Apps can help pilots to cut back on workload and errors associated with paper documents, from EFB apps and flight planning solutions, through flight logbook solutions and logbook services, these aviation apps can streamline tasks for pilots.
Windy is an app used by glider pilots and skydivers for providing comprehensive weather information, with features such as an accurate forecast, surface map, and intelligent warnings.
1. ForeFlight Mobile
As soon as the iPad was introduced in 2010, pilots immediately recognized it as an unprecedented device to revolutionize how flight information is managed and displayed within a cockpit environment. ForeFlight responded with its signature single-solution iPad app – thus ushering in an age of paperless cockpit operations.
ForeFlight Mobile has since become one of the world’s most beloved aviation apps, meeting both student pilot learning to fly as well as professional turbine pilot needs. Version 4.4 further refines this already silky smooth experience with improved graphics and added functionality.
This latest version allows users to personalize the map background and add overlays of airport diagrams, charts, maps or photos. Furthermore, ForeFlight now displays aircraft locations on a moving map using Synthetic Vision technology, making it easy to keep up with where planes are in relation to terrain and air traffic. In addition, ForeFlight includes performance profiles directly derived from airplane manufacturer data to simplify ETE and fuel calculations for every phase of flight; streaming live global aircraft traffic via their partnership with FlightAware is now also an option!
ForeFlight is also an ideal fit for users taking advantage of JetFuelX’s free fuel card management program, as users can see contract fuel prices and submit fuel releases directly through its app. Furthermore, ForeFlight boasts an impressively robust set of cockpit features like electronic checklists, in-flight weather reporting and air traffic control syncing with panel mount avionics. A Business Plan option is also available – mobile versions start at $499 annually while this plan accommodates multi pilot operations.
2. CloudAhoy
Pilots looking to transition away from paper charts and into the digital sphere must ensure they find apps which are as beneficial as possible – from EFBs and aviation calculators, all the way through specialty apps – for every aspect of flying they require.
CloudAhoy is one of the more popular apps among general aviation pilots, designed as a post-flight debriefing tool. Essential for any pilot but particularly useful for student pilots and flight instructors looking for more data-driven instruction, this app tracks flight data during flights then allows the user to load that information onto Google Earth or an aviation chart to see where errors have been made and how improvements may be implemented in future flights.
Apps such as AirPort Tracker offer another great feature – being able to easily locate an airport. This can be especially helpful for pilots flying cross country or new to an area, especially student pilots as it prevents them landing at unfamiliar airports which could mean long taxi rides and costly mistakes.
Last but not least, the app can also serve as an excellent way for pilots to determine how high or low a cloud may be, helping them become more accurate when approaching. Pilots especially appreciate this feature since it reduces their need to use altimeters or gyros to measure cloud height – you can simply do it all using your device’s camera!
3. Avare
Apps have quickly become essential tools in an increasingly digital cockpit, making life simpler and safer for pilots. From flight planning, checklists, in-flight navigation, EFBs to aviation calculators and specialty apps such as virtual co-pilots – apps provide essential services that pilots depend on daily. But which aviation apps offer the best solutions? With so many choices out there for flight planners and pilots ranging from electronic flight bag (EFB), checklist and inflight navigation apps available there’s sure to be one that suits their specific need – but which are the best? With so many available, which ones do pilots choose? With so many choices out there it can be hard for pilots deciding.
Avare EFB provides users with many features. This includes moving map FAA charts, offline capability and access to standard EFB data — VFR/IFR charts, airport diagrams/terminal area maps as well as global vector aeronautical maps/three dimensional runway views. Furthermore, Avare includes an attitude tracking commuication system (AHRS), compatible devices like those included with certain ADS-B In receivers can display attitude information directly onto its instrument page for display purposes.
The app also provides easy weather updates from around the globe with METARs and TAFS available in either raw or decoded formats, as well as radar, nav aids, wind patterns and terrain profile views – as well as loading users own maps or using online mapping services – seamlessly integrated with AOPA’s Flight Planner for preflight planning purposes.
Its features include a wheels up departure advisor, import/display of Stratus logs and transcription/playback of ATC recordings as well as providing a unique view of airport surface conditions using Augmented Reality feature. Furthermore, this app has built-in audio comm interface which supports most Bluetooth headsets while it connects external ADS-B In receivers – it’s free download however additional functionality requires subscription fees.
4. Naviator
If you’re searching for an EFB that also serves as flight planning software, look no further. This app features 3D synthetic vision, which shows an immersive view of an aircraft’s surroundings through its windscreen. Furthermore, GPS status, moving map display, recording/playback capabilities and ability to record/playback flights are all featured as part of its comprehensive feature set.
This comprehensive pre-flight and in-flight application includes moving maps, airport diagrams, runway diagrams, terrain awareness tools such as terrain awareness maps, 3D approach chart viewer and weather graphics; both offline charts as well as METAR & TAF data are supported; an upgrade version offering VFR Sectionals and offline AFDs for an additional subscription fee can also be found here.
CloudAhoy, another widely used aviation app, combines flight logging, post-flight debriefing and aircraft tracking into one convenient app with an intuitive user interface and ADS-B Out compatible devices to track aircraft both manually and via ADS-B Out tracking capabilities. In addition, it offers performance graphs for VFR and IFR flying.
Xavion is an impressive app designed to save lives in an engine failure situation by automatically planning glide routes to all airports within gliding range and calculating engine-failure ground speed and distance to touchdown. Furthermore, it can assist with filing PIREPs, transcribing ATC recordings through intercom connectivity, filing PIREPs quickly, weight and balance calculator and recording and displaying flight logs in multiple formats – it’s even compatible with Stratus ADS-B receivers for effortless ADS-B recording! Perfect choice for student pilots as well as experienced pilots looking to keep digitalized logs of their flight logs!
5. Airmate
Airmate is an all-encompassing aviation app with multiple features that is free to use and provides flight planning, weather, navigation and social sharing features for planned flights with other users. Furthermore, IFR/VFR charts for US/Europe/Oceania airports as well as Plate Manager to download airport plates in advance and view them offline are included for free download as part of this comprehensive service. Furthermore, Garmin Pilot integration enables pilots to file flight plans directly via this application.
Voice recognition technology is another great benefit of this app, enabling pilots to speak into a device and receive immediate feedback on its accuracy – this could reduce inflight communication errors while increasing safety. Furthermore, this application features an aviation phraseology dictionary as well as opportunities for practicing speaking skills.
Takeoff is an incredible aviation app designed to assist pilots when making decisions in inclement weather. It displays looping NEXRAD radar that’s easy to zoom into and quickly assesses weather conditions; additional aviation-specific overlays such as SIGMETs and AIRMETs help pilots quickly assess weather conditions; airport runway crosswinds, visibility, dew point spread density altitude is also displayed within this powerful aviation app.
An aviation app designed to put an end to the use of old-fashioned whiz wheels has finally come along, providing pilots with all-in-one digital flight bag solutions and flight training courses such as Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Garmin G1000 training courses – not only on iPhone and iPad devices!