Best App for GA Pilots

[Bearcat F8F]

Newsflash: It doesn't have to be one or the other. If you have half a brain, you can integrate good old fashioned flying skills with useful technology.

That's exactly what I'm trying to get across here. Doesn't matter how many iPads I have, at the end of the day I am flying VFR. And why everyone seems to think that I will be staring down on a GPS and flying by instruments, I really don't know.

I am very very annoyed that my thread has turned into an argument about whether an iPad should be used or not. This was never the purpose of this thread.

For the record, I know plenty of IR guys that will keep me straight with not doing anything silly with instruments. And getting to know them early is a good idea. I am not saying I will be using approach plates to land C152! Just getting the basics.

And for those of you who still insist that I will waste my time, I will make sure I do a lot of proper VFR cross-country work. 80 hours is quite a bit - I will try to integrate some emergency procedures, VFR flight planning, and some basic instrument stuff in there. And I am not asking for advice here right now.

I would fly, VFR across the country and back...from the west coast to the east coast...all that cross country time will come in handy leading to both commercial and atp.

I would look out the window and see how things look...the patterns of the midwest, the mountains of the west the gross congestion of the east...stuff like that will help you when things aren't so electronic.

As I said a couple of times now, this will not go to waste, and I am not stupid enough to think that I shouldn't bother with this.

[Genghis the Engineer]

If hourbuilding towards a CPL course, use the iPad in ways that'll be permissible for the CPL test. If you do it otherwise you'll develop habits that whilst possibly good in general terms, will need to be unlearned at great expense during your CPL course.

Any kind of NOTAM / Met / Flight planning apps however should be entirely permissible during your preparation for your CPL test for use on the ground, so using those during hourbuilding seems entirely sensible.

I'd make a point if I were you of NOT using the iPad in the air - stick to PPL basics in the air, because it's those, on steroids, that'll be used in the CPL course. You will used electronic navaids on the CPL course, but not GPS, and primarily for diversions. So practicing using those for position fixes and alternates will stand you in good stead - but remember that it's old fashioned DR that you'll need for the main nav component of the CPL.

I'm not an iPad user, but do use "Skydemon" Light on my laptop regularly for flight planning and find it very helpful. I also regularly use "Aviation Tools Free" on my Android phone and (via the bluestacks Android emulator) on my laptop. The latter is super for getting ICAO approach plates and airport data, as well as airport NOTAMS and met - so if you can find a way to run that on your iPad I think you'll find it really beneficial.

At work our Captains use iPads on the big research aeroplane, and swear by a suite of Jeppessen software that they have me spend several thousand quid a year on for them. I'm sure you can work out what that was quite easily, but I don't know if there are any cheap versions available.

G

[funkydreadlocks]

A bit of both worlds

I'm a bit for both. I think it's CRITICAL to build up on "old" skills with old tech, and that you should probably be working on that for pretty much the whole of your hour building.

However, I'm a big fan of apps and I would probably use them at some point if I could afford it (my training has been a huge investment on the behalf of my loving family). But I would definitely not use these apps during hour building.

Try using them on a planned cross country flight on a very basic, home computer simulator. The more advanced the better, but X-plane 9 on your macbook pro and a basic joystick with a twist action for rudder will do the trick. Train your app uses there! We don't use home simulators to develop stick and rudder skills, we use them for fun and to develop specific skills. See what it's like there, and learn your mistakes at home on you computer, rather than in the air.

Remember that the old guys have experience, especially those who work commercially, and if they say that VFR navigation is some of the best flying you will ever do then I believe them. It's very difficult and not that enjoyable to carry out a VFR flight on sim. Therefore ask around, like you did here, and experiment. After all, Rod Machado said that experimenting and learning from these experiments to formulate a reliable hypothesis is the key to improve as a pilot.

I guess I'm worried about us young guys who want to delve into the new technology straight away, and annoyed at the older guys who don't want to move ahead with time. Aviation is a constantly changing practice, and just like doctors, we have to stay on top of our game, which is why I don't like the attitude that SOME of them adopt.

I think you have the right attitude, but perhaps didn't inform yourself too thoroughly before going ahead. I'm not saying don't get the apps, I'm saying, ask around, especially younger and middle aged instructors. Preparation is key. remember the seven Ps, Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance (gotta love the SAS).

Hopefully I'll be able to do the same as you one day!! good luck!

[NilDesperandum]

I've just switched to an Android phone, anyone got any recommendations for Apps for that ? I've got a basic, but very good, fuel uplift calculator on my old Ipod but am struggling to find something similar based on Android.

I wouldn't be dismissive of new technology, but from personal experience I know how easy it is to become reliant on it in a very short space of time ! I think it really pays to practise the 'old school' stuff from time to time. I recently had to teach diversions using DI and the wind noted on the map before departure to a PPL and I found it very satisfying. I also remember thinking 'blimey, I'd forgotten how well this old fashioned stuff actually works' !

[natops]

Apps

The apps I use are:

Ptoolbox, Aeroweather, Iports.
Ptoolbox pretty handy for the conversion of Chinese/Russian meter levels to Feet. I know the're on the charts as well, bus just a handy tool.
Also the H.O.T.and runway report decode tool is nice to have nearby using the PToolbox.

Always as a backup for the real books okay ;-)!

N.

[jr of dallas]

For Info Russians do express altitudes in feet since Nov 2011 now, so I guess meters are only for Chinese ( you do have the conversion on the Jepps nav charts & term charts as well..)

[2604]

Russians do express altitudes in feet since Nov 2011 now

Not quite correct. Below transition it's still all in meters.

[jr of dallas]

I said altitude not height....Mister !

[2604]

Sorry, I never use altitude in Russia, only flight levels and height . and it's all in meters below transition.

I guess meters are only for Chinese

So not correct!

And I'm there at least 4 times a week.

[jr of dallas]

LoL 2604...you're so good !!! What else Professor?

[natops]

apps

Okay guys, and now back to the original question, anyother app for the person who is asking?

[Pilot Angel]

iPhone/iPad apps

I use the iPad and iPhone all the time now; wouldn't be without them. Foreflight on the iPad and PocketHorizon (standby attitude indicator from a company called Logical Drive) on the iPhone (with Bad Elf external GPS). Absolutely brilliant.

[Pappa Delta]

My wife stole my Iphone, but I still have the Ipad as I leave it in the plane.

Use the Ipad beercat. Good for you. I did my private in a Cessna 150 on the prairy of Alberta.(15 years ago. no ipads) Then I flew Piper Chieftain in the Bush Alaska. Medivac to unlit strips at night (VFR) sometimes, with a GNS 430. Indians were lighting the runway with quads. Yes yes, it realy shapes your skills. But to be honest, Ipad with all info and navigation apps would have been so helpfull. It is a safety issue. If it makes your life easier you can concentrate more on other things. One of the first things I learned for my Private; Preflight: Get familiar with all applicable and available information affecting your flight. Cockpit management: Use everything you have available to you to the fullest.

I have an Ipad now. I fly a private jet. It is much shinier, much faster, pays much better, but not as much fun as VFR flying in a 152. I use the Ipad for the Jepp charts. When there is a runway/Approach change, with the finger touch I have the new charts in front of me. Calculates weight and ballance. All manuals are in it. No more paper. It is the most excellent improvement in cockpit management. I have the aero wheather app. Current weather at all times. And you know what? I fly all my take offs and approaches by hand so I don't loose skills. And granted I have a glass cockpit, but sometimes I turn it all off and fly the ADF into moscow.

The Ipad allows you to enjoy your VFR flying more. Your moving map aiplane on your sectional chart warns you to not fly by accidant in airspaces where you need a clearance.

Sometimes I envy the old pilots who knew how to navigate by the stars. Nobody is doing it anymore because technology has caught up, but if there was an old dog who would teach me I would take it in a heartbeat.

Best Regards,
Im going to the bar.

[His dudeness]

For the Cessna drivers with a subscription for the regular CPCalc program, since yesterday there is an ipad version available. The CLCalc (W&B) is also available. Both at no cost if you have the subscription. Very useful and standalone for T/O, 2nd segment and ldg performance calcs.

[kesikun]

I have used Airnav pro for iPad when flying , although the app is a reasonable price the charts are extra, and can seem expensive. Do not rely on the iPad 3G for position fixes.
I use the bluetooth gps GNS 5850 which has been very reliable coupled with Air Nav Pro.

For planning Skydemon (app + pc) is superb , I ran the trial "go flying" version last week when I was in the back seat to see its capabilities and was impressed. Airspace/terrain/offcourse warnings were nice + clear (something not on Airnav Pro).

My android phone favourite is "AirReport" - nice to see at a glance all the metars in area.

[Pilot.Lyons]

If you can really fly you can feel and fly to safety without instruments.

IMHO i dont see anything wrong with having the ipad there as a "comfort blanket" afterall many aircraft have gps mapping systems etc built in.

At no point did bearcat say he was going to make sole reference to the ipad. Ppruners just assumed that..... And we all know we shouldnt assume dont we

[Cloud Buster]

And as an addition to all the apps mentioned here (of which a few I use myself too), I cam across a small and nifty little program that detects times for you, and is called Flight Timer (both for iPhone an iPad).

[4535jacks]

I have an iPad and I think I have downloaded every affordable app!

I don't use mine for nav as I am awaiting for a gos attachment. I also haven't subscribed to any services, so I am currently not using SkyDemon, Aware, aware runway HD or Pooleys. I use mine for planning and it is brilliant, not only does it save time but it gives me a better understanding of the airspace I will fly through.

When I finally get the GPS module, I will still use it as a kneeboard but use a nav app as a back up or for a co-pilot to monitor. I will still use my Garmin 496 which is mounted on my side of the instrument panel and is linked to my comms setup.

I have airnav on my iPhone which can used to tell you where you are if you get an GPS failure. I would recommend this redundancy to anyone. And for the relics, I mainly nav using DR and a chart and I use the GPS to confirm my position. I am not reliant on it and can do without GPS (I practice without regularly) but having a GPS and back-up GPS (iPhone or iPad) means I spend a lot less time staring at the ground and the chart and much more time looking for other aircarft and gaining situational awareness!!!

Anyway, of all the apps I use, this are my recommends.

Weather

WeatherProHD- my main weather app, this has a good forecast and is generally very accurate!

Aeroweather - this is a great METAR and TAF app with built in decoder. The only disadvantage is doesn't have a map function and so you need to search by airport name.

Aeroplusweather - Like aeroweather but not quite as good. It is good for checking METARs along a route as it uses a map function, but it has less stations than aeroweather and you have to subscribe and pay to receive TAF info, still useful though.

Airports

Airfield Cards - a must for the GA pilot, it lists many of the smaller airfields and farmstrips that other apps lack! It doesn't show a airfield chart but describes the circuit pattern and any relevant warnings. A great advantage is that it doesn't use the internet and so you can find the info anywhere. It has a could of buttons on the bottom each airfield card, click one to call through to the airfield for PPR (no more searching for and writing down the numbers) another button to take you to the airfields website (Internet connection required) and another one to bring the airfield up on you map add in aerial photography (makes finding the airfield a lot easier once in the overhead)

Circle to Land - A must for the commercial or IR pilot. It has the airfield cards for most of the worlds airports and includes Instrument Approach cards. This app also has the cards for a lot of the smaller airfields are the UK. It has the option to print any airfield chart or AIP! This app runs off of a saved database and so does not need an internet connection! I think this app was £2.99

Airports - this sits between the two apps mentioned above. Like circle to land it has all of the larger airfields and airports but lacks some of the smaller airfields and farmstrips that can be found in Airfield Cards. Airports has a couple a features that makes it stand out and would make it a great tool for someone that flys regularly and flys all over the UK. The first feature is the Met reports function, you find the METAR or TAF for you nearest main airport. The second feature is the ability to add your own notes for each airfield, you can collate info from other sources or insert info from you own experience as a reminded such as, "beware of E winds - rotors off of hangars". It also uses aerial photography (needs Internet connection) or a very simplied runway layout. This app is great for planning alternatives as it lists them by distance and direction.

Fore flight - I don't really use this as I prefer Aiports, as fore flight doesn't aerial photography and is designed for use the in the US and Canada. One useful feature it does have is wind aloft readings for the larger airfields and airports with METAR/TAF info. This app is not a must though if only operating in the UK

These three are great tools and I tend to use all three. If conducting a lot of IFR flight, you will use circle to land complimented by airports, if you fly local VFR and like I do you will use these as I do:

I use Airfields as a quick check to check runway direction and circuit instructions, I then use this app to call for PPR and then use the app to have a quick look at the aerial photography. Once happy, I go on to airports, have a more detailed look at the aerial photography, check the local Met, check my own notes on the airfield and finally check to see if there are any NOTAMs on the airfield. With all the info taken from these apps and put onto my kneeboard, I am good to go. I am flying into a larger airfield (licenced), I will use circle to land instead of airfield cards and I can even print out the airfield charts. I will then use airports to check Met, notams, my own notes and use the aerial photography to write notes of how to find it.

RouteRocket now have an app called aeroplates which is very much like circle to land but in my opinion is not as good as it doesn't have a map function.

Flight Planning

SkyDemon Light - IMHO, quite simply the best flying app out there. It is simple to use, uses a digital uk chart, you can vey easily plan a flight, insert details of your IAS, the weather and it will create a flight plan for you displayed as it would on you kneeboard!!! You can also enter you altitude for the cruise and it will tell you all the NOTAMS you go through or near, this mean you can simply vary your altitude to find the alt that best suits the weather and minimises the NOTAMs. All the NOTAMs are displayed on the map and can be interrogated by simply tapping on them. This is surprising useful for me as I fly near Lincoln and so I can see the planned route for the red arrows and BBMF with timings. Once an altitude is entered, it warns you of any aerial obstacles or restricted airspace en route, simply click on the warning to be taken to the airspace on the chart and plan a route around. You can use to find airfield and vor freqs. If that wasn't enough, once you have finished your flight plan, checked the NOTAMs and airspace warnings applicable to you route, simply tap on the file flight plan button, fill in the necessary details and file your flight plan. I cannot sell this app enough. It doesn't require an Internet connection to use the digital chart or check airspace warnings, it only needs an Internet connection for NOTAMs and flight plan filing. It will store NOTAMs so you can use it with an Internet connection in the morning and use the mornings NOTAMs later that day if needed. Best thing though, there is no subscription.

Notams (the one with a pic of a helicopter on the front) - my favourite NOTAM app which I used to always use, still great for iPhone!! It uses a map to display all NOTAMS up to 5000ft and so it can be very easy to find the info. I don't use it much now as all the same features are on SkyDemon Light and SkyDemon actually shows how the NOTAMs affect the airspace. I will now only use this app on my iPhone if I don't have my iPad with me. This is a free app.

Pilot Wizz - IMHO better than flight plan. It is an IPhone App but is great for flight calc such as headings,mground speed, density altitude etc. It is a convertor and has a holding pattern aid function and TAF decoder! A must for the IPhone and great for the IPad.

xWind - a great iPhone app that quickly calculates your crosswind component. Pilot Wizz can also be used for xWinds but I just like this app.

Route Rocket Flight Filer - this is a flight plan filing app which imdon't use as SkyDeon has the same feature but I have heard very good things about this app.

During Flight Apps -

I don't currently use my IPad as a gps and so i will not comment on those. Instead I do sometimes use the follow IPhone apps on my iPhone and not on my iPad.

Flight timer. This app is great, I don't have a clock in my aircraft and this app allows me to run two clocks at the same time, one for flight time and one for leg time.

Checklist Lite, this free IPhone app is great for creating you own checklists. It displays each check one at a time and you you click to say complete or not. Fit stores the checks and so you can go back and see which checks you couldn't complete. By far the best function though is the emergency checklist button which is always on the screen. Tap on the button and it takes you through to a whole new sets of checklists which you can create. I have a checklist for all possible emergencies. I wouldn't rely on it but its a great tool for checking you have taken the correct action once you get a chance to think or troubleshoot.

Good reference apps

I also keep a library of aviation reference on my iPad so if I need to check the theory on something, I can.

FAA Theorectical Knowldge. The FAA have put thief theoretical knowledge handbook onto the IPad and it is currently free. This is great app but needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as some info contained will not be applicable to UK airspace or the the CAA's air law.

Red Circle Apps - Red Circle have created mock exam apps for each area of the ppl syllabus. If I am bored, I complete some of this tests now and again to make sure my knowledge is up to scratch.

The above are my recommended apps for iPad and IPhone and as mention, I use my IPad as a planning tool and my iPhine as an aid to navigation and back-up GPS (not needed so far), and this works for me.

To finish off this incredibly long post, I will list the order in which I use the apps when flight planning:

1. WeatherProHD - general forecast
2. AeroWeather - TAFs and METAR
3. SkyDemon Light - flight planning and notams' copied flight plan onto chart and kneeboard
4. Airfield Cards or Circle to land - depending on airfield size and type- call for PPR
5. Airports - check aircield TAF, alternates, aerial photography and check my own notes
6. XWind - Check x wind component
7. Pilot Wizz - convert any units reqd, calc alt density and TAS etc. I alway like to know the altitude at which the OAT is the dew point.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed here are just that my opinions and based on my own experience, they should not be taken as consumer advice or advertisement.


I hope this helps.

[4535jacks]

In addition to apps, the iPad is great for downloading storing important PDFs such as CAP 413. Store them in iBooks.

4535jacks

[piperarcher]

Thanks for your write up 4535jacks, very interesting I have most of the ones you mentioned, and am a recent convert to SkyDemon and also think it's fantastic.

I just downloaded Circle to Land as I didnt know about that one.

Others I would recomend are:

Aviation W&B
Takeoffcalc HD
Multiconvert

Though Takeoffcald HD has a iPhone version and for the same aircraft (a PA28-181) I got different take off distance results! I emailed the developer and he said some bug fixes are coming along. Just shows you have to be cautious when relying to much on the iPad's. For the moment it serves as a rough guide, and I think the iPad HD version was more akin to the POH than the iPhone (non HD) version.

PS The RocketRoute aeroplates app is a front layer to the plain Pooleys iPlate app. I paid for the subscription through RocketRoute but switched to the iPlate instead.