all your devices, it's very easy to listen to SiriusXM Radio, but the first time you do it there are a few steps to follow.

Top Articles of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the stories that resonated most with our readers this year. From tips on maximizing your iPad’s battery life to in-depth guides on choosing the right apps, these articles have solved problems and inspired pilots. Whether you’re new to flying with an iPad or a seasoned pro, this roundup of our top 10 most popular posts from 2024 is sure to offer valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Let’s dive in!