Smartphone Apps

Smartphone apps for Aviators

Must have apps for your pocket sized electronic toolbox

Submitted by David Bacon CFI CFII

In our not so dawning age of technology, a Smartphone seems to be the new “must have” to help manage daily tasks. As Aviators, a Smartphone can be a useful tool for many aspects of our lifestyle. For those of you who have bought your own electronic handyman, I am here to share with you some intriguing little software apps (some free and some not) which were designed for pilots, and our unique everyday tasks.

For study/reference purposes:

There are many standard flight training manuals available: PHAK, Airplane Flying Handbook, IFR Procedures Handbook, just to name a few. You can literally have 90% or more of your original flight school books on your Smartphone including the FAR/AIM! Most of these book apps include the reference pictures. Some (but not all) of these apps send updates!

For everyday “while still on the ground” purposes: There are many helpful apps that can aid in preparing for a flight. Here a just a few:

“Aviator light”: This app turns the screen of your phone into a flashlight designed to read charts. There are four different colors programmed in: white, green, blue and red. A standard flaw in all chart reading lights: whatever color you use, that color ink will not show up on the chart. Example: when using the red light, anything colored red on your chart will disappear. The purpose of this app is to be able to switch colors to identify anything you missed. This app also comes with a light gun signal chart, and a flashing SOS light signal for emergency use.

“X-wind”: This app calculates the crosswind component value for any runway and wind condition. As a flight instructor, I do not recommend it for students who are starting out, always learn the standard mechanical E6-B first, the batteries will never die! But after you conquer that challenge, why not use this app from time to time? (All available resources should always be used!)

“Air WX”: This app will show you METARs, TAFs, PIREPs and NOTAMs for airports/areas of your choice. It also has Current/Forecast Charts and an electronic E-6B available at a touch of the screen!

These apps listed above are just a handful of many apps useful to an Aviator. If you already use a Smartphone for your daily needs, I encourage you to peruse your online app store to see what you come up with for your future adventures!

Disclaimer: FAR 91.21: no portable electronic device is allowed to be used on an IFR flight, or when the operator has determined the device to cause interference with the nav/com systems of the aircraft…
(FAR 91.21 pg. 161)