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The Iphone Cockpit

Apps for the iPhone (and iPod Touch) can do everything from get a weather briefing to viewing charts and terminal procedures (a.k.a., approach plates). While the prospect of replacing several pounds of paper charts with a small, reliable, lightweight device is certainly attractive, there are issues to consider; its just not that simple. Heres an honest rundown on just how easy (or hard) it is to use an iPhone for some common aviation tasks.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The iPhone's small screen, single-tasking operating system, and the disabling of its crucial GPS functionality when in mandatory "airplane mode" present significant in-flight limitations for pilots.
  • It excels as a pre-flight tool for comprehensive weather briefings and can serve as a valuable backup for displaying electronic charts and terminal procedures in the cockpit.
  • While not a full replacement for a dedicated aviation GPS, the iPhone offers useful utility for pilots, particularly for ground-based tasks, with the larger iPad anticipated to provide a more ideal display solution.
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Apps for the iPhone (and iPod Touch) can do everything from get a weather briefing to viewing charts and terminal procedures (a.k.a., approach plates). While the prospect of replacing several pounds of paper charts with a small, reliable, lightweight device is certainly attractive, there are issues to consider; it’s just not that simple.

Here’s an honest rundown on just how easy (or hard) it is to use an iPhone for some common aviation tasks.

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