Golf Hotel Whiskey: for pilots and aviation enthusiasts
The ForeFlight blog has put together a program called “iPad Proficiency” to pr0mote knowledge about using the iPad in the cockpit. Specifically, the “iPad Proficiency” video contains the presentation ForeFlight made at Oshkosh 2011 and runs about 15 minutes showing the basics of using the iPad in the cockpit. These basics can also be applied to the iPhone as well.
iPad Proficiency for Pilots from ForeFlight on Vimeo.
John Zimmerman has recently written a lengthy article for Air Facts about the iPad and its usefulness where he listed his top five aviation uses for the iPad. These aviation uses included:
John concluded that his list shows that the iPad is a major convenience but nevertheless, it has not fundamentally changed how he flies because he still file flight plans the same way, he still uses the panel GPS for navigation, he still has the same personal minimums and he still flies the same type of trips. Hence, John concluded that the iPad is a revolutionary aviation tool but only on cost and convenience rather than on features.
Lately, iPad usage in the cockpit has skyrocketed with even commercial airlines giving them to their pilots but just how useful are they for pilots right now? In a provocative post entitled iPad insanity for the the AOPA Pilot Blog, Ian J. Twombly questioned just how useful iPads really are for pilots in the cockpit.
Specifically, Ian pointed out that the iPad offers pilots:
Nevertheless, Ian did concede at the end of his post that once we get good in-cockpit weather along with “better flight planning products, panel integration, logbook and maintenance tracking, and all the other facets of our aviation life on one device,” the iPad will become infinitely more valuable. Its just that he believes that day has not yet arrived yet.
Hence, we want to ask you our readers what you think: Is the iPad as it stands now, really a useful cockpit device or just an expensive and overhyped device?
In case you have ever looked out an airplane window and were wondering what it was that you were seeing down below, David Parker Brown, the blogger behind AirlineReporter, has recently pointed out that Mark Vanhoenacker has written about a few good apps on his NY Times In Transit blog that are probably better than just asking the stewardess or your seatmate.
Specifically, Vanhoenacker wrote about two different apps, WindowSeat and MondoWindow, that will help you to identify those mountains, bodies of water or other geographic landmarks that you see. With WindowSeat, users do not need an internet connection and the app also does not use GPS. Instead, you just tell the app your takeoff location and time of take off and the app will then make a good guesstimate as to your location and flight plan. On the other hand and if there will be Internet access on your flight, MondoWindow will provide you with an interactive map of your flight along with live information.
Naturally, you still need to be flying in clear skies or just below the clouds for these apps to be of any real use or entertainment value. Moreover, it appears that these apps are only good if you are flying to and from certain locations in the USA.
Hence, we want to ask you our readers: Do you know of any similar apps that cover other parts of the world such as the UK or Continental Europe that are worth mentioning?
John Ewing, the blogger behind Aviation Mentor, has written a lengthy post comparing the traditional E6B calculator or slide rule with some of those new fangled E6B apps for the iPad or smartphone. John began his post by writing that for older traditionalist pilots:
…the E6B is synonymous with "slide rule" and the mere mention of electronic E6B calculators and smartphone apps will get them on their soapbox in a heartbeat, praising the slide rule and preaching against the dangers of new-fangled electronic contraptions. Young upstart pilots, having likely never used a slide rule, may find this attachment a bit odd. Frankly I do too.
Nevertheless, John quickly added that even though electronic E6Bs are becoming widespread, there is “still a place for the old fashioned E6B slide rule.”
The pros and cons of the E6B calculator
John then wrote what he thinks is good about an old fashioned E6B – namely that it does not require batteries, is lightweight and can do a huge variety of calculations. On the other hand, he also pointed out that a user must provide most of the problem-solving context (which can be difficult when in a stressful flying situation) plus use an old fashioned dose of common sense when using one as the device is not completely fool proof.
Enter E6B apps for the iPad or smartphone
For non-traditionalist pilots, John noted that there are at least 30 E6B apps available from the iTunes store with his favorite iPhone/iPad E6B app being the PFMA thanks to its simple and shallow menu structure. However, he also pointed out that student pilots will not be able to bring any new fangled electronic device that runs such apps into an FAA knowledge test session.
Moreover, John ended his post by writing that:
There’s a undeniable pride student pilots feel once they have mastered basic calculations with an E6B. That’s understandable because acquiring slide rule prowess is like learning a magic trick. Your friends are bound to be impressed, especially if the E6B you use is contained on the face of a flashy pilot watch. Pushing buttons on a calculator? Anyone can do that!
Hence, he will still continue to teach his students how to use paper charts and a slide rule E6B. However, he will also not discourage his student pilots from embracing new technology like E6B apps if they so choose to.
Lately, there have been a growing number of news reports that commercial pilots are increasingly replacing their flight bags with the much lighter iPads. Specifically and back in June, Terry Maxon reported on the Dallas Morning News’ Airline Biz Blog that American Airlines’ pilots had begun a test on two trans-Pacific flights in which they would keep all of their charts and other documents on iPads. The test would last for 6 months on American’s flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai and Tokyo Narita.
Terry also noted that Alaska Airlines had announced back in May that it would distribute iPads to all of its pilots by mid-June and the iPads would contain all of the pilots’ flight manuals. Alaska Airlines was also looking at putting its navigational charts on the devices as well.
Meaning, the “Wings Stayed On!” blog has pointed out that Alaska Airlines’ two initiatives, dubbed “Bye, Bye, Flight Bag,” is also environmentally friendly as they will save 2.4 million pieces of paper.
However, I have just one question: What happens if a commercial pilot forgets to recharge his iPad?!!