Pilot Apps: EFBs, Weather, Logbooks and a Practical Buying Guide

Build a digital flight bag around tasks you can verify

The best pilot apps are the ones that support your actual aircraft, devices, routes and operating requirements with a workflow you understand. An attractive moving map does not establish current data, compatible avionics or an adequate failure plan. Start by listing the tasks you need: planning, briefing, charts, airport information, cockpit reference, logging, study, debriefing and ownership records. Then choose tools for those tasks instead of collecting subscriptions because a feature sounds useful.

Keep the roles separate. A weather visualization can help you investigate a forecast; a briefing service can assemble relevant information; a logbook can organize experience; a simulator can support practice. None of those roles alone establishes that an aircraft, pilot or flight satisfies every applicable requirement. This guide compares documented functions and offers a purchasing and evaluation framework, rather than claiming a universal ranking or measured safety improvement.

The discussion centers on U.S. general aviation and Part 91 examples. Coverage, approvals, data sources and practices can differ elsewhere or under another operating arrangement. Confirm the requirements that apply to your operation before replacing an established source or relying on a new tool. Published vendor features and prices below were reviewed on October 23, 2026 and can change.

Understand what an EFB can replace

FAA Advisory Circular 91-78A provides nonmandatory operational guidance for Part 91 electronic flight bags. Its criteria include current, valid information verified by the pilot, functional equivalence to the paper reference being replaced and appropriate handling of electronic-device interference. It also states that the EFB does not replace required aircraft systems or equipment. Buying an app is therefore different from establishing an acceptable electronic-reference arrangement. FAA AC91-78A

Prepare an inventory of what you plan to carry electronically. Identify charts, procedures, aircraft documents and any calculated outputs, along with where each comes from and how it is updated. Confirm that the actual aircraft's approved information and supplements remain available as required. A generic document library or a preloaded model profile should not silently replace aircraft-specific records.

The operator and pilot should evaluate the whole arrangement, including placement, readability, input workload and what happens when something fails. A tablet that works well at a desk can be awkward in sunlight, difficult to secure or distracting during a busy phase of flight. Practice the ordinary tasks on the ground and agree with the instructor or operating team when the device should be set aside.

Compare ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot and FltPlan Go precisely

ForeFlight's current individual USD plans are Starter at $130 annually, Essential at $260 and Premium at $390. The published license includes one geographic region and specified combinations of iPads and iPhones; optional packages and features need their own review. Its current connectivity description lists partners including Garmin and Avidyne. That corrects a blanket assumption that ForeFlight cannot connect outside one avionics brand, but it does not prove compatibility with a particular installation. ForeFlight individual plans and connectivity

Garmin's current Pilot compatibility guidance supports both iOS and Android, subject to device and operating-system requirements. At review, it lists iOS 18 or higher and Android 11 or higher with native Google Play Store support, alongside additional device caveats and recommendations. Check the current guidance against the exact device. Availability on both platforms does not establish identical functions, receiver support or performance. Garmin Pilot app compatibility requirements

FltPlan's own site describes FltPlan Go as a free iOS/Android app for offline and inflight route and mapping use. It also describes connections with compatible Garmin equipment. Assess the actual coverage, supported hardware and tasks rather than assuming either that a free app is inadequate or that it supplies every function of a paid alternative. FltPlan Go vendor description

There is no independent market-share, interface-quality or universal value ranking established here. Compare a specific version, subscription, region and hardware combination. Ask whether the features you need are included, optional or unavailable on that platform. A feature that exists elsewhere in the vendor's product family should not be counted as part of the plan you are evaluating.

Use a four-part compatibility worksheet

Record the proposed combination before buying hardware. The device needs to support the software; the subscription needs the right geographic and functional coverage; the data source needs to be available; and any aircraft connection needs documented compatibility. A yes in one column cannot fill the others. For example, an installed ADS-B capability does not by itself establish how a tablet will receive or display its data.

Keep a short discrepancy list during the trial. Record missing coverage, unreadable information, connection problems and tasks you cannot complete confidently. Resolve those items with the relevant documentation or qualified support. A trial is useful when it tests your workflow; it is less useful when it consists only of exploring a demonstration aircraft and a sample route.

Distinguish weather pictures from decision-ready information

Weather tools present different things: observations, forecasts, radar products, model output and decoded reports. Identify what a layer represents and its valid time, not just whether it looks current. A forecast animation is not a direct observation of every point on a proposed route. A station report also needs interpretation in its location, time and operational context.

Windy's model-selection tutorial illustrates the importance of knowing which forecast model and provider/update information you are viewing. Use that concept when exploring broad weather patterns, while checking the current tool and data description. The tutorial does not establish that one model is universally most accurate or that a visualization replaces the required preflight work. Windy Community model-selection tutorial

Lakehorn describes AeroWeather around METARs, TAFs and related information, with Lite and Pro offerings. Its product page explicitly limits operational, navigational and flight-planning reliance and notes possible decoding errors. Treat a convenient decoded display in that context, and know how to inspect the underlying report rather than assuming a colored category tells the whole story. Lakehorn AeroWeather for iOS features and limitations

RadarScope's support guidance explains that an individual radar site can be offline and old data may remain displayed. Evaluate the actual timestamp, product and site status when investigating weather. This source does not prove that the app always has lower latency than every alternative, nor does a detailed radar image establish a safe path through convective weather. RadarScope: radar not updating

Put briefing and flight-plan actions in their proper place

The FAA describes Flight Service as providing weather and aeronautical information, pilot briefings, flight planning and other services. Its current page identifies 1800wxbrief.com for online briefings, filing and notifications in the stated service area, while distinguishing Alaska's arrangements. Use the service that fits the operation and understand which actions have actually been completed. FAA Flight Service and pilot web portal

Section 91.103 addresses the pilot in command's preflight information responsibilities. Obtaining a receipt or opening a briefing is not, by itself, proof that the pilot considered all information needed for the flight. Review the content and applicability, follow up on missing or conflicting information and update the plan when conditions change. Filing, receiving an acknowledgment, obtaining a clearance and other flight-plan actions are also distinct states. 14 CFR 91.103: preflight information and performance planning

On the ground, practice finding the status and confirmation for the actions your chosen service supports. Know what needs to be activated, amended, canceled or closed for the type of plan and operation involved. Do not assume that drawing a route on a screen means it has been filed or that closing the app completed a flight-plan obligation.

Check data dates and offline coverage deliberately

Do not describe all aeronautical information as updating on one universal 28-day cycle. The FAA publishes distinct digital products. For example, its Chart Supplement page specifies a 56-day publication cycle, while its VFR raster page displays current and next edition dates and directs users to the chart legend for currency. Check the actual product and effective period. FAA: digital Chart Supplement publication cycle FAA: VFR raster chart currency and edition dates

Separate an app update, an operating-system update, a database download and a data effective date. Installing the newest app does not establish that the required charts are downloaded. Downloading a future edition does not automatically make it the applicable edition today. Automatic-download settings are useful, but a successful preflight check still needs to establish what is actually present and valid.

Use a repeatable ground evaluation: download information for a representative route and alternatives, disconnect the device from the network, reopen the app and locate the documents you expect to use. Record which functions still work and which require a live connection. This is a software-readiness exercise, not approval for a flight; resolve missing information before using the system operationally.

Confirm receivers, panel connections and power arrangements

List the receiver or installed gateway, app and operating-system versions, connection method and data expected. Ask whether a proposed connection transfers a flight plan, provides position, supplies weather or displays traffic. These functions should not be treated as interchangeable. Use the manufacturer documentation for the exact combination, with appropriate technical advice for an aircraft installation.

An ADS-B Out installation broadcasts information; the desired tablet display needs an appropriate receiving and connection arrangement. The FAA describes FIS-B as available to appropriately equipped UAT receivers within coverage and describes limits affecting TIS-B traffic completeness. A display without targets does not establish that no traffic exists. A portable receiver also does not remove the need to understand its coverage and equipment dependencies. FAA ADS-B In applications

For hardware shopping, assess screen size, mounting or stowage, supported position sources, charging, heat and readable controls. Do not assume every tablet has the same built-in location capability or that a particular receiver works with every app. Include the cables, adapters and storage the proposed workflow actually needs, and evaluate power and failure arrangements rather than relying only on a battery's advertised capacity.

Use datalink weather for its documented purpose

The FAA states that FIS-B weather and other information are advisory aids for planning and lack the resolution and updating capability for tactical maneuvering around localized weather. It notes that, in extreme cases, displayed NEXRAD data can be up to 15 minutes older than the display's age indication. An attractive overlay should not be interpreted as an immediate image of everything ahead. FAA ADS-B In applications

Know the difference between data cached before departure and information actually being received afterward. Identify the source and age indicators and recognize when updates have stopped. Practice checking those states on the ground with a qualified instructor or operating team. A backup app that depends on the same failed connection may not solve the underlying loss of information.

Validate aircraft calculations before trusting the display

A weight-and-balance profile needs the actual aircraft's current data and applicable limits, not just a model name selected from a list. Reconcile units, stations, installed equipment and the loading envelope with approved information. The FAA Weight and Balance Handbook explains why reliable records and distribution matter; a total below a maximum weight does not settle every loading question. FAA Weight and Balance Handbook: principles and record reliability

For performance and fuel calculations, establish the source, configuration, assumptions and limits behind the result. Check what the software includes and what must be supplied elsewhere. Have qualified personnel compare a representative calculation with the applicable aircraft data and investigate discrepancies. An app's computed output should not be treated as a blanket departure, landing or fuel authorization.

Choose a logbook that you can review and export

MyFlightbook describes itself as a free, open-source online logbook. LogTen's current pricing instead lists annual Basic and Pro subscriptions, with distinct features and an initial limited free offer. Compare the actual device support, reports, data entry, instructor workflow, backup and export process needed for your flying. Neither being free nor being paid establishes that a logbook is the right fit. MyFlightbook about its service LogTen current subscription plans

ForeFlight includes a digital logbook in its current individual-plan description. Integration can reduce duplicate entry, but an automatically detected track should be reviewed as a draft. Verify the aircraft, date, time, route, landings and relevant experience categories. A position trace cannot independently determine every detail of what the pilot did or what training was received. ForeFlight individual plans and connectivity

Section 61.51 specifies records for qualifying training and experience and identifies information to be logged, with separate provisions for different experience and training categories. Obtain instructor guidance for the actual circumstances instead of allowing a software default to decide what may be logged. Required endorsements and record duties are not established by an app's currency badge. 14 CFR61.51: pilot logbook information and training records

Test an export while the account and device are working, and check that important fields and endorsements remain usable. Keep an appropriate recovery arrangement and understand synchronization and sharing settings. A second synchronized copy is helpful for some failures, but an accidental edit can also synchronize. Decide how you would recover a prior correct record before discarding an existing system.

Match study, simulator and debriefing tools to the lesson

Sporty's documentation describes study categories, explanations, multiple-choice and flashcard modes. ASA's Prepware page separately explains that its mobile apps supplement a comprehensive program and do not have every feature of its full software. Compare the exact product and current exam category with your instructor. A practice score or a commercial question collection should not be treated as a guarantee of complete understanding or an identical actual exam. Sportys test-prep study modes ASA: Prepware mobile app versus full software

PilotEdge provides a simulator ATC environment with published service hours, coverage and subscription arrangements. Confirm compatibility and the exercise your instructor wants to practice. Simulator radio practice is distinct from receiving real-world ATC services or meeting every certificate, endorsement or currency requirement. Do not assume every airport and service is available at every time. PilotEdge FAQ: simulator ATC service hours and areas

CloudAhoy describes postflight debriefing, track views and supported data sources, with some capabilities depending on the offering. Use a debrief to investigate a specific learning question with the instructor, including the quality and limitations of the recorded data. A replay or automated score is not a substitute for the applicable records or a guarantee of proficiency. CloudAhoy debrief and supported data-source descriptions

Keep tracking, fuel lookup and ownership records in separate roles

FlightAware describes flight-tracking services and mobile apps. Flightradar24's terms explicitly characterize its data as informational and distinguish it from navigation safety. These tools can serve tracking interests, but a public tracking map should not be used to establish that an airspace, runway or traffic situation is clear. Keep the cockpit's applicable information and responsibilities separate. FlightAware: flight-tracking services and mobile apps Flightradar24: informational tracking-data limits

For fuel-price lookup, record the price's date, fuel grade, location, service conditions and any fees. Confirm availability and total charges with the relevant provider before depending on the stop. A nominally cheaper gallon can be outweighed by a detour or other charges. The useful comparison is the complete stop within an otherwise acceptable flight plan, not a guaranteed saving from an app listing.

An ownership-record system can organize invoices, tasks and reminders without establishing airworthiness by itself. Determine who updates it and which underlying documents support each status. Keep pilot experience, aircraft maintenance records and household budgeting distinct. The ownership software guide provides a related starting point for organizing those questions.

Evaluate backup by failure scenario

Ask what happens if the main device loses power, becomes unreadable, cannot connect or has missing data. A second device using the same power source, account and incomplete downloads can share several failure modes. Decide which information and functions need an alternative and test that alternative on the ground. Paper may serve some reference needs, while another electronic arrangement may serve others.

AC 91-78A recommends assessment of the interface, workload, integration, shutdown and failures, along with training and cross-checking inputs and computed information. Its portable and installed EFB distinctions also matter for mounting, power and aircraft-system connections. Evaluate the actual installation with the appropriate professionals rather than declaring every consumer mount or cable acceptable. FAA AC91-78A

Write a short readiness checklist that you can repeat: supported versions, correct aircraft profile, applicable data dates, downloaded route and alternatives, expected connectivity, readable display, available power and an understood failure plan. The checklist should reflect your operation and instructor's guidance. For the larger planning context, see the cross-country planning guide.

Compare the complete subscription and hardware budget

Use a complete first-year and renewal-year budget rather than a monthly headline. Include the selected plan, geographic packages, hardware, connectivity, installation if applicable and other recurring services. Make the billing interval clear. An annual subscription advertised as a monthly equivalent is not necessarily a cancel-anytime monthly purchase.

For a fictional example, select $260 annually for one app, $120 for other annual services, $700 for a tablet and $500 for a receiver. The selected first-year total is $1,580. If both hardware items remain in service and the selected annual charges do not change, the renewal-year total is $380. Adding a second assumed $130 annual subscription raises those totals to $1,710 and $510. These are invented budget inputs, not quotes, compatibility claims or proof of savings.

Use that distinction when considering a paid upgrade. Identify the exact task improved and whether the needed feature, region and aircraft are covered. Test the workflow before calling the added cost worthwhile. For a student, begin with the instructor's supported system and learning needs; for an active traveling pilot, assess actual briefing, procedure, connectivity and failure scenarios. The right collection is one you can maintain and use confidently.

Pilot-app questions

Is ForeFlight worth the subscription cost?

Compare the current plan's included functions, region and compatibility with the tasks you actually need. Trial those tasks and budget for hardware and add-ons. This guide establishes no universal flying-hour payback threshold or promise that a subscription pays for itself.

Can I use my phone instead of a tablet for an EFB?

Check the app's support for the exact phone and evaluate readability, controls, power, placement and information needs in the actual workflow. A supported installation is not automatically a usable cockpit arrangement. ForeFlight's published license describes iPad/iPhone combinations; Garmin Pilot's guidance separately supports qualifying iOS and Android devices.

Do I need an ADS-B receiver if my panel has ADS-B?

Identify whether the panel has Out, In or both and how data can reach the tablet. Verify the exact app, device, receiver or installed gateway combination. A panel's ADS-B label does not by itself establish tablet connectivity, complete traffic coverage or the weather information desired.

What's the best free pilot app?

Choose by task. FltPlan describes free FltPlan Go for specified route and mapping uses, while MyFlightbook describes a free online logbook. Check platform, coverage and workflow rather than treating either as a universal replacement for every required function or an automatically independent backup.

How do I keep my apps updated and databases current?

Check software support, subscription coverage, downloaded products and each product's effective dates separately. Verify what is actually available offline. Do not assume that updating an app or enabling automatic downloads makes every chart current; FAA products have distinct publication schedules.

Can I log flights automatically with an app?

Some tools can generate track or logbook drafts, but review the information and categories before relying on them. Automatic detection does not establish every flight fact, qualifying experience or required instructor endorsement. Apply the relevant record requirements and seek instructor guidance where needed.

Should I carry paper charts as backup?

Evaluate the actual information needs and failure scenarios under the applicable operation and guidance. Paper and electronic alternatives address different problems. AC 91-78A provides a Part 91 reference-substitution framework; it does not mean an app replaces required aircraft equipment or that every proposed backup arrangement is adequate.

What app should a brand-new student pilot get first?

Start with the instructor's supported workflow, actual device and training needs. Choose an EFB with the needed coverage, learn how to verify data and practice its use on the ground. Add study and logbook tools where they help the training plan; no premium subscription is universally necessary for every student.

Connect the digital plan to the aircraft purchase

If app or avionics compatibility affects a purchase, identify the exact installation and unresolved work before budgeting the transaction. Jaken Aviation is a financing brokerage, a division of Jaken Finance Group. Start a financing inquiry with basic aircraft and transaction facts and coordinate the channel for private documents. Individual lenders determine financing availability and terms; app descriptions do not establish an approved installation or loan.