Learn to fly apps

I am currently a student pilot and a fool for pilot-related apps. I need all the help I can get in learning the ins and outs of flying, so this week, I’m reviewing apps that student pilots should consider. These are not endorsements of any app.

1. King Schools (prices vary depending on course)—When I first started my flying lessons a year ago, my instructor suggested I go over to the AOPA library and check out some of the King Schools materials on DVD. Now, many of those courses are available on your iPad, even those that use Flash. I find these videos to be informative and humorous, in a corny way (which is a good thing).
2. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course ($249.00)—Now before you start hyperventilating about the price of this app, this is around the same price you’d pay for a 6-week ground school course. What you get with this app are really cool 3-D animations to explain key aviation concepts, a study guide cross-referenced to what you’ve been learning, and a complete lesson-by-lesson syllabus so you know what to expect. Sporty’s also guarantees that you’ll pass all three tests or they will refund your full purchase price. And as a working mother, I appreciate being able to take my lessons on my own schedule.
3. LiveATC Air Radio ($2.99)—Back in May, Frederick Municipal Airport became a towered airport. I was nervous enough doing talking to ATC before the tower opened, but now, I’m still a bit of a nervous wreck. So this app (along with this free Air Safety Institute course ) has been a great tool to help me overcome my radio fears.
4. FAR/AIM ($9.99)—When I started my flying lessons, I got my FAR/AIM books from ASA. I would drag them around when I needed to study. So thank goodness ASA put them on the iPhone/iPad.
5. X-Plane Flight Simulator for iPad ($9.99)—I thought my original flight instructor was a bit crazy when he recommended I get this app. But now I understand the method behind his madness. Besides being just a big pile of fun, you really can pick up techniques that can be used during the real thing.

That’s what I have for this week. If you have any apps you think I should review in the upcoming months, please pass them along to me.