How to wirelessly update panel avionics with Garmin Database Concierge

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Keeping your panel avionics updated with the latest databases is essential for both safe and legal flying, but that's not always an easy task. If you have a glass cockpit, you might have up to five avionics to keep updated—that's a lot of data cards and downloads. Garmin set out to solve this problem about six years ago when they introduced Database Concierge, a wireless update option that uses your iPad. Here's how it works.

How to find NOTAMs in ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot

The preflight weather briefing has transitioned over the last decade from a Flight Service assisted process to self-service using online resources and mobile apps. Here we'll show how to make sure you know where to find all pertinent NOTAMs when completing a self-briefing with both ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot.
Garmin Pilot SV with pressure altitude

Understanding pressure and GPS altitude in aviation apps

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Eight years ago, ForeFlight introduced synthetic vision and gave pilots a new way to view the world on their iPads. In addition to a 3D view of terrain and obstacles this shows glass cockpit-style tapes for speed and altitude, making it an excellent backup in case of panel failure. But 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?
Steep turn

How to use CloudAhoy with Sentry Plus track logs

While the Track Logs page in ForeFlight is a great way to get an overview of your flight, for detailed post-flight analysis we like to use CoudAhoy. This powerful app (available for iPad and in your web browser) adds some helpful tools and even automatic scoring. Here's an example from a recent training flight.

Tips for flying to Canada with your iPad

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Canada is an easy flight for many pilots in the United States (especially now that most Covid restrictions have been lifted), and summer is the perfect time to visit. Fortunately, there are a number of iPad apps that make it easier than ever to plan and fly your flight to Canada. Here's a review of the options.

Tips for using aviation apps with home flight simulators

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Are you stuck at home and separated from your airplane, or just experiencing an unlucky stretch of bad weather? The good news is, you can still fly at home and stay current with your favorite aviation apps using the latest flight simulators. Here's a deep dive into settings, add-on software, flight sim controls, and app settings.

How to use all of the iPad screen gestures

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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. Here we'll cover all the options and how to use them.

Five quick ForeFlight tips

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If you're anything like us, your favorite electronic flight bag (EFB) app has dozens of features that you don't even know about, or perhaps you once knew about but have long since forgotten. That's certainly true of ForeFlight, which has steadily added features over the last decade to become a truly comprehensive preflight and in-flight tool. Here are five features we recently "rediscovered" that are worth trying on your next flight.

How to use all of Garmin Pilot’s traffic features

One of the standout features in Garmin Pilot is its traffic page, which looks like it's right off a panel-mount GTN navigator. This is a decluttered view so it appears simple, but we've noticed many pilots don't notice all the customization options. Here's a look at what you can adjust.

Pilot’s guide to the iPad connected panel

There are many connected panel systems available today which allow you to wirelessly connect your iPad to panel-mount GPS and ADS-B receivers. Here's a rundown of all the aftermarket GA avionics options and mobile app compatibility with each.
ForeFlight map legend

How to find chart supplements and legends in ForeFlight

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Some compromises are made when moving data that was initially designed to be displayed on a fold-out chart or book to an iPad app. In particular, it's a challenge to integrate information like legends and chart supplements—some of which is critically important for pilots. Fortunately, ForeFlight still offers these supplements and supporting data, but you need to know where to look.

How to customize the Control Center on your iPad and iPhone

The hidden Control Center screen remains one of the most useful features on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to quickly access commonly-used settings and apps. It's especially useful during iPad preflight, allowing you to quickly optimize wireless and network settings before takeoff without the need to leave your EFB app.