userunknown

I've done a few searches of the forums and gotten some great info based on the majority opinion of ForeFlight on an iPad. Most of what I could find was 2010-2011, some 2012. I tried to do my homework so it's not beating the dead horse but I still have a couple questions.

My current view is as a new student. I've taken the advice of several forums, my personal experience, and several CFIs suggestions and will be going through ground school and passing the written before or just about the time I get into the plane. I will be purchasing a couple of key sectionals, A/FDs, and terminal charts/plates for the airports I plan to use frequently to study with, as well as the flight computers and plotters.

I wanted to get an opinion on if subscribing to ForeFlight is a wise idea for a new student. I know I will need to learn to use paper charts and eventually plates for IFR, and how to file a flight plan from paper slips - and plan on doing so, certainly - but will having the flight planning tools, approach plates, chats, and all the other powerful features ForeFlight offers hinder me in the long run? Do you see it as an aid to things I should already know?

I'm worried it's similar to learning a cockpit on glass before steam. I don't want to be "spoiled" by the technology, but I do like the idea of having access to EVERYTHING in the US for a nominal annual fee.

Also, is anyone willing to share a story of their use of the application? I mean this by how you use it during a typical flight? Do you just brief on it before moving to more traditional methods? Do you rely on it heavily? Is it an indispensable tool that follows you or are you still in the flight office pouring over a VFR sectional before going out for the day with notes and the app as a backup? Just curious to see how it fits into your "workflow".

Thanks, everyone. Appreciate you putting up with my questions! Heh... hey, as I learn, it can only get better

MrMustache

I wouldn't get it as a student. Need to learn the basics first. The stone age way, then you can use Foreflight IMO. As a CFI it is amazing though.

NoyGonnaDoIt

I don't see any reason not to subscribe to ForeFlight as a new student. Like training in an advanced aircraft, the availability of the technology doesn't mean you have to use it's full capability.
Other than the location of the legend, there are only two differences between the charts on FF and the charts on paper:

1. So far, you can't write on the FF charts.
2. The FF charts depict your position on them

.

I can see an issue with #1 in the learning process. You should learn how to plan a flight outside of FF and may want to have at least one local chart paper chart around for the purpose. But think of the learning value of being able to find mistakes when you transfer the flight plan for FF. Not being able to write on the charts (for those of us who like to) isn't an issue for students alone.

#2 is a non-issue. All you have to do is turn off "own ship" in the settings so that the little aircraft is not shown. You'd still have an idea of your position on the moving map but saying to avoid the iPad for that reason is sort of like saying to avoid the VOR in the airplane because it assists in your situational awareness.

There may even be learning benefits to an iPad. Consider, for example, sitting on the ground at home with weather taking place. Think of the educational benefit of being able to watch the FAA's weather products and the information they provide in real time, seeing for yourself the lag times that have caused problems during thunderstorm activity as thunder crashed nearby but the associated red doesn't show on the screen until some minutes later. Bingo - you've learned something experienced pilots don't know.

In short, in IMO, there is no difference between a student who learns with FF and one who doesn't. The quality of the educational experience depends on far more than weather or not you can tear the chart you are using.

That said, there is one consideration supporting delaying the purchase. There are bells and whistles you will not use in FF until you get or are pretty close to your private. Whether the cost/benefit makes the purchase worth it right now is a non-aviation question only you can answer. Personally, I'd probably wait unless I had other uses for the iPad.

JamesNoBrakes

Would suggest a full size I-pad, the mini doesn't meet the FAA requirements for being able to display the chart at full size, and won't be approved for air carrier use. Mini is cool, but the full size one isn't bad and probably better to have that display for maps and such.

JohnBurke

I have the full-size. We were issued an ipad (actually given one...company bought it, but gave it to us to keep), but given the choice between mini and full-size. The full size is a little better, I think.

Its hard to read in bright sunlight, and they do get hot and quit working. Keep that in mind if it's your sole-source for charts on board.

I don't see learning to read a sectional on an ipad as any different from learning to use a paper chart. It's the exact same data, read and used the same way. The only difference is that you can't lay a plotter over the chart and draw on it. For that reason, you may wish to carry at least one sectional for learning purposes, just to get a situational understanding of basic navigation, but the ipad and foreflight offers some significant advantages.

We use the cellular-capable ones and maintain 5 gigs of data to get weather, TFR's, and current information while plane-side, and it enables quick filing of a flight plan, from the cockpit. The ability to have VFR and IFR charts handy is very useful, even if you're just flying VFR. I think it's a good investment.

Rotor2prop

I'm all for using technology for making flying safer and easier. With that said wait until you get your Private Certificate to start using Fore Flight. Afterwards use anything you want too. Also when you run into CFIs or DPEs that think using things like Ipads is cheating or being lazy just look else where. Evading technology is just plain stupid with as fast as things are advancing.

Always remember you are a paying customer so expect to be treated as one.

kingsnake2

I don't see anything wrong with using that but I'd certainly learn how to use paper maps, the E6B, etc. Never know when you might need to use them.

I know a lot of Pilots love to use that stuff cause it is just so convenient though.

web500sjc

You should know how to manually calculate Time, distance, fuel, etc... last I checked your not allowed to bring an iPad into the Written.

Its not bad to use an iPad for flying, but you should understand how to do things if the iPad fails, and the process the iPad is using to give you the "proper" information.

Ottopilot

It posted twice??

Ottopilot

There is nothing wrong with technology. I'd wouldn't worry about it. What do you need for your written? What do you need for your flight test? If the iPad in not need for those, wait. I've managed 16,000 hours without an iPad, so it can be done.

Two sectional charts per year = $18.00
Six airport facility directory = $33.00
Clip board from Staples = $2
Pen = $1
Total = $54

Sportys ipad kit: kneeboard, cloth, charger, sleeve, stylus, 2 mounts. = $99.95
Bad Elf Pro = $149.95
Foreflight Basic = $74.99 per year
Ipad 64GB = $699.99
And for back up:
Two sectional charts per year = $18.00
Six airport facility directory = $33.00
Clip board from Staples = $2
Pen = $1
Total = $1078.88

Difference = $1024.88
Using $6.39 for my local avgas and a C172 burn of 8gph, that is 160.4 gallons of fuel or over 20 hours of flight fuel. Easy choice for me, but I'm not rich so I think about money.