Four Good Reasons
to Get an iPad
Integrated aviation applications
I’M FINDING MANY AVIATION uses for my Apple iPad. Last month, I
wrote about the Aero Charts (CONUS) and SkyCharts Pro applications that are useful substitutes for sectional charts. They’re only
$20 each, though they don’t keep your airplane centered on a chart.
Three integrated applications, ForeFlight, SkyRadar, and WingX,
include true moving maps that keep the aircraft symbol centered on
a map, and they include weather and airport information. A fourth
app, Pilot My-Cast, includes similar features, but lacks a moving
map. All of the apps are evolving rapidly, and I recommend you try
them with the free trials most offer.
SKYRADAR
SkyRadar, formerly SkyScope, is the least
expensive, with an annual subscription of
$24.95. Like Aero Charts, it stores chart
data as vector graphics, essentially a database of points, lines, and curves used to
create map images. That keeps the database small enough to include it in the
application, so you don’t have to download individual charts. It’s one of two
1
When used with the optional ADS-B receiver, SkyRadar
displays in-flight weather and some traffic. Here, the
cursor was moved 51 miles from my aircraft position to
see Miami weather. Clicking the down arrow would
display Miami runway information, frequencies, and
notices to airmen. The light blue arrows show aircraft
and their relative altitudes. www.SkyRadar.net
2ForeFlight excels as a preflight route and weather visu- alization tool. Dozens of weather charts are available when you have 3G connectivity. In flight, sectionals or IFR en route charts are used to monitor your position. Tabs along the bottom let you select airport data, file a flight plan with a flight service station, or write notes with your finger on a scratch pad. www.ForeFlight.com
