The student pilot’s guide to getting started with an iPad

There's a lot for student pilots to consider when buying an iPad for use during flight training, including iPad model, apps, GPS, mounting and more. Here we'll break down the options in basic terms and give some advice on how to get started.

Sporty’s pilots share their favorite iPad tips

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Most pilots have a favorite tip or two when it comes to flying with the iPad, and we always learn something when we fly with another pilot. So we asked four Sporty's pilots who regularly fly with the iPad to share their top tips.
Three iPad screen sizes

What’s the best iPad for pilots?

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Considering your first iPad or upgrading your old one? There are a lot of options. In this article, we'll walk you through all the options, then offer our choice for the best overall aviation tablet.
settings feature

7 settings all iPad pilots should know about

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There are literally hundreds of settings in the main iPad settings app, which can make it difficult to sort out the useful ones from the clutter. Here we'll look at 7 important settings pilots should know about and adjust accordingly.

Keeping your charge–iPad battery tips

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Keeping your iPad battery in good shape should be a top priority when using the iPad for electronic charts in the cockpit. Here we'll review best practices for keeping it charged, and backup power options to consider bringing along.
Overheat screen on iPad

Don’t let your iPad overheat – and crash

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The iPad is a very reliable piece of hardware, but high temps and direct sunlight will render it useless in the cockpit if care is not taken. Here we'll look at how to prevent that from happening and the steps to take if your iPad does accidentally overheat.

Review Sun ‘n Fun iPad seminars here

The team from Sporty's and iPad Pilot News presented 3 iPad seminars at Sun 'n Fun last week on a wide range of topics related to flying with the iPad. Here are the information-packed slides from each presentation to help you review at your own pace.

Quit worrying: there is no such thing as an “official weather briefing”

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Sometimes it seems like pilots specialize in old wives' tales, like: "Well, that fancy iPad app doesn't count as an official weather briefing. You have to call Flight Service or the FAA will nail you." It makes a great story, and it plays to pilots' innate paranoia, but it's completely false. It's time to bury this old wives' tale once and for all.

Is the new iPad Pro the best pilot tablet yet?

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In Apple's latest new product update, a relatively modest event, the company introduced a number of product revisions. While there was a lot of news about a lower cost iPhone and some Apple Watch updates, the biggest news for pilots is the new 9.7" iPad model. It might be the best tablet for flying yet.

Creating your own iPad proficiency review

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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.

How much space do charts take on my iPad?

A common question we hear from pilots is what size iPad should I buy? Here we'll show you how much space it takes to store different chart options in ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot and WingX Pro to help you decide.

iPad legal briefing – what pilots need to know

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Time to get current on iPad regulations. In this detailed article, we explain what you need to know to stay legal with your iPad in the cockpit.