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4 Answers

iPads and Students

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Aircraft Systems, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

This question is in regards to the use of iPads and iOS applications for flight training, specifically when do you recommend their use and how to incorporate apps in your training syllabus.

We have been testing an application with some students called AeroFlare; it records and analyzes landings and landing performance as well as recording x-Country flights. We find this useful for student solos in the pattern and cross country flights because we can debrief with the student afterwards and see what speed, altitude, attitude, and location the plane was in throughout the flight. Initial reactions are very positive.

On the other hand, adding a tool to the cockpit that could be a distraction and an additional thing to learn on top of an already complex training program could be tragic.

What do you think about iPads in the cockpit for students, when do you recommend their use, and how do you incorporate them into your training syllabus?

Reference: AeroFlare iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aeroflare/id555686058?mt=8) 

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4 Answers



  1. Nathan Parker on Nov 07, 2012

    I think as long as the iPad wasn’t mounted and visible to the student at all times (where it would be an attractive nuisance), it could be a valuable flight planning tool in the cockpit. I don’t think, however, that I would require that a student use one during training if he didn’t already own one.

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  2. Sam Dawson on Nov 07, 2012

    I don’t have an issue with starting a student with an iPad from day one. Obviously there are times it needs to be folded up and put aside, but it is a useful tool. Students need to learn how to deal with distractions, and the iPad is one of them.

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  3. MaggotCFII on Nov 11, 2012

    I agree with this sentence from the question intro:

    “On the other hand, adding a tool to the cockpit that could be a distraction and an additional thing to learn on top of an already complex training program could be tragic.”

    Especially in the Primary Flight instruction world, that said:

    I do use Cloud Ahoy on my Iphone and a Dual GPS to record student performance and critique post-flight. Neither of these are in the students view. When a student does solo activities I encourage the use of the Cloud Ahoy for our review on the ground. Internal GPS on the smartphone is OK for that, again out of sight.

    Ground Reference and Traffic Pattern work is particularly good to review using the previously mentioned app.

    I see temptation for the potential to use the proposed tool in flight and that could be a huge distraction and safety issue (collision avoidance).

    So no Ipad real time in the primary flight instruction cockpit training environment.

    Should be useful in the Pre/Post flight briefing sessions.

    On a positive note, I have found that students are generally excited to review performance. And if that keeps the motivation going – good.

    Use the Ipad for preflight weather, performance, etc. yes.

    Just some thoughts – good luck!

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  4. owen galea on Jan 15, 2013

    This would depend on the scenario, The device is fairly useful for interactive educational activities.

    http://www.hubair.be/ab-initio-pilot-training.html

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