General apps

In my ever-growing file of apps to review, I have a section for apps that don’t fall under any of my specific categories (including flight training, charts and maps, logbooks, flight trackers, flight planning, and weather, to name a few) but I feel are still relevant for pilots. So this week, AOPA takes a look at five “general” aviation apps. These are not endorsements of any app.

1. Aviation Glossary ($2.95 in Google Play): Sometimes one’s head can spin from all the language that’s unique to aviation. This smartphone and tablet app offers handy access to types of aircrafts, equipment, and other terms.
2. The Aviation-APP ($1.99 in Google Play): A member swears by this smartphone app, saying that it offers all the information pilots need when they fly, including codes and standard phrases in voice and radio communication, light signals, transmission codes, and scales.
3. iBooks (free in iTunes): As a student pilot, I’ve been lugging around more than my fair share of books. So I appreciated a tip sent in by a member on using iBooks on the iPhone and iPad to store everything. Just locate any PDF online and email it to yourself. Click on the attached file in your email on the iPad and save it to iBooks. No more lugging!
4. Cross Wind Assistant (99 cents in Google Play): While there are apps that will calculate the crosswind component for runways, none are fully automatic and will show all runway directions and crosswind components at a given airport without user entry like this app, a member reported. It will also indicate the preferred runway direction for use based on current wind conditions.
5. Windsock (99 cents in Google Plus and iTunes): This smartphone app allows users a quick and easy way to check the wind and make the necessary adjustments.

To my Android users: I hear you loud and clear on wanting to see more of your apps reviewed in this column, and I hope you noticed what was offered this week. I’m on the iOS platform, so I still need you to send in your Android app picks. Please pass them along to me here. And if you’ve missed the apps I’ve reviewed since October 2012, you can see the complete list in AOPA’s online archive. And keep those comments and suggestions coming!