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.

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.

How to use the Sentry Plus advanced features (and unlock a new one)

Sentry Plus is the most capable ADS-B receiver on the market, providing a wealth of in-flight navigation, weather, traffic and safety awareness features. Here we're going to take a look at its advanced settings, to help you best customize it for your specific flight operation.
Multitasking iPad

iOS screen gestures: how to navigate your iPad faster

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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.

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.

How to create your own iPad proficiency review

As the old saying goes, "train like you fly, fly like you train." If you fly with an iPad, don't hide it during your training flights. Better to make it an integral part of your proficiency program, whether you're on your own or with an instructor, including what to do if it fails. Here's a suggested list of topics to cover.

Can you use an iPad on a checkride? Advice from 3 FAA examiners

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While the iPad was introduced over nine years ago, some FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) still aren't comfortable with its use on a check ride. The good news is that these DPEs are increasingly rare, and as the podcast recording below explains, iPads are 100% allowed on check rides. Listen for some honest tips from three experienced DPEs.
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.

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 plan a flight around thunderstorms using ForeFlight

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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.
iPhone control center

How to customize the built-in Control Center on your iPad or 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.

Five tips for flying with the iPad at night

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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.