As 2018 winds down, we’re looking back at another busy year in the world of iPad apps and accessories. There was no miracle cure for in-flight connectivity, no major Android expansion, and no new iPad Mini (you could even say iPad sales were flat). And yet, at least for pilots, tablets and electronic flight bag apps have never been more important or more popular. From antique taildraggers to the newest business jets, pilots of all experience levels and interests are planning and flying with a tablet.
Here’s a look at some of the trends we saw in 2018.
App consolidation continues
This is a continuation of a trend that took off last year: the big players among app developers continue to gain market share and even merge with rivals. The big story in 2017 was the deep partnership between Jeppesen and ForeFlight; in 2018 it was Garmin’s turn to join forces with another big player, in this case Fltplan.com join. That merger promises new services in 2019, especially for turbine airplanes and professional pilots.
The result of these tie-ups has been ever more advanced features, from pre-departure clearances on ForeFlight to engine instrument displays in Garmin Pilot. It’s also led to accelerated growth outside the US, as ForeFlight in particular made huge strides and can be considered a full-featured option in Europe now.
A systematic approach to planning a trip in ForeFlight
7 tips for using ForeFlight 10.1
Garmin buys Fltplan.com, setting up big rivalry with ForeFlight
Garmin begins to integrate Fltplan.com features
ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: Which mobile app is best for you?
New ADS-B receivers
With the 2020 mandate to install ADS-B Out in airplanes just 12 months away, the market for panel-mount avionics was surprisingly quiet (although the $500 FAA rebate is back). Portables, on the other hand, remained red hot with multiple new product introductions and new software integrations. There were even new weather products available from the FAA’s FIS-B weather feed. Pilots apparently see a lot of value in a portable ADS-B receiver; the jury is still out on more expensive panel-mount products.
Appareo introduces Stratus 3 with more app support, lower price
ForeFlight Sentry combines ADS-B receiver and CO detector
Garmin introduces new ADS-B receiver, expands Flight Stream
Product PIREP video: ForeFlight Sentry ADS-B Receiver
ForeFlight debuts new ADS-B weather products in version 10.4
ForeFlight adds support for Garmin GDL 50, 51, and 52
Flying with Stratus 3 and the FltPlan Go app
How to use Stratus 3 with the Aerovie app
Video review: Garmin GDL 52 SiriusXM/ADS-B Receiver
Flying with the Garmin GDL 52 ADS-B and SiriusXM receiver
iOS 12 brings new features
Apple updates its mobile operating system annually, but iOS 12 brought some major changes in 2018. Whereas previous updates changed a lot of the look and feel, this one focused on speed, performance, and new productivity features. It also changed some long-established operating procedures – there isn’t even a home button on the latest iPad Pro models.
iOS Update Green Light program: iOS 12.1.1 and iOS 12.1.2
New Apple hardware
Along with the new software came new hardware from Apple. There was no updated iPad Mini, a product pilots have been begging for, but the latest iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ models set a new bar for performance and screen quality. They are the best tablets yet for the cockpit. Also don’t overlook the new iPhone models – while hardly cheap, the larger screens are now quite usable in the cockpit, and ForeFlight’s introduction of synthetic vision on the iPhone closed a major capabilities gap. Is the iPhone XS Max the new iPad Mini?
Apple debuts all-new iPad Pro models
First impressions after flying with the iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″
Apple’s New Lineup of iPhones is XS-ive
The New iPad is Basically the Old iPad
Headsets and apps
The other essential product for pilots (besides an iPad), is a headset. While the integration between these two products has moved somewhat slowly, 2018 showed the potential for more features. Lightspeed’s popular FlightLink app gained fans, and Bose’s new ProFlight headset introduced new headset-iPad options. Look for more in this space in 2019.
How to use the Bose Connect app with the ProFlight headset
Use iPad audio to make your flying safer
Flight training is hot
Airline pilot hiring is the strongest it has been in a generation, so it’s no surprise that flight training is growing right now. Flight schools across the US reported record flying hours and plenty of interest from prospective pilots. The app world has responded, with new options for at-home and in-cockpit training. The days of sitting through a boring ground school class in a drafty hangar are long gone.
Sporty’s updates Pilot Training iOS app (and adds Android too)
Using Stratus to record and play back flights
New aircraft transition courses available in Sporty’s Pilot Training app
Sporty’s updates Study Buddy pilot training apps
The student pilot’s guide to learning to fly with an iPad
Handy accessories
Finally, there was a wide variety of new iPad accessories introduced in the past year. While maybe not as flashy as a new app or ADS-B receiver, many of these are quite useful – maybe even essential. From staying connected in flight to keeping your iPad charged, there are some excellent options for pilots of all levels.
New Flight Gear battery pack is the best charging option yet
Product PIREP video: Flight Gear Battery Pack
Garmin inReach Mini offers compact way to text and track
Tips for flying with the Garmin D2 Delta and Garmin Pilot
New X-Naut cooling case introduced for iPad Pro 10.5″
iPad screen protectors – which one is best for pilots?
AirText introduces lower cost option
Video review: combination iPad/paper kneeboards
Bad Elf simplifies avionics database updates
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