Using an iPad for flying: how old is too old?
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The iPad is decidedly middle-aged now, at least for consumer technology, which means there is a busy used market for older tablets. An original iPad, which came out in 2010, can be purchased on eBay for under $50—a great deal, right? Not so fast.
iPad Frequently Asked Questions for Pilots
The most common questions about the iPad, from basics like the difference between WiFi and Cellular models to advanced user tips. Add your own questions too.
What’s the best iPad for Pilots – 2024 Edition
Buying your first iPad or upgrading an older one? Almost any model can work for pilots, but there are more options than ever to choose from. Here we'll break down the differences between each and give some insight for those looking to buy a used or refurbished iPad.
Flight testing the new iPad Pro nano-texture screen
One of the major headlines from Apple's recent iPad announcement was the introduction of a new screen technology on the latest iPad Pro models. We just received our new iPad Pro 13" with the nano-texture screen and promptly took it up for a test flight. Is it deserving of the hype? In short, yes. While it doesn't completely eliminate screen glare, it does make a big difference in direct sunlight. Read on for more details
Annual maintenance checklist for your iPad
The one side effect from Apple's high level of performance is that it can cause pilots to develop a bit of complacency over time, especially if you don't periodically inspect your device settings, preferences, app configuration, and system updates. 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.
How to free up storage space on your iPad
It has happened to almost every pilot: you're excited to download that new app or it's time to download charts for your big cross country, but you get the dreaded "iPad Storage Full" message. Over time, as you download more apps and take more pictures, you can quickly fill up the storage space on your device and run into this alert. This means it's time to start thinking about freeing up some space by deleting unused apps and media.
How to find your iPad model number
If you're shopping for a mount or kneeboard you'll quickly have to answer the question, "which iPad do I have?" It's not always as simple as it might sound, so if you're not sure which model you have, you're not alone. If you need to look that information up here’s how to do so.
How to improve your iPad’s battery life
One of the most under-appreciated features of the iPad is its fantastic battery life. Even with a high-resolution screen and a powerful processor, Apple's tablet offers a battery life of 4 to 6 (or more) hours in the air—better than almost every other competing tablet. But there are a number of things you can do to improve the performance of your iPad battery and keep it in top working condition.
App troubleshooting: how to close, delete and restart
Everyone knows how to open an app on the iPad--just tap the icon and it's off to the races. But what about closing apps--do you know the difference between sleeping an app, shutting down an app and deleting an app? It's an important distinction that comes into play when an app starts misbehaving.
Top 10 mistakes iPad pilots make
The way we move from beginner to expert is by trial and error. Along the way, many of us made some mistakes with the iPad and aviation apps. Here's our list of the 10 most common ones.
Student pilot’s guide to cross-country flight planning with an iPad
There is a wide range of opinions on how the iPad should be used during flight training by student pilots. In this video, we'll show how the iPad and ForeFlight can be worked into the cross-country planning process as a digital chart viewer and navigation resource while still flying the trip using pilotage and dead reckoning techniques.
What’s the best iPad for pilots—2023 Holiday edition
Buying your first iPad or upgrading an older one? Almost any model can work for pilots, but there are more options than ever to choose from. Here we'll break down the differences between each and give some insight for those looking to buy a used or refurbished iPad.