Apps have solidified their space in the aviation industry for many years. There are quite a few aviation apps every pilot should consider using, and in some cases have to have! In this blog we are going to highlight three of them. Full disclosure, we do not receive any type of compensation for promoting these applications.

Introducing Data Comm, a new texting system by NextGen. The purpose of this digital system is to revolutionize communications between air traffic controllers and pilots. The texting will replace some traditional voice communication, which can become labor intensive and time consuming. This traditional communication has been known to cause some miscommunication, known as “talk back” between both parties, resulting in errors.

FAA officials are encouraging the use of this technology. Instead of delivering various verbal messages, with a simple touch of a button flight plans are texted from air traffic control directly to the cockpit and upload to the plane’s computer. With the very busy summer schedule, and the holidays just around the corner, this improvement could not have come at a better time. Pilots have reported feeling under pressure to speed up protocol in an effort to stay on schedule. With this new method of communication, staying on schedule should be easier. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, both U.S. and international carriers are benefiting from Data Comm capabilities at LAX. These include Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, AirBridge, American, British Airways, Cargolux, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Executive Jet, FedEx, Hawaiian, Korean, Qatar, Scandinavian, Singapore, Southwest, Sunset, United, UPS and Virgin America, in addition to some general aviation operators.

In addition to Data Comm, another app seems to be taking over every pilot’s mobile phone. ForeFlight Mobile, Editor’s Choice Award Winner 3 years in a row, is revolutionizing aviation. ForeFlight Mobile is the one-stop-shop for pilots. The app includes surface maps, fuel prices, flight-planning tools, flight support, flight notifications, and more. Not to mention, this app was the best selling iPad aviation app for four straight years!

Last but not least, Xavion. Xavion is said to be the most helpful app inside of the cockpit and engineered for every pilot’s use. During flight, Xavion will track every runway in gliding range and plot the best path there – just in case. In addition, once it picks the runway, it will display the best approach through 3-D hoops to simplify the gliding process. With all the cool features this app has, you can find a little peace of mind with each flight.

Sources:
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/articles/professional-articles/5-apps-every-pilot-should-know-about.html
http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=85786
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/articles/news/pilots-are-saving-time-with-a-new-texting-system.html