ForeFlight Tips: Most Overlooked Airport Resources

Flying to a new airport can be an intimidating experience, but with a little time spent studying ForeFlight you can learn a lot and enjoy a safer arrival at Big City International. This means more than just checking the runway layout and the tower frequency, though; in recent years, a number of new resources have become available. Here are some to check out.

PIREP: Flying with iPhone Satellite Messaging

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We recently tested Apple's new satellite messaging feature in a variety of GA airplanes. Here's how pilots can use it in flight.

Weather planning with Garmin Pilot: widgets and flight profile

One of Garmin Pilot's standout features is its split-screen mode. While many pilots know how to use split-screen for viewing approach charts or traffic, there are also some valuable tools for weather planning, both before takeoff and during cruise. Here's how to use the Widgets and Flight Profile features.
Multitasking iPad

iOS screen gestures: how to navigate your iPad faster

You can do almost everything on your iPad without touching a button—in fact, all the new iPhone and iPad models have removed the home button completely. Whether it’s closing an app, switching apps, opening the control center, or searching for something, iOS has multiple gestures that can save time or unlock additional features.

How to scan aviation manuals into your favorite EFB app

It's common for pilots to go completely paperless in the cockpit, which requires scanning some paper documents first. Fortunately, Apple includes some hidden capabilities in the Notes app, including a powerful scanner utility.
Garmin Pilot SV with pressure altitude

Understanding pressure altitude and GPS altitude in aviation apps

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If you've flown with synthetic vision for long, you've probably noticed that the speed and altitude don't match the panel. What's going on. The answer is pretty simple—the panel and the iPad are showing different data from different sources—but the details are important. Here's a somewhat geeky dive into the details.

Charging your iPad—it’s all about the watts

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Charging technology has come a long way since 2010 when the iPad first debuted. Here's what to look for when upgrading your charger and cables.

Should you buy an iPad with a built-in GPS?

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It's a decision every pilot makes when purchasing a new iPad: should I spend the extra money and buy the model with an internal GPS? We recently went flying with a new iPad mini with a built-in GPS to test it out and help determine if it's the right upgrade for you.

Optimize your iPad’s location services setting options

The iPad's software settings allow you to customize which apps can use your location to improve the user experience. While this is essential for moving map navigation apps in the airplane, you'll find that it's not necessarily important for all types of apps to be able to access this data. Here we'll show you how to customize these settings to improve your iPad's battery life.
Garmin Pilot traffic breadcrumbs

Three quick Garmin Pilot tips

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Garmin Pilot makes it easy to do the basics: view aviation charts, plan a flight, and navigate direct to airports. But if you're looking to take your EFB skills to the next level, this app is loaded with time-saving features and advanced in-flight tools. Here are three we've been using recently.
Robust mount

Advisory Circular Updated for the Authorization of Electronic Flight Bags

The FAA recently published an update to Advisory Circular (AC) 120-76 (Authorization for Use of Electronic Flight Bags (EFB)). As a reminder, this advisory circular does not apply to Part 91 operators (with the exeption of fractional operators under Part 91 Subart K), but can offer guidance and best practices for anyone operating with an EFB. Those operating under Part 91 do not require a specific FAA authorization for use of an EFB.
ForeFlight send Flight to Logbook

Using the Flights tab in ForeFlight—pro tips

ForeFlight's Maps page can be a pilot's best friend, since it's packed with visual planning tools and helpful information. But for experienced pilots, especially those who file IFR or fly high performance airplanes, the Flights tab offers a wealth of powerful features. Here are six that are often overlooked.