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iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on April 2, 2015.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on April 2.

The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A) provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training.  Except for the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to civil aviation, most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are presented.

This handbook is useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates and is available for download as a FREE reference via FAA.gov.

Beginning on October 1, 2015, the FAA will implement flight plan filing for all civil aircraft exclusively under the format used by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as described in Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Section 1, Paragraph 5-1-9. These flight plans contain specific information relating to the proposed flight of an aircraft and controllers use them to provide air traffic services based on the capabilities of each aircraft. Today pilots file flight plans in the U.S. under either the domestic or ICAO format, and the use of one format will simplify the process and align U.S. flight plans with ICAO standards.

There are several changes to the FAA's Flight Service program expected this year, and this flight planning QuickTip will show you how to easily update your iFlightPlanner aircraft profiles and enjoy a seamless transition to the new ICAO flight plan format when creating and filing flight plans with iFlightPlanner.

As referenced in the video, there is a lot of aircraft-specific information required to file the ICAO flight plans.  However, if you are only flying domestically the FAA requires less ICAO data.

» Simplified Guidance for United States Domestic Flights Using the ICAO Flight Plan Format

For more information you may reference the 2012 ICAO Flight Plan Implementation InFO and the Operational Approval Guidance Table to ensure the accuracy of your aircraft profiles.  Should you have any further questions specific to the ICAO flight plans, the FAA has made itself available via email at 9-AJE-FlightPlanQuestions@faa.gov.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Official airport, navigation and chart data for the FAA's 56-day cycle beginning 3/5/2015 became current today as of 09:01Z.  This includes updated georeferencing data for airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures available in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com you can be confident that you are seeing the most current and accurate data available.  To ensure that iFlightPlanner for iPad is current, simply tap "Check for Updates" in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab.  The app will quickly tell you which packages need to be updated!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

As described in an earlier iFlightPlanner Blog post, you have the ability to connect connect your iPad to your favorite flight simulator and make iFlightPlanner for iPad behave as if it were flying in the virtual skies with you!

The iFlightPlanner Installation & Setup Guide available in that post was a little soft on the details on how to connect with X-Plane so we're here to offer some clarification for our iFlightPlanner Premium members who are taking advantage of this functionality that's included in their memberships. Know that you will only need to refer to the step-by-step instructions starting on on Page 3, beginning with Step 8, as X-Plane does not require the FSXFlight Plugin.

In X-Plane you will want to go to Settings > Net Connections > iPhone/iPad Tab and select "send AHRS data to ForeFlight, WingX Pro, SkyDemon or FlyQ on ONE iPad or iPhone" or "send AHRS data to ForeFlight, WingX Pro, SkyDemon or FlyQ on ALL iPads or iPhones" (see additional screenshot).  If you select "ONE iPad or iPhone, be sure and note the IP address shown in the virtual GPS setting within iFlightPlanner for iPad for the correct IP address.  Once in iFlightPlanner for iPad simply select the Simulator GPS setting from the Settings menu and you'll be on your way!

As always, please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.  There is a thread in the iFlightPlanner Forums with some great conversation and feedback on how pilots are using iFlightPlanner in the virtual cockpit and we invite you to join in!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

iFlightPlanner for iPad users may now download airport and navigation data as well as aeronautical charts, airport diagrams and terminal procedures for the FAA Data Cycle that goes into effect on March 5, 2015.  Simply tap the button in the upper-left corner of the Downloads tab to "Check For Updates".

Pilots using iFlightPlanner.com or mobile.iFlightPlanner.com from their smartphones will see the iFlightPlanner Cloud automatically make the transition to the new data at 9:01Z on March 5.