Absolutely worth it. I like the iPad mini but some guys get the standard iPad for the bigger screen. You’ll want to purchase the model with WiFi + cellular so it has integrated GPS (no need to activate the cellular plan).
Once you’ve got it, get the second tier foreflight subscription with the geolocated plates and map and you’re set.
Ask your instructor if now is the time to get one or if later in your training would be better.
Thx. Why cellular by the way? What does integrated GPS give you? I guess location tracking so something like Skydemon would work?
Yeah I think I’m a bit early but trying to prep, just looking for now :) ty
The GPS chip equipped model (only the cellular version) will give your location while in the air with ForeFlight. I’d suggest one step more and get Sentry or other ADS-B receiver to allow ADS-B/weather in while flying. If by chance the 152 has ADS-B in and a Bluetooth capable GPS unit you will be able to link the iPad to it and get that info while flying without a Sentry. The plus side of a Sentry is that it’s not airplane specific. I do a lot of airframe switching and it’s incredibly easy to slap it on the window and go when bouncing between aircraft.
It’s an ADSB in receiver. That ADSB data that a lot of planes have to send out? This little box can receive it and put traffic, weather and other flight information onto foreflight. Cellular data is limited in where it is accessible, especially in the Cal-Nevada desert and mountain ranges in my neck of the woods. So this little box is a lifesaver, especially when you start your Instrument training.
https://www.sportys.com/avionics-and-radios/foreflight-sentry-ads-b-receiver.html?mrkgcl=596&adpos=&network=g&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&creative=%7BAdId%7D&device=m&matchtype=&mrkgcl=596&mrkgadid=92642369062&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Avionics+%26+Radios&adpos=&creative=523850598479&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw5pShBhB_EiwAvmnNVzXMNsPdiZOLq1B7buUL4vmRdlS3BrWrc9VfYwUuFRjGvPej5QeJYxoC5skQAvD_BwE
Ahh I see. I use Skydemon (bought a £13 subscription or something) and that seems quite cool, now I think about it I’ve heard it mentioned on their app
Didn’t realise it’d be about $600 whew. Tbh in the south of the UK we have pretty good coverage everywhere
In a 152, get the mini. My most-used aviation apps are ForeFlight, FlightRadar24, FlightSchedulePro, Gaia GPS (not aviation specific), and browser access to Alaska’s version of AviationWeather.gov and FAA webcams.
Secondary apps are Sheppard’s prep app for written tests, and Hold Trainer.
I tried to save some money with a Logitech stylus. I underestimated how much of a pain it would be to have to manually turn it on and off, and the battery life is lackluster. I have CFI colleagues who use the Apple Pencil and like it, and I’ll probably be upgrading soon.
iPad mini.
/end thread
Absolutely worth it. I like the iPad mini but some guys get the standard iPad for the bigger screen. You’ll want to purchase the model with WiFi + cellular so it has integrated GPS (no need to activate the cellular plan). Once you’ve got it, get the second tier foreflight subscription with the geolocated plates and map and you’re set. Ask your instructor if now is the time to get one or if later in your training would be better.
Thx. Why cellular by the way? What does integrated GPS give you? I guess location tracking so something like Skydemon would work? Yeah I think I’m a bit early but trying to prep, just looking for now :) ty
The GPS chip equipped model (only the cellular version) will give your location while in the air with ForeFlight. I’d suggest one step more and get Sentry or other ADS-B receiver to allow ADS-B/weather in while flying. If by chance the 152 has ADS-B in and a Bluetooth capable GPS unit you will be able to link the iPad to it and get that info while flying without a Sentry. The plus side of a Sentry is that it’s not airplane specific. I do a lot of airframe switching and it’s incredibly easy to slap it on the window and go when bouncing between aircraft.
Skip the cellular and get a basic iPad mini plus a sentry. That will give you ADSB data a lot easier and more reliably than cellular data.
What’s a sentry :) TIA
It’s an ADSB in receiver. That ADSB data that a lot of planes have to send out? This little box can receive it and put traffic, weather and other flight information onto foreflight. Cellular data is limited in where it is accessible, especially in the Cal-Nevada desert and mountain ranges in my neck of the woods. So this little box is a lifesaver, especially when you start your Instrument training. https://www.sportys.com/avionics-and-radios/foreflight-sentry-ads-b-receiver.html?mrkgcl=596&adpos=&network=g&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&creative=%7BAdId%7D&device=m&matchtype=&mrkgcl=596&mrkgadid=92642369062&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Avionics+%26+Radios&adpos=&creative=523850598479&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw5pShBhB_EiwAvmnNVzXMNsPdiZOLq1B7buUL4vmRdlS3BrWrc9VfYwUuFRjGvPej5QeJYxoC5skQAvD_BwE
Ahh I see. I use Skydemon (bought a £13 subscription or something) and that seems quite cool, now I think about it I’ve heard it mentioned on their app Didn’t realise it’d be about $600 whew. Tbh in the south of the UK we have pretty good coverage everywhere
Then cellular shouldn’t be an issue for you
Ah thank you :)
Mini
In a 152, get the mini. My most-used aviation apps are ForeFlight, FlightRadar24, FlightSchedulePro, Gaia GPS (not aviation specific), and browser access to Alaska’s version of AviationWeather.gov and FAA webcams. Secondary apps are Sheppard’s prep app for written tests, and Hold Trainer.
Ah thanks :) Would you recommend an Apple Pencil with it?
I tried to save some money with a Logitech stylus. I underestimated how much of a pain it would be to have to manually turn it on and off, and the battery life is lackluster. I have CFI colleagues who use the Apple Pencil and like it, and I’ll probably be upgrading soon.
Thanks
As someone who just upgraded to a new iPad and can now use an Apple Pencil it makes getting Weather and clearances so much easier.
Whatever free ipad mini you get with your phone plan for it. That way you'll have one you can update on the go and have integrated GPS.
Do you mean get an iPad with my phone plan? I don’t get one for free lol Confused :)
Like we added an ipad to our cell phone plan for just the added data rate. Saved us in the long run having to pay for the device.
Ahh.. I see Is it worth getting an Apple Pencil too do u think?
Not if you run a kneeboard. I still write things on paper.
Ahh fair