Ipad Apps

[Cris]

Last week I went from Atlantic City (ACY) to Gulfport MS (GPT) round trip at 10k/11k to see my Son & his family including of course the new granddaughter before my son deploys to Afghanistan. In preparation I was going to start a new subscription to Foreflight since my charts were out of date & my free subscription to Foreflight was expired. However in checking the Apple store I came across a new FREE app from GlobalNavSource called EFB. This app includes IFR/VFR charts as well as plates. The charts are geo synchronized. Not sure about the plates as I did not need to fly an approach and the help is a bit sketchy. It includes weather etc. It is free untill June but if you get the free subscription now they will extend your free subscription another two months. Global Nav Source is a direct supplier of aviation charts so they intend to beat the current EFB pricing. This works really well & the price is right- FREE.

Separately I have a KLN 94 which when I input the flight plan or am given ATC changes I have to concern myself with the possible victor airways doglegs which are more difficult visuallyzing on the Ipad due to size. There is a product from AirwayPlanner.com that shows all of the victor airways with any doglegs identified by their intersection name. Essentially if one is given a VOR or Victor airway, you can then see where the airway breaks in a tablet form and add the intersection to your flightplan. I use the Goodreader app on the Ipad to better utilyze the airway planner which I have downloaded onto the Ipad. It is amazingly fast. I think an annual subscription is $20. I always wanted a Garmin GNS 480 or the new GTN series which show airways but this takes care of the issue. BTW For the flight instructors out there ask for the free trial which I did & was given. 

Anyone else with good Ipad Apps?  

[thinwing]

since I am a new ipad 2 user havent had much experience..I simply transfered foreflight and wingx from my iphone to the ipad.The big thing I notice is that the screen is not nearly as daylight readable as the aviation boxes...glare is a big issue...I agree airwayplanner is the only program dealing with victor airways and goodreader is a necessaity if you dont want to scroll thru all 500 airways!!!just use the pdf search function and the list comes right up...kpc

[scottfromiowa]

Thanks Cris.  Just downloaded onto my wife's IPad II.  Looks GREAT!!!

[Cris]

Glare on my Ipad 2 is solved in two ways. First one can buy a glare shield from e-bay or elsewhere which I have. Second is the way one mounts the unit. I prefer to keep it on my lap for approaches but I also have a "Ram" mount which adjusts the angle for enroute use. Between the two there is no problem for me. The Ram mount also allows me to use it either in front of me if I have a co-pilot or on the right yoke angled towards me which is where it usually sits.  I also confirmed with Global Nav Source that the approach plates will be geo referenced but have not yet been released with that feature but it will also be free with their update. I mentioned my altitude & course  because I only have the internal GPS in the Ipad 2 & it worked fine so long as I kept the chart centered with the GPS icon on the top of the chart. I was able to confirm accuracy with the KLN 94/GMX 200 displaying the low altitude chart. Finally I don't think one gets 10 hrs of battery use fron the Ipad 2 if always left on & lit. I figure more like 8 which is great but left me with 15% battery after a 5 + hour return flight deviating around TS's. That 8 hrs included drive time.  

[Txbyker]

Foreflight keeps putting out the features and its hard to beat.  Just recently they launched the new feature that allows you to group your favorite plates, added a new route detail with waypoints, and A/FD.  It is hard for me to go away from the familiar.  One thing I continue to do is carry paper since the IPAD shuts down due to heat when in direct sun.  I have had that happen two or three times.

[Cris]

txbyker- Is your Ipad a 1 or 2? I'm just curious to see if there is more of an issue with one version or the other. I've not experienced the shutdown myself but have heard of it. I also keep the AOPA airport directory with their flight planner which I like as well as the FAR's on my Ipad. I think Foreflight has all of that integrated. No doubt a great product at a reasonable cost. I'm thinking it is $150/yr with the geo synchronized charts/plates.   

[Txbyker]

I have the iPad I.  I put velcro on back of the Apple cover and some on top of my kneeboard and it works great on my leg during flights and I can take the iPad off the kneeboard when I land.  I bought a large rubber covered clip at the dollar store and put that on the iPad cover to hold plates, notes, etc.  But in the hot Texas sun it will shut down.  I divert the air ducts towards it now and it helps a bit.  I am cognizant of keeping it in the shade while flying.  Takes it about 5-10 mins to cool off enough to fire back up.

I use ForeFlight for all of my preflight, planning, etc.  I have the geo reference and it works very well on approach plates.  I am impressed with ForeFlight's service and support as well.  If someone can come up with a good Mooney iPad holder that would be great.

[Cris]

Here is the Ram mount that I use on the yoke but which also can be attached to the seat rail or side window with adapters. http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1312&_nkw=ipad+2+aviation+mounts&_sacat=See-All-CategoriesGlobal Nav Sourse sells an Ipad specifc kneeboard http://www.globalnavsource.com/products.php Sporty's also has a couple that look interesting. Net Jets has FAA approval to replace all of their charts/plates in their A/C with the Ipad for a paperless cockpit. I believe they are using the Ipad2 which is thinner & perhaps less susceptible to overheating or maybe you might have one that Apple should look at to determine if it is operating within specs. I concur you can't use it if you are always concerned it may stop working in the middle of an approach/ATC enroute changes regardless of the reason.  

[scottfromiowa]

Spruce has the Ram mount for less $...but it's back-ordered.

[Cris]

Here is a thread on beechtalk for the Ipad known overheat issue http://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=55557 And there is a hardware solution from that thread that describes a $25 Ipad cooling pack available from Amazon.com. Hope this helps. I also use DTC Duats as an app & have the Foreflight Checklist App.

 I am now considering scanning all my STC's & manuals in a PDF format to download onto the Ipad. I can get rid of them & easily search them with Goodreader while at the same time picking up some useful load. Has anyone else scanned in manuals & possibly the POH?  Maybe we could post so that they could be shared & downloaded by others? 

[Txbyker]

That RAM mount looks good.  I researched it a bit.  My yoke has a 496.  Maybe when I get my Garmin GTN I will put the iPad on the yoke. 

In regards to mine iPad overheating, I do not think it will overhead if direct sun is not on it.  I have made a habbit to shut it down when I am not looking at it.

There is a pretty neat app call Penultimate for note taking.  I use it for copying clearences and ATC instruction.  Then when you are through with your flight you have all of our notes taken during the flight in what they call a notebook.  You can have all of the notebooks of your flights.  I have used it before to look through my tach times, etc when I forgot to copy them to my airplane log.  It works better than the scratchpad in Foreflight.

I forgot to add, Best Buy has some great little pen stylus for iPad.  I never use my fingers anymore.  There are some more expensive Apple versions but there are others in the gaming section for $20 that work well.  Really makes a difference in selecting routes and pressing icons while in flight.

 

[Rustler]

Here's a link to a good set of reviews for stylii used with the iPad.

 

http://www.macworld.com/article/156560/2011/05/touchscreen_stylus_roundup.html

[Txbyker]

Looks like a new iPAD mount on the market made of 6061 aluminum.  I am thinking it might be good to mount this on the windshield frame bar near the compass.  Hope the link works.  Anybody have this?

http://www.pilotmall.com/product/ipad-yokepad/new-products

 

 

[Cris]

Just checked my e-mail to find that Sporty's is now offering a new Ipad newsletter for free. It has tips & tricks for those using the Ipad as an EFB.  It even includes a  link to a Ipad use video that they are rolling out around the country. 

[BorealOne]

GPSCity is a great source for RAM mounts. www.gpscity.com

 

[BorealOne]

GPSCity is a great source for RAM mounts. www.gpscity.com

 

[carusoam]

WingX Pro7 adds Synthetic Vision July 2011 Greetings! We just announced a significant new feature for your iPad - Synthetic Vision.  See the terrain at your position or slide your finger over the view to climb or descend or to look around you.  You can even move to any airport in the US to take a close look at the terrain before flying there.  The graphics are stunning, response is fast, and the AHRS integration adds realism and makes WingX Pro7 a great backup. WingX® Pro7 Version 6 Delivers Synthetic Vision to iPad, Integrates With Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) WingX Pro7 with Synthetic Vision San Jose, CA - July 19, 2011:Hilton Software LLC today announced the addition of Synthetic Vision to its flagship WingX Pro7 for iPad product. WingX Pro7's new Synthetic Vision depicts 3D terrain using its high-resolution terrain database, obstacles using a comprehensive obstacle database, and airport runways. Terrain and obstacles that are above or slightly below the airplane's altitude are shaded red and yellow respectively. Also displayed are speed and altitude tapes and a Zero Pitch Line that shows the aircraft's altitude in relation to nearby terrain. Pilots can move to any airport in the country and can look around the airport in all directions and at all altitudes by sliding their finger over the Synthetic Vision view. This enables pilots to visualize a preferred route of arrival or departure for the airport. The Synthetic Vision can be displayed full-screen or simultaneously with other charts such as a VFR sectional or geo-referenced approach chart using WingX Pro7's unique split screen view. Hilton Software LLC partnered with BA3™ LLC to develop and integrate Synthetic Vision into WingX Pro7. BA3's engineering team of graphics experts delivered a solution with an incredible combination of performance and stunning graphics by making full use of the iPad 2's dual-core CPU and high-performance graphics hardware. Bruce Shankle, CEO and founder of BA3 LLC said, "Our mission was clear: to design and build a high-performance first-of-its kind Synthetic Vision engine for iPad. In WingX Pro7 Version 6 you can see several hundred miles in every direction to get a sense of terrain, obstacles, and runway layouts. This new iPad technology is the kind of innovation that is a true game-changer. WingX Pro7 with Synthetic Vision is a must-have for any pilot, private or commercial. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Hilton Software to deliver amazing graphics technology." In addition, Hilton Software LLC worked closely with Levil Technology to integrate their new Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) unit and enable it to drive the Synthetic Vision display wirelessly. The result is a truly amazing real-time depiction of the view outside and provides incredible situational awareness for pilots flying at night, in reduced visibility, or even in perfect day conditions. Levil Technology's new AHRS unit will be introduced at Airventure 2011 and is planned to sell for approximately $750. Although the AHRS unit is not required to view the Synthetic Vision, this powerful combination of WingX Pro7's new Synthetic Vision and AHRS significantly reduces the price point and adds an additional level of aviation safety. Ruben D. Leon, founder and president of Levil Technology says "This is the most exciting instrument Levil has worked on thus far. We took what we learned from our AHRS technology, improved it and made it portable. WingX Pro7 combined with our AHRS technology is truly the ideal backup solution for every pilot." Dr. Goldstein, founder of Hilton Software LLC says "When we delivered WingX Pro7 Version 5 with its split-screen, terrain overlays on enroute charts, and ADS-B in-flight weather, many of our customers said that WingX Pro7 had all the features we could add. To the contrary, we were just getting started and Version 6 shows how we continue to push the envelope. This latest solution reduces the avionics cost to the homebuilt and experimental markets and provides an inexpensive backup and cross-reference display for all pilots. In our boldest move yet, we continue to shift the convention away from dedicated systems with high annual subscription fees. At just $99 per year, WingX Pro7's new AHRS-driven Synthetic Vision is incredibly disruptive technology and we are proud to be leading the way. We are the leader and it is exciting."   Come see us at Airventure in Oshkosh next week.  We'll be in Booth 3083 in Hangar C.  Get hands on with our new amazing Synthetic Vision.  Move to any airport in the US and look around - the view is unbelievable.  See you there!   Sincerely,   Support Team Hilton Software LLC See our amazing Synthetic Vision We have put together three videos of the incredible capabilities of WingX Pro7's Synthetic Vision.  The graphics engine is highly optimized for the iPad 2's dual-core CPU and powerful graphics hardware.  It will run on the original iPad, but we recommend the newer iPad 2 for improved performance and image quality. Video One illustrates the high-performance and extreme capabilities. Video Two shows the integration of our comprehensive obstacle database. Video Three shows the superb terrain rendering, the Zero Pitch line, Terrain Coloring and unlimited attitude capabilities.

Forward email This email was sent to carusoam@aol.com by support@hiltonsoftware.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Hilton Software LLC | 6205 Balderstone Drive | San Jose | CA | 95120

[scottfromiowa]

Wow!  That's a game-changer (Synthetic vision).  My back-oredered I-pad yoke mount from Spruce has been shipped.

[fantom]

Gee....does the "no brainer" Garmin GTN 750 have Synthetic Vision???

[trjymr]

As far as mounts I like this one http://www.themountdepot.com/RAM_HOL_TAB3U_p/ram-hol-tab3u.htm I havent actually got to use it in the plane yet but I like that you can have a case or sleeve (even an otterbox) on your ipad and still use it.  I also got the yoke mount to go along with it.

[rob]

Quote: scottfromiowa

Wow!  That's a game-changer (Synthetic vision).  My back-oredered I-pad yoke mount from Spruce has been shipped.

[DaV8or]

Wow. WingX just took on a lot of liability. IMO, they are making a bit of a risky jump from just providing situational back up information, to actual primary navigation. All in a device that is known to be unreliable. I know they say that their new synthetic vision technology is back up info only, but you know that there are VFR pilots out there will become confident in it and start flying in the soup. If your old plane has just VOR needles for navigation, but on the yoke you have an iPad with GPS and synthetic vision, which one is going to become your primary nav system? It's one thing to pin point your position on a map and quite another to say here's what it looks like outside your darkened/grayed out windows right now.

On the flip side of this, it is about time that synthetic vision started making it's way into every man's cockpit at an affordable price. Maybe now the certified versions will come down in price.

[scottfromiowa]

Jeez Rob.  Did I really deserve that?  All I did was get discussion going on the other pads such as the Xoom.  My wife looked at all and went with the i-pad...Her decision, not mine.

I never stated that Apple wasn't the leader...In fact I stated they were/are.  Sorry if I offended you.  Your reply DOES offend me.  Just getting personal since you felt the need to.

[PTK]

Due to its size and design the iPad is too cumbersome in the cockpit.  There are a lot of concerns and rightly so, on how and where to mount it.  Where do you put this thing?  It takes up a lot of space! In addition complicating positioning you have angle it a certain way to minimize glare.  

Functionally, the iPad is only an average navigator. Think about it. Should we really be playing with an iPad while flying ?!  No software that I've seen, no Wing X, no Foreflight or anyone else, have any worthwhile navigational detail anyway. Synthetic vision or not!  I hope I'm wrong and God forbid this never happens but someone somewhere is going to get bitten by this synthetic vision stuff on an iPad!  And its GPS is marginally dependable.  As for weather it can't compete with near real time as XM, even on a handheld.  

The only real justification I can see for lugging an iPad around in the cockpit is as an inexpensive pdf plate reader and not as a GPS.  But of course my iPhone with Goodreader and pdf plates is my free backup plate reader.  For a handheld GPS an Aera is an excellent choice.

Of course I have plates on my 750 so i don't really use my iPhone either. But they are there.

[danb35]

Quote: allsmiles

Due to its size and design the iPad is too cumbersome in the cockpit.