I also have the iPad3 (and the slooow first iPad) and for flightsimming purposes it's definitely the best size. But when flying IRL I usually put the iPhone on the dashboard and the iPad3 as a kneeboard and neither solution is really good in my cramped cockpit. I'm actually considering getting the iPad mini once it's released with a retina display so I can put that on the dashboard.

All this sounds great. A family friend of mine has a retrofitted Piper Malibu with a full glass cockpit, G1000 and everything, and it gets really cramped in there, but his iPad works fine. He uses the iPad 3 for charts, and then the iPad mini he puts on the dashboard and uses to write down instruction from ATC and do calculations on. He also has a GPS reciever for his iPad that is on the dash too. 

Whilst it may not be relevant, there is also an app called FSXFollow.

 

Whilst it doesn't have any kneeboard functions like that, it does operate like a passenger moving map which is sometimes fun. You just download the app to iPad/iPhone etc as well as the program from their website (the app is a small amount, the web program is free).

I have seen it, but the reviews were really bad. What do you think about it?

 

 

Remy Mermelstein

777-300 FS Pilot

Like a lot of others here I use foreflight for my real world flying.  I use it on the first gen ipad, which honestly is clear and fast enough for me.  Definitely worth the subscription price in my opinion.  I wouldn't count on using it for your PPL though.  All the instructors I've talked to prohibit private students from using their Ipad until they're licensed.

For logging, I use Logbook Pro.  You need to have a paper logbook also though.  I only use Logbook Pro as a backup.  I take my paper logbook on every flight, and keep it in a safe place at home.

For flightsim, both of those are overkill.  I think FS Flight Keeper will log your flights for you, without you having to write down anything.  And I'm sure the other apps will be sufficient for your purposes.  If you want charts, check out skyvector.com.  They're expired, but they're still newer than FS's database.

 

 

All the instructors I've talked to prohibit private students from using their Ipad until they're licensed.

 

I wouldn't go that far.  I know several who allow it.  It depends on the instructor and is a great resource to have.

 

 

I take my paper logbook on every flight, and keep it in a safe place at home.

 

t's not required to have it with you once you're a PPL or better.  I'd suggest that, if you're not expecting to have it signed by someone (BFR, endorsements, etc), that you leave it in a safe place.  You cannot be faulted for not having it on a ramp check, though they may request that you follow up with them in providing the information within at a later time (likely by showing up at your FSDO).

 

 

If you want charts, check out skyvector.com.  They're expired, but they're still newer than FS's database.

 

They are not expired.  They are current charts (US, at least).  This can be verified by selecting a single chart view (not one of the World options), by looking in the applicable area (left side mid, under the blue bar for VFR charts; top left of IFR charts).

 

Always do your research.

Ok thanks for this information. I am gonna start looking into flight schools soon!

 

 

Remy Mermelstein

777-300 FS Pilot

Why pay for charts when you have SkyVector.com, and most of the worlds real-world use AIPs are available for free (though some require registration)?

 

e.g. Google "netherlands aip" or "india aip" or "uk aip" etc...

 

For the USA there is myairplane.com, and for Canada there is fltplan.com (registration required).

 

Best regards,

Robin.

I'm not sure I would agree that the iPad a great resource to depend on in primary training.  To each his own though.

 

Oh, I know that *carrying* a logbook *with you* isn't required.  I take it with me though.  It's easier to log the hours as soon as I do them rather than wait to do it later.  I know a ton of people that don't carry logbooks on them and quite a few of them admit that not all of their hours exact.  Not a problem, but it's one of those things that would bug the crap out of me if I did it.  From what he posted, it seemed like he didn't have his license and was looking to get one.

Good to hear skyvector is updated.  When I originally used it (in 2008/9) I remember them saying that they were going to stop updating.  Glad to hear it still is.

Research done.

 

 

I wouldn't go that far.  I know several who allow it.  It depends on the instructor and is a great resource to have.

 

 

 

t's not required to have it with you once you're a PPL or better.  I'd suggest that, if you're not expecting to have it signed by someone (BFR, endorsements, etc), that you leave it in a safe place.  You cannot be faulted for not having it on a ramp check, though they may request that you follow up with them in providing the information within at a later time (likely by showing up at your FSDO).

 

 

 

They are not expired.  They are current charts (US, at least).  This can be verified by selecting a single chart view (not one of the World options), by looking in the applicable area (left side mid, under the blue bar for VFR charts; top left of IFR charts).

 

Always do your research.