By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: How Do Pilots Fly with an iPad?
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > How Do Pilots Fly with an iPad?

How Do Pilots Fly with an iPad?

Claudia Mok
Last updated: 23 July 2021 16:39
By Claudia Mok
4 Min Read
Share
SHARE

There are so many functions to an iPad: it’s great for streaming movies, downloading wide-screen games, or facetiming. Whilst we may use an iPad for fun and entertainment, Pilots use it to help them fly a plane.

Summary
Training via the iPadDigital vs PaperBut is the iPad a good Idea?

Training via the iPad

Given that we are in the age of digital, the iPad is a welcome tool for pilots because of its light weight and multifunctionality. Its ability to provide sophisticated flight planning and programmes means that it is used by pilots (beginner and/or advanced) and is highly recommended by training instructors when teaching their students how to fly. With Sporty’s (pilot training school) naming it ‘your digital co-pilot’.

Digital vs Paper

With access to new and technologically attuned applications/apps, the iPad provides pilots access to digital maps, PDF itinerary, weather reports and routes which are great for planning and flying. As recommended by Pilot Stefan Drury, such apps may include Windy used for checking what the temperature is going to be like, cloud patterns, wind patterns etc; Garmin Pilot or AV planner EFB for routes and flight information region (FIR), Rocket Route for filing away planned routes, and providing appropriate briefings and forms upon entering a new region.

When everything is set up in the cockpit, including the route on the iPad, the pilot can fly with it by their side to keep track of their route – without the use of a big, paper map.

flying with the iPad as a pilot
| © Rod Rakic YouTube

Not only does the iPad provide easy access to an array of information but it also reduces a ton of paperwork – making it rather sustainable. This is the key reason why airBaltic opted to replace manuals and reference materials with the iPad for their pilots.

Does this mean that digital planning replaces manual planning for good? Although there is no legal obligation to plan by paper, Sporty’s says that learning to plot a course and calculate time and route is invaluable to a pilot, especially if they are to undertake the FAA exam where digital devices for aid are forbidden.

calculating route and time etc
| © Sporty’s

But is the iPad a good Idea?

There are still many problems for using the iPad as a ‘digital co-pilot’. For instance, the iPad’s battery life typically lasts 4-6 hours during a flight, can often over heat, and older iPads often need replacing for they may not support new updates. Indeed, old iPads may end up in landfill which is something Air Canada via Star Alliance are attempting to solve…

Tech specs aside, there have also been concerns as to how sufficient pilot training can be via an iPad, as seen with the Boeing 737-8 Max crash whereby pilots received only an hour’s worth of training…

But what we can gather is that the iPad is highly useful when it comes to providing fast information without excess weight or pressure. That said, it is super important that they are used correctly, that it does not form a distraction to the pilot at hand and should not be used to skim proper training procedures or process.

Featured image: | © Sporty’s 

What are your thoughts on the iPad? Are you for or against its use for flying? Let us know below.

You Might Also Like

Ryanair expands dominance as Croatia’s leading airline
Financial Support Packages for Airlines: USA 3, Canada 0
Plans For New Airport in Lisbon Rejected
New Tableware for Finnair Long-Haul Flights
Airports Minutes From The Beach: Bahamas Edition
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy1
Angry0
Claudia Mok
ByClaudia Mok
Editor in Chief for Travel Radar: She is experienced at taking creative, analytical approaches to travel, transport and aviation.
Previous Article Virgin Atlantic B747 taking off. Photo by Konstantin von Wedelstaedt Delta and Virgin are Back at Heathrow’s Terminal 3
Next Article Why are Airplanes Designed for Smoking When it is Prohibited?
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

plane crash massachusetts
Small plane crash on Route 195 near Massachusetts kills two passengers
Aircraft Aviation Breaking News Incidents & Accidents
Valletta in Malta
Why More Holidaymakers Are Choosing Malta and Gozo for Their Island Vacation
Travel Travel Radar
American Airlines new class service
American Airlines Announces Changes in Carry-on Baggage Policies
Airlines Aviation Travel
Qatar aiways flight in air
Qatar Faces Lawsuit After Vegetarian Passenger told to ‘Eat Around’ Meat-based Meal Chokes to Death
Airlines Incidents & Accidents
Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 climbing after takeoff under clear skies, showcasing the carrier’s focus on Airbus A220 efficiency and fleet expansion within Breeze Airways A220 fleet growth to reach underserved U.S. routes.
Breeze Airways Expands Airbus A220 Fleet to 400 Aircraft
Aircraft Airlines Aviation
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up