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.
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How to use lat/lon in aviation apps

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Even with all of our modern aviation databases, sometimes you just can't beat a lat/lon coordinate. Maybe you're visiting a private airport that isn't in the database, or you want to circle a landmark not on the sectional, or you need to plan a flight around a TFR. Let's review the basics of latitude and longitude and the different types of coordinates.

How to mark up charts in your aviation app

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It didn't take long though for app developers to offer the ability to add annotations and markups directly on charts. With the latest generation of Apple Pencil (or even a "dumb" stylus), it's even easier. Here we're going to show you how to use this feature in several apps and offer tips on how to make make the most of them during your flying.

How pilots can use the iPad’s built-in screenshot tool

We've used screenshots to store Google Earth images of new airports, fly-in procedures, detailed weather graphics that aren't available via ADS-B, and much more. Anything that is useful in flight but isn't available offline is a candidate for a screenshot. With Apple's release of iOS 11 last year, screenshots have moved from a hack to a fully developed tool. Here's how to take advantage of the latest features.

How to preflight your iPad in less than 5 minutes

You'll want to create a checklist that works for your apps, accessories and your airplane. Customize it so that you'll actually use it before every flight. With that in mind, though, here's a basic checklist to consider that applies to most apps.

Pilot’s guide to iOS 12

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Apple released the next major software update for iPad and iPhone this week, called iOS 12. While the update primarily focuses on improving speed and performance, you’ll find hundreds of other new features and improvements for both iPhone and iPad. Here's what to look for.

Troubleshooting Stratus connection problems

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The latest generation of portable ADS-B receivers has proven to be quite reliable in the cockpit, but as with any technical product there is a learning curve. Since all of these devices wirelessly transmit data to your tablet, one of the first areas to consider is the WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Let's look at how to troubleshoot potential connection problems with a Stratus 3.

ADS-B traffic explained

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Portable ADS-B receivers for the iPad can receive ADS-B traffic in addition to weather. But unlike weather, which is broadcast continuously, traffic is only transmitted in response to specific prompts. This can make ADS-B traffic very confusing - when does it work and when doesn't it work?

iPad troubleshooting tip: cycle the power

There's a commonly-used technique that almost always works…

Essential tip: turn off wireless radios before takeoff

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It’s important before each flight to properly configure the iPad’s wireless radios, especially when using a Bluetooth or WiFi accessory. Here are our recommended wireless settings for various iPad and accessory combinations.

Ask a DPE: Is it ok to use an iPad on the checkride?

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We recently held a roundtable with three prominent FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE), Eric Crump, Jason Blair and Todd Ritchey, to discuss common misconceptions about the FAA checkride. One of the most common questions we received during the discussion related to the use of an iPad during the oral and flight test, and whether pilots still need to demonstrate planning and navigation using traditional techniques and paper charts.

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.