As the staff returns from the AOPA Aviation Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, I thought this would be a great time to highlight some aviation apps that have come to the market. You can read my previous columns here. These are not endorsements of any app.
Pohperformance.com (free on iTunes and Google Play): Developer Steve Kleiman pitched this smartphone app (also on available on the Web), created as an open-source platform for computing the aircraft performance related numbers for flight planning for the Socata TBM850 (all models) and the Cessna 172S (on the Web). It also runs on browsers including Safari, Android/Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer 9+.
Flight Weather ($1.99 on iTunes): Developer Ryan Cabell of Spindrift Software says this iPhone/iPad app is a simple, easy to use map-based app for finding current METAR and TAF reports from airports and other weather reporting sites. Users can opt for the search function to find airports by FAA or ICAO codes.
Instrument Pilot Checkride ($9.99 in iTunes): This iPhone/iPad app is based on the Instrument Oral Exam Guide Book. Designed for pilots training for the instrument rating or the instrument flight instructor (CFII) certificate, the app lists more than 450 questions most likely to be asked by examiners during the last step in the pilot certification process—the practical exam—and provides succinct, ready responses.
Radio Navigation Simulator Pro ($8.99 in iTunes): Gary Pallett of Digital Aviation submitted this iPhone/iPad app, which is a full-featured radio navigation training simulator. The app allows instructors to demonstrate radio navigation techniques, and for students to consolidate and self-test. It also allows experienced pilots to prepare for an instrument rating or proficiency check.
PilotWorkshops – Pilot Proficiency Training (free in iTunes): Jeff Mulligan of PilotWorkshops.com LLC says this app offers 20 free flight training videos that cover solid information they can actually implement in their cockpits. Topics include single-pilot IFR, ATC communications, aviation weather, emergencies, and airmanship. Other videos are available for $2.99 each or $199.99 for the entire library.
What apps do you use to search for the best fuel prices? What are your favorite charts/maps apps? What’s a must-have instrument simulator app? Please send them my way here. Feel free to send along any other pilot/aviation apps you can’t live without. Thanks to everyone who continues to pass along their Google Play and iTunes app recommendations. The complete list of apps I’ve reviewed since October 2012 is in AOPA’s online archive.
