On Jan. 10, I highlighted five charts and maps apps, noting how pilots are using electronic versions to cut back on paper in the cockpit. This week, I look at another five apps recommended by AOPA members. These are not endorsements of any app.
OpenFlightGPS (free in Google Play)—This smartphone and tablet app offers users myriad tools, including VFR sectional charts, world aeronautical Charts, terminal area charts, and IFR low en route charts; simple courses/waypoints; user preferences; and map management.
iChart (free in iTunes, but $59.99 a year for a charts subscription)—iPad/iPhone users can see their GPS position on charts, plates, and airport diagrams; download seamless VFR and IFR charts for the U.S. lower 48 states; bookmark favorites, nearest, and recent functions; and get AirPrint support for printing approach plates.
Approach Charts ($8.99 in iTunes and $9.99 in Google Play)—All of the FAA’s instrument approach charts can be downloaded to your smartphone and tablet for easy viewing. Features include instant-search for airport, city, state, or route; tabs for favorites and recents to quickly get to the most-used airports; and airport diagrams.
Pilot’s Chart View (free in iTunes)—iPhone/iPad users will turn their devices into a viewer for aeronautical charts. Users don’t need a wireless connection to view downloaded charts. On the iPad, users can add markers that draw vectors on a chart showing flight paths between the active markers. The distance and heading between markers are calculated and can be viewed along with the marker's name and a note field. Markers can be rearranged, enabled, and disabled.
Jeppesen Mobile TC (free in iTunes and Google Play)—This tablet app is designed for Jeppesen customers with a paid JeppView or NavSuite subscription. It allows users to access all aviation terminal charts and airport diagrams directly on their tablet.
I have plenty of iTunes apps, but I could use some Google Play suggestions in the following categories: fuel, flight training, FBOs/services, instrument simulators, and log books. And thanks to everyone who has sent in suggestions. And here’s the new link to an archive of my past columns.
