APPS For Aviators

It's no secret that iPads---and tablet computers in general---have revoluÂtionized aviation in much the same way that GPS navigation has. Tasks like flight planning have gone from manual E-6B wind-triangle fumbling (what did I do with those instructions?) to on-screen, real-time weather overlaid on actual terrain maps with one-button flight-plan filing. And with the recent introduction of Apple's tantalizing Watch, the aviation world is bracing for a new flood of cockpit goodies. Within hours of the Apple Watch's introduction, thousands of aviation-related apps were available in the App Store. As Aldous Huxley wrote when describing our technological future in Brave New World, "We prefer to do things comfortably."

For those who haven't jumped on the automation bandwagon, the reasons to do so are many. Being a firm believer in the ways of old myself, I resisted many of the iPad's charms---at least until I used it for my instrument rating. Since then, I've been discovering new ways to use this amazing tool daily. A tablet computer in combination with these aviation apps makes for a safer and more efficient cockpit. It saves all kinds of time and eliminates manual calculation errors. It takes flight planning from a mundane, arduous task, to an enjoyable one, with more information than you ever thought possible.

The key for newbies is to take it slow. Try some of these apps on your device for a few weeks (most will allow a free trial period or short-duration purchase). Pick a single task to automate (like checklists), and use the tools presented here to make that task easier and more enjoyable. We're sure you'll find that there's a solid reason why iPads and mobile devices have taken over cockpits---from Bellancas to Boeings---because they really do make flying better.

If you're already entrenched in the iPad world and have been using it in your cockpit for a long time, there's still much to discover. New apps for aviators pop up daily, with hundreds of thousands of app developers around the world clamoring for the next Angry Birds or ForeFlight. The key is finding the apps that are truly useful, and not cluttering your device with scores of unused and unneeded gizmos and tchotchkes while you only use a handful.

ForeFlight
www.foreflight.com
ForeFlight is an all-in-one flight-planning and in-flight product that includes everyÂthing a pilot needs to plan and manage a flight from wheels up to shutdown. It includes crisp moving maps, flight-planÂning functions galore, approach charts, terrain displays, weather graphics, weight and balance, flight-plan filing, IFR capabilities and much, much more. It has replaced a slew of portable GPS receivers and can offer ADS-B capabilities with after-market products like Stratus.

ForeFlight

ForeFlight's latest release (7.0) was announced at Sun 'n Fun this spring. It includes a long list of awesome new features, including a more advanced Procedure Advisor (for IFR) and an improved navigation database that enables visual previews of SIDs, STARs, approaches and pattern entries. Chart Touch technology lets you see the margin information for sectional and IFR en route charts. Cabin Altitude Advisor uses integrated pressure sensors to alert pilots when crossing through 12,000 and 25,000 feet MSL to help avoid hypoxia. Support for Apple Watch offers at-a-glance weather, flight instruments and timers. ForeFlight Web Beta is a desktop version of the app, which will automatically sync to ForeFlight Mobile and offer seamless web-to-panel capabilities via ForeFlight Connect, loading onto supported panel-mount avionics. Apple-only via the App Store.

Garmin Pilot

Garmin Pilot
www.garmin.com
If you take the capabilities of ForeFlight and add Garmin GTN-style menus, split screen, GDL 39 integration, international charts and more, you get Garmin's excelÂlent Pilot app. Using a different visual approach than both WingX and ForeFlight, Garmin mirrors the look of their panel-mount avionics, creating a seamless transiÂtion for pilots. Garmin has long been a leader in GPS navigation, and this latest version includes impressive features like Smart Airspace, integration with the GDL 39 receiver, graphical HSI and international charts.

From preflight planning to international flying, Garmin's Pilot is a full-featured app. Comprehensive animated radar and satellite imagery from around the world combine to offer an exacting view of weather. You can create and file flight plans directly from your device via DTC DUAT or CSC DUATS. It will save your pilot, aircraft and flight-plan information to the cloud, making access easy. Garmin's patented Panel Page provides situational awareness with displays for ground speed, altitude, rate of turn and vertical speed. ADS-B and Synthetic Vision can be added with a GDL 39 3D. Available in both Android and Apple from the respective app stores.

WingX Pro7

WingX Pro7
www.hiltonsoftware.com
This app from Hilton Software has been around since before the iPad and competes as one of the top three electronic flight bag apps available. Version 8 has all the goodies you can imagine (moving map, weather overlays, GPS, route planning, terrain) and adds some other useful features. Though it's only available for Apple devices at this time, Hilton says the Android version is coming soon.

Of particular interest to instrument pilots is WingX Pro7's new Instrument Approach Procedure feature. It allows pilots to simply touch a departure procedure, STAR or SID and automatically load all of its points into a flight plan. That entire IFR flight can be loaded in seconds, all the way to the runway. With georeferenced charts, all the pilot has to do is fly the approach. Other goodies include a flight data recorder, split screen and track up. When connected to an external AHRS, WingX can also show an attitude-based synthetic vision display. Apple App Store.

iFly GPS

iFly GPS
www.iflygps.com
If you're looking for the features of some of the "big box" EFBs without the cost, check out Adventure Pilot's iFly GPS. It's a multi-platform app running on iOS and Android, and offers advanced functions like seamless georeferenced moving map navigation, extensive flight planning and flight-plan filing, full ADS-B compatibility, "RealView" satellite imaging of over 12,600 airports, AutoTaxi+ diagrams, terrain alerts, customizable instrument pages and a whole lot more.

The interface of the iFly is particularly attractive and intuitive, and offers touch-screen access to all the popular EFB features. For instrument pilots, iFly has IFR Low and High En Route charts, Approach Plates with highlighted Special Use Airspace and more. Pilots also get a full Airport Facility Directory, complete with public and private airports, fuel prices and vertical flight planning with terrain information. Free trial on the Apple and Android app stores.

Qref Aircraft Checklists

Qref Aircraft Checklists
www.qref.com
Decluttering your cockpit and getting rid of paper checklists is the first thing to try if you're new to iPads. Qref, makers of some of the most popular printed checklists in aviation, have created this nifty app to display professional-style checklists for 50 popular general aviation aircraft (the database of models is continually growing).

Checklists are in color, and can be edited and customized right on the device by the pilot. The "checking" feature can be turned on or off and allows completed items to be checked off by tapping a box. Tabs allow for the selection of different categories (emergencies, takeoff, preflight, etc.). The app itself is free, though checklist sets for individual aircraft run about $9.99. This is a handy way to get POH-quality checklists right on your iPad. Apple App Store.

LogTen Pro X

LogTen Pro X
www.coradine.com
Coradine Aviation, makers of the mega-popular LogTen Pro electronic logbook software, claim: "LogTen Pro X is the world's most advanced pilot logbook platform." If the number of downloads and feature list is any proof, that may be an accurate statement. LogTen Pro X has been retooled to take advantage of iOS8 and the iPhone 6. If you're wondering why you'd need an electronic logbook, a quick look at the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system and its requirements for accurate logbook totals will answer that.

LogTen Pro X features super-fast flight logging with the Fly Now feature, where a new entry is logged with the current time for OUT TIME, the nearest airport is automatically set for your FROM airport, and it grabs aircraft and crew data from your previous flight. The app offers a detailed analysis of flight time with the new Analyze view, and the Time Loupe feature that lets you view your currency and limits at any moment in time, past or present. It syncs across all iOS devices automatically. Apple App Store.

FltPlan Go

FltPlan Go
www.fltplan.com
Easily the best deal in aviation, Fltplan.com's free FltPlan Go has more features than can be imagined for an app that costs nothing. A full-featured Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) for pilots, the app offers a variety of tools and features including moving maps, georeferenced approach plates, airport information, airport diagrams, up-to-date fuel prices, in-flight weather with ADS-B or XM weather, weight and balance, checklists, and more. FltPlan Go brings the route and mapping features from the FltPlan website to your iPad for offline and in-flight use. Apple App Store.

MyRadar

MyRadar
myradar.acmeaom.com
With over 17 million downloads, this amazing little app has endeared itself to pilots everywhere. MyRadar is a fast, easy-to-use weather application that displays animated weather radar and temperatures around your current location with looping NEXRAD animated radar. It's available for the entire U.S., and is accurate and fresh. When you start the app, your location pops up automatically, displaying current radar returns, and allowing zoom in and out. Aviation updates include TFRs, AIR/SIGMET overlay and route overlays based on N-numbers. The basic app is free, and you can remove ads for $1.99 or enable features like hurricane tracker, NOAA alerts and more. Available for Apple, Android and Windows from respective app stores.

FAA Aviation Library

FAA Aviation Library
www.fishingtonstudios.com
Many people don't know that the FAA makes most of their manuals available for free. The hassle is finding them, downloading them and then organizing them all. This new app from Fishington Studios is free and allows users to download indiÂvidÂual FAA manuals for a small price. Since the material for all FAA exams---oral and written---are taken from these manuals, a library of them is essential. This app lets pilots, from student to ATP, select and downÂload only the manÂuals they want, and makes the perfect study companion or reference guide that can be accessed on all your iOS devices. It comes with several free books includÂing a Student Pilot Guide and CFI lesÂson plans. Apple App Store.

AOPA FlyQ Pocket

AOPA FlyQ Pocket
www.aopa.org/Flight-Planning
One of the best benefits of AOPA membership is their well-engineered FlyQ Pocket app. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the FlyQ Pocket app provides extensive features at no cost to AOPA members. FlyQ geolocates nearest airports and displays airport information, including runway diagrams and satellite images, along with business listings, FBOs and area attractions. The app includes AOPA's famous weather products like METARs, TAFs, radar, prog and satellite charts, and briefings through DUAT.

Flight-planning features include 3D Auto-Router with wind and terrain-optimized routing, 162 preloaded aircraft profiles for performance data (and you can add your own), and you can instantly file, email or print your FAA flight plan. AOPA offers free six-month memberships to student pilots, and they can access FlyQ Pocket. Apple and Android App Stores.

SocialFlight

SocialFlight
www.socialflight.com
If you're a social person who likes to get together with other pilots or attend aviation-related events, then one of the best free apps out there is SocialFlight. SocialFlight is a mobile app and website that provides pilots with an interactive map of thousands of aviation events: Aircraft Fly-ins, Air Shows, Pancake Breakfasts, Conventions, FAA Safety Seminars and a lot more. SocialFlight users can search for events, add events, chat, upload photos, get email notifications, send event notices to their friends and add events to their personal Google or Outlook calenÂdars. The app includes tools for airÂcraft ownership groups or flight clubs that allow member-only views of events and external links. Apple App Store.

Sporty's Flight Review
www.sportys.com
One thing all of us pilots have in common is that we have to have biennial flight reviews (BFRs). Sporty's has taken the lead in making this ritual more enjoyable with their Flight Review app. Using a visual menu system, Flight Review is broken down into six subject areas and 42 individual video segments based on Sporty's award-winning Private Pilot flight training course. It includes 96 minutes of video and animations, and the FAA publication Conducting an Effective Flight Review with all topics. Use this app to impress your instructor and ace your next flight review. This app is approved for FAA WINGS credit. Apple App Store.

Aerovie Reports

Aerovie Reports
www.aerovie.com
A newer app, Aerovie Reports is a full electronic flight bag that includes moving maps; offline sectional, IFR low/high, and georeferenced approach charts; airport/facility directory; extensive weather inforÂmation; icing information: and the ability to brief and file flight plans directly with Lockheed Martin. A particularly useful feature is electronic PIREP submission into the national airspace system at the touch of a button. Apple App Store.

AeroWeather

AeroWeather
www.lakehorn.com
Sometimes, you just want to get a broad look at the METAR, TAF and AWOS/ASOS information for several airports without a lot of hassle or digging. AeroWeather is the answer. One of the most popular aviation "quick" apps, AeroWeather allows the user to preselect all the airports they normally check for weather updates. At a single tap, the latest current weather is displayed for all of them in a super-convenient and appealing format. Airports can be selected by ICAO code or name, and a built-in group called "nearby" always shows weather in your area.

Latest updates include the ability to automatically call AWOS/ASOS telephone numbers from the app, along with access to airport details and charts from iFlightplanner. The Swiss-made app has a free "Lite" version or the "Pro" version for $3.99. Apple App Store only.

Apple Watch:

Once again, Apple has changed the technology world with their Watch, which they debuted at the end of April. Reviews for the innovative device have been mostly positive, as users figure out the best way to use the watch to get the most out of their digital experience.

For those who don't know what an Apple Watch is, it's a long-anticipated wrist-mounted computer that offers many of the functions of iPhones and iPads, but in a wearable format. There are currently 20 models of Apple Watch to choose from, with styles ranging from sporty to elegant. The look is high-tech and the function is advanced, but true to the Apple model, the device is very friendly and intuitive. In short, the Apple Watch (it's not called an "iWatch") lets you do familiar things more quickly and conveniently, and does some things that simply weren't possible before. It's device-dependent, meaning it needs to be coupled with an iPhone or iPad to really do a lot.

At the core of the Watch are entirely new navigation functions, features and methods. Key to that is the digital crown. On mechanical watches, the crown is used to set the time and date, and to wind the mainspring. On the Apple Watch, it's reimagined to be a versatile tool. Turning the digital crown allows you to navigate menus without obstructing your view. You can zoom in and out of photos, quickly scroll through lists, input data or press it like a button to return to the Home screen.

The Apple Watch is sensitive enough to distinguish taps from presses, making navigation intuitive. The Retina display is clear and crisp, made with a layer of machined sapphire. Watch uses "glances" instead of screens with lots of information. People glance at their watches and use them differently than a computer screen, so Apple took note. "Glances" are swipeable summary displays.

Meanwhile, Watch "taps" you on the wrist using haptic feedback whenever a notification comes in. Watch includes a heart-rate sensor and an accelerometer. However, it has no GPS and so must be linked to your iPhone (and in proximity).

For pilots, Watch-enabled applications are already available. Though no dediÂcated aviation apps exist only for the Watch, develÂopers like ForeFlight have made their apps available in the Apple Watch format, making them compatible with the device. Of course, Watch's disÂplay is much smaller than an iPad or iPhone, so it remains to be seen how it will be used in the cockpit. For now, however, several apps are available on the Apple Watch:

ForeFlight Mobile---Includes a comÂpreÂhensive subset of ForeFlight's main features, including timers, notifications and ADS-B weather from Stratus.

Aerovie Reports---Can view timers, airport weather and notifications.

NRST---An app that provides nearest airport information for deviations and emergencies.

Pilot Log---An inexpensive electronic logbook that's quite useful, though it doesn't have many bells and whistles.

SkyNav---GPS and barometric altitude and variometer (rate-of-climb) instruments displayed on the Watch. Variometer is great for glider pilots.

FlightStats---Flight status information.

Weather Underground---Still one of the best overall weather apps out there, the watch version has current conditions, forecasts and severe weather alerts.

RWY Go---Displays nearest airport information for emergencies. Keeps track of phase of flight and offers nearest alternatives.

The availability of aviation apps for Apple's Watch changes daily, and it's likely this list will be out of date by the time the ink dries on this article. Leaders in aviation technology (like Garmin) have announced plans to make their apps available for Watch, and countless blogs and sites are speculating on what apps will be developed. Priced from $349 to $17,000 (look it up, www.apple.com/watch), everybody is waiting to see how Apple's Watch will integrate into the cockpit. But there's no doubt it will.

Marc C. LeeWriter

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