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The iPad takes to the cockpit!
Hardly a week goes by without a new announcement concerning the growing adoption of the iPad in aircraft. The first tablet to be approved by the FAA, the iPad has won over almost half of all American private pilots!
This phenomenal success is due to the ability to have large-screen GPS mapping and a multitude of specialized applications in a single, self-contained, portable device, with disconcerting ease of use. The iPad is an invaluable aid to both flight planning and flight management. This ease of use must not, however, overshadow safety imperatives. It's up to you to decide how much space you want to give the device on board, according to your flying habits.
Preparing and tracking your flight with the iPad
There are many flight preparation applications available. Some are highly specialized, such as Flyby E6B, designed to facilitate weight, balance and fuel calculations. Others, such as Mach7 or Air Navigation Pro, take care of almost everything: route maps, approach and landing charts, airfield maps, messages to pilots, logbook and flight plan..
There's also the French app Airmate, which offers free access to IFR and VFR charts for 120 countries, an Auto-Route function, connection to flight simulators and much more. Finally, perhaps the most original is Xavion, an app that continuously calculates glide paths in the event of engine failure, and can take into account wake turbulence from other aircraft (with ADS-B receiver).
The iPad, a complete weather station
A pilot's first concern is to know exactly what flight conditions he'll be facing. Thanks to the iPad, you'll have all the weather information you need to fly safely. Aviation weather applications provide instant information on wind components, visibility, cloud cover, cloud ceilings, lightning strike zones, etc. air navigation pro.
All maps and documentation on your tablet
You'll want to load your iPad with all the maps you need to conduct your flight, including VFR and IFR charts, aerodrome maps and approach charts. But it can also be used to load all technical documentation, or even notes or copies of web pages that can be easily found on the iBooks application, for example. In addition to the convenience of reading on a tablet, this can save a considerable amount of weight.
Many other functions
The iPad can also be used as a flight log, with detailed statistics. By recording GPS tracks, you can visualize your flights and share them with friends and family. The iPad can also be used to take photos or videos during a flight. autogyro
Which hardware?
Although Android tablets and applications are becoming increasingly popular, the iPad seems to be the must-have device in aeronautics for the time being.
As far as screen size is concerned, space in the cockpit is limited, so we're leaning more towards theiPad mini, which is less likely to obscure instruments or part of the windshield. The iPad will be placed on an adjustable stand. We offer packages adapted to our shockproof cases. It is also possible to attach the iPad to the thigh.
If you've bought a wifi iPad that doesn't have GPS, you'll need an external GPS. The GNS3000, with its high accuracy and sensitivity, has proved its worth to many pilots. The 10h battery life should be sufficient for most flights, but it's wise to provide a cigarette-lighter-type recharging device or a permanent plug.
Useful links
There are many files, tests and advice sheets available on the Internet.
Here are a few examples: