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If you like planning online with iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA, especially when you have access to a full-size monitor, mouse, and keyboard - but prefer to fly with another EFB in the cockpit – then iFlightPlanner’s Bring Your Own EFB program is the perfect solution.  One simple click emails you links to open your flights in ForeFlight, FlyQ, FltPlan Go, Wing X, and Garmin Pilot on your mobile device.  

While super helpful, remember that every flight you plan online, or in iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone, are wirelessly sync'd across all iFlightPlanner platforms – automatically.

iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone, both available in the App Store, support ADS-B traffic and weather connectivity with the leading portable and certified ADS-B solutions on the market.

Pilots with an iFlightPlanner Premium Membership will see all currently supported device manufacturers in the Settings menu, accessible from the Home screen, as shown here:

Noticeably absent from this list are the GDL-series devices from Garmin, the first and second generation Stratus devices, as well as the Scout and Sentry units from uAvionix due to exclusive arrangements with certain EFBs.  iFlightPlanner's currently supported manufacturers and their respective devices include:

To access iFlightPlanner for AOPA as part of your member benefit you do not need separate credentials for iFlightPlanner – simply head to https://www.aopa.org/iflightplanner.

1.  When logged in to your AOPA account you'll see two options to access iFlightPlanner, like this:

2.  Click the "Flight Planner Home" button, and when you access iFlightPlanner for AOPA for the first time you'll be guided through the New Member Setup process which can be previewed here:

Click the red PLAY button to watch the YouTube clip.

Questions about iFlightPlanner for AOPA?

» iFlightPlanner for AOPA User Guide
» iFlightPlanner for AOPA Support Request Form

If you are an existing iFlightPlanner member and would like your account consolidated with your iFlightPlanner for AOPA membership, please contact iFlightPlanner directly and a member of our crew will be happy to help!

iFlightPlanner uses real-time data published by the FAA to depict Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) throughout its web-based interfaces as well as in iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone.  This helps pilots make informed decisions when flying near areas where flight restrictions are published – but unsure whether or not they're active.

TFRs that have been announced but are not yet active are colored orange, whereas those that are currently active are colored red as shown in the screenshot below.

How to Access Airspace Definitions for TFRs

Follow these 5 steps to access and review the official airspace definitions for TFRs published by the FAA on https://tfr.faa.gov.

1.  Left-click or tap wihin any TFR to access the Location menu and click the icon identified by the airspace extension, shown here:

2.  Hover over any resulting Area line in the Airspace menu that appears on the right to have the boundaries of that airspace highlighted on the map.

3.  Click the  icon to access the official Airspace Definition for the TFR, and once reviewed, the ✕ in the resulting pop-up to close.

4.  Click TFR.FAA.GOV Detail to be directed to official airspace definitions as published on https://tfr.faa.gov.

5.  Click Hide to hide the Airspace menu and leave all graphical airspace layers on the map or Done to close the Airspace menu and clear the map.

Anytime you access iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA from your desktop, laptop, or smartphone browser you can be confident you're seeing the most current and accurate TFR data available.  To ensure iFlightPlanner for iPad and iFlightPlanner for iPhone is current, simply tap "Update Weather" from the Home tab.

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Since the launch of iFlightPlanner for AOPA on April 22, the iFlightPlanner Crew and specialists in the AOPA Pilot Information Center used common questions and feedback from pilots to tune this week's release of enhancements to iFlightPlanner's web platforms — which includes iFlightPlanner for AOPA.

• Improved route rubberbanding to work in one seamless motion rather than first needing to insert a waypoint 
• Changed how active and future TFRs are depicted on the maps to better inform members 
• Enhanced fuel price menu to help members quickly locate available fuel and pricing at nearby airports
• Added plain language weather briefs and setting for members' preferred format in My Settings
• Created option to reduce the number of reporting points when flying airways
• Introduced logic to detect changes requiring amendment or refiling of previously filed flight plans 

The new features and common questions were highlighted in a live stream with Eric Rush from AOPA and iFlightPlanner co-founders Andy Matthews and John Burnside, which is available HERE on YouTube.

Follow these 4 steps to authorize iFlightPlanner to request regulatory compliant weather briefs and file flight plans on your behalf through Flight Service/1800wxbrief.

1.  Go to https://www.1800wxbrief.com and log in using your Flight Service credentials.
2.  From the Account menu select Service Provider Authorization, shown here:

3.  Click Edit, then enable iFlightPlanner by selecting "Yes" using the available radio button, like this:

4.  Click Save.

Next, ensure the email address you use to access Flight Service/1800wxbrief is the same in the Flight Service Info section within iFlightPlanner.

1.  Navigate to My Settings using the My Account menu in iFlightPlanner or iFlightPlanner for AOPA.
2.  Match the email address you successfully used to log in to Flight Service/1800wxbrief to the address in the Leidos Flight Service Info section.

3.  Click Validate User Name to confirm your iFlightPlanner and Leidos Flight Service accounts are connected.
4.  Click Save Settings in the lower-right corner of your My Settings page to save your settings.

Completing these steps will connect your iFlightPlanner and Flight Service/1800wxbrief accounts, however, please don't hesitate to contact us or the AOPA Pilot Information Center should you have any questions!

Join private pilot and iFlightPlanner Co-Founder, Andy Matthews, on Wednesday at 8pm EDT as he demonstrates the intuitive flight planning features and two-way sync capabilities of iFlightPlanner.com and iFlightPlanner for iPad!

Click graphic for FREE access to interactive charts and weather!

This FAA WINGS Credit webinar will show you how to use iFlightPlanner's digital charts and high resolution weather imagery, certified weather briefs, integrated weight and balance calculations, ICAO flight plan filing, and wireless two-way sync capabilities with iFlightPlanner for iPad. 

In addition, Andy will share how EAA members can receive an exclusive, attendee-only discount on iFlightPlanner Premium memberships and maximize this powerful, integrated EFB!

Please contact us should you have any questions!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

Did you know the Settings menu found on the Downloads tab in iFlightPlanner for iPad gives you the ability to control the regions or states, and the types of aviation data stored on your device when you're in flight and without an internet connection?

Here are a few tips from the iFlightPlanner Crew to help you manage data storage in iFlightPlanner:

Download Types & Region Selections

1. From the Downloads tab, tap Settings in the upper-right corner.

2. In the right column of the Download Settings menu, you may select the regions or states for which you would like to download data.  You may choose the entire United States or the specific states in which you fly.

3. In the left colum, select the data types to automatically download when you tap "Download Updates" in the upper-right corner of the Downloads tab.

4. Tap Done in the upper-right corner to have the selected regions and data types added to the Downloads tab.

Delete Downloaded Data

You may delete all downloaded data and cached airport diagrams, approach plates, and chart tiles from your device.  Tap the red, Delete Airport Documents & Chart Data from the Download Settings menu accessible via the Downloads tab and confirm that you would like remove all downloaded and cached data.

Download All Updates

When new aviation data is available for download, tapping the green "Download Updates" button in the upper-right corner will download only your preferred data types for the regions you've chosen on the Download Settings menu, detailed above.

Should you have any questions about the procedures detailed here, please contact us.  A member of our crew will be more than happy to help!

Not planning with an iFlightPlanner Premium or iFlightPlanner Premium Plus membership is likely costing you - using these four simple planning tools will help save you fuel, time, and money every time you fly!

Detailed Aircraft Performance Profiles

iFlightPlanner offers the most detailed aircraft performance profiles of any flight planning solution.  Not only can you input performance data by altitude, but as an iFlightPlanner Premium or iFlightPlanner Premium Plus member, you're able to create and plan usingmultiple performance profiles that will maximize your aircraft's range or cruise speed.  The flight planner is so robust that it interpolates aircraft performance based on all available data, and gets more precise as you add details to the profile for each altitude. 

Do you have performance profiles that you've perfected for your aircraft?  Let us know, the iFlightPlanner Crew will be happy to help add it to your account!

Altitude Efficiency Comparison Tool

Leveraging your detailed aircraft performance profiles, iFlightPlanner can compare every altitude (up to your aircraft's maximum) to identify the quickest, and most fuel-efficient altitudes for your flight.  Simply click the Compare Altitudes button in the online Flight Wizard or in iFlightPlanner for iPad to discover the fuel savings waiting for you enroute!

Aircraft Fuel Range Mapping

Instantly see if you can reach your destination non-stop, or know when you'll begin burning your predetermined reserve fuel with our fuel range identifiers.  The orange marker shows where you'll tap into your reserve, while the red marker indicates the maximum range of your aircraft given your route, aircraft performance, and forecasted winds.  Each fuel setting is available when editing an aircraft from your My Aircraft list, allowing the markers to appear on the map automatically for iFlightPlanner Premium and iFlightPlanner Premium Plus members.

Graphical Fuel Price Map Layers

Turn on the fuel price layers in any of our interactive maps, including iFlightPlanner for iPad, to get a look at the most recently reported fuel prices across the country.  Each fuel price links to our comprehensive Airport/Facility Directory for each airport, complete with FBO details, runway information, and printable airport diagrams and instrument approach procedures.

Using another EFB but want to switch to iFlightPlanner and take advantage of these great features?  Our Competitive Upgrade Program allows you to trade-in your existing subscription and have the time remaining on it added to your new iFlightPlanner Premium or Premium Plus membership.

If you have any questions, please send us a message.  We are always happy to help and want you to get the most out of your iFlightPlanner experience!

On July 31 we launched the latest enhancements to iFlightPlanner.com.  As part of this update, we introduced updated maps functionality that is part of our ongoing effort to unify the user experiences found online and in iFlightPlanner for iPad.  The most noticeable feature change is the Location menu that is revealed when clicking anywhere on the map, allowing a lat/lon, airport, navaid or custom location to be added to a route with a single click.  This same menu will also allow you to access iFlightPlanner's graphical airspace functionality by clicking the adjacent Airspace button.

The nearby airports, navaids and custom locations can also be accessed by rubberbanding any existing waypoint or route segment to a new location.  This new flight planning functionality, aside from mirroring the usability of iFlightPlanner for iPad, is aimed at making the flight planning processes simpler and more efficient.

Should you have any questions about using this, or any other feature found in iFlightPlanner, please don't hesitate to contact us!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.

In this video, Jason Schappert from MzeroA.com shares with you the changes that have already taken effect for the private pilot written test under the new Airman Certification Standards (previously the PTS), and what you can expect if you have a written test coming up!

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.

Did you know that you can now customize your logbook categories in iFlightPlanner?  We know that every pilot flies differently and that's why we created a new feature that allows you to set custom names for the Other 1, Other 2 and Other 3 fields in your iFlightPlanner Logbook.  A permanent field to log water landings has also been added thanks to some great feedback we received from one of our newest members!

These settings are available to all members in the Logbook Settings section of your Aviation Profile,.  Simply type the name you would like to use for each category and click the green, "Save My Profile" button at the bottom of the screen.  These names will be immediately avialable on iFlightPlanner.com and will be pushed to iFlightPlanner for iPad with the release of v2.3, coming soon!

Should you have any questions about these, or any of the other features available on iFlightPlanner, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Not only can you choose your default auto-routing method, iFlightPlanner now allows you to customize your flight planning experience with your preferred type of aviation chart!  Each time you access iFlightPlanner the chart you use most in your flight planning - VFR Sectional, TAC, IFR Low, IFR High, Street Map, Satellite or Hybrid will automatically be displayed.

These settings are available to all members in the Flight Wizard Options section of your Aviation Profile.  There you will also be able to format how latitude/longitude is displayed throughout iFlightPlanner as well as default settings for your Digital Logbook and Weight & Balance Calculator.

Should you have any questions about these, or any of the other features available on iFlightPlanner, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Pilots who indicate they would like to receive confirmation that their IFR flight plan has been filed will now also receive notifications of any route modifications made by ATC.  

This enhancement, made possible by CSC DUATS, is available to all iFlightPlanner members regardless of one's membership type!  Simply check the appropriate box on the flight plan filing screen in iFlightPlanner for iPad or iFlightPlanner.com (shown) and messages will be sent via email or text accordingly.

The route change notifications expands on the existing functionality pilots have to easily search for and plan any route issued by ATC within the past thirty (30) days.  Choosing "Recent ATC Route" as your routing method will produce a list of routes that you are likely to receive clearance for between your departure and destination airports.  In addition to the exact routing, you'll see the number of times that route has been issued, the date and time of last issuance and the altitude(s) for which it was cleared.  Selecting a route will automatically populate the details of that route into the online Flight Wizard or Planning Console in iFlightPlanner for iPad.

Stay tuned as we will be introducing a number of great new features in the coming weeks!  As always, please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions about your iFlightPlanner experience...

With iFlightPlanner for iPad you now have the ability to connect your iPad to your favorite flight simulator and unleash the best flight planning and in-flight simulation experience anywhere!

Combining iFlightPlanner, FSXFlight and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, Microsoft Flight Simulator X or the Steam Edition, pilots of all realms can plan flights using iFlightPlanner and view those routes in iFlightPlanner for iPad for use in their flight simulator.  Once in the virtual cockpit, FSXFlight will push all simulated GPS data to iFlightPlanner for iPad via networked WiFi connection and force the iPad to behave as if it were flying in the same airplane!

If you fly with X-Plane, the FSXFlight plugin(s) are not required and you may connect iFlightPlanner for iPad directly to X-Plane over the same wireless network.

» iFlightPlanner Installation & Setup Guide for FSXFlight

» Connecting X-Plane to iFlightPlanner, The Details

This feature is already available to all iFlightPlanner Premium members and you can upgrade today for as little as $9.99 per month and experience all that iFlightPlanner has to offer!

Brought to you by MyGoFlight, this video shows you how to take advantage of a discount that is available through IMC Club's relationship with iFlightPlanner.  It is also designed to get pilots to think about redundancy concerning their iPad EFB.  A pilot should always have a plan B for the unexpected.

Future Quick Tips will focus on ways pilots can fly more safely using today's technology.  For more information on the IMC Clubs and their mission of helping pilots master the art of instrument navigation, visit their website at http://www.IMCclubs.org.

With iFlightPlanner for iPad v2.0 being one of the first comprehensive flight planning apps to fully comply with Apple's iOS 7+ Human Interface Guidelines, some button functionality became less obvious.  This Flight Planning Quick Tip shows you how to show and hide the Planner and NavLog consoles on the Flights tab in iFlightPlanner for iPad.  

Know that the Planner and NavLog is accessible from all views within the Flights Tab; Map, Certified Weather Brief, Weight & Balance, File and Log views.  Full details are available in the iFlightPlanner for iPad v2.0 User Guide or via the Help tab within the app.  Should you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to contact us, we're always happy to help!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN.FLY.LOG.

Here's a time-saving trick from FLYING for IFR pilots who want to depart their home airport VFR and then have the option of easily picking up an IFR routing midflight.

To do it, simply fill out an IFR flight plan form as you normally would, but input a VFR cruising altitude (for example, 8,500 feet) in the altitude block, with "VFR flight following" written in the remarks section.

This will hold your flight plan with ATC rather than Flight Service. Now you can depart VFR and pick up flight following from ATC, with the benefit being the controller will see your planned routing in the system and won't have to ask a bunch questions about your intentions.

If you later decide you need to pick up an IFR flight plan because of cloud cover, it's easier at this point for the controller to convert your VFR flight plan to an IFR routing because your basic information and planned route are already in the system.

» FLYING Magazine

iFlightPlanner Premium Members now have the ability to import .GPX flight plan files into iFlightPlanner to assist in the planning of flight routes.  This new functionality compliments the already popular feature of being able to save routes planned on iFlightPlanner to the .GPX and Garmin .FPL flight plan file formats for use in compatible avionics packages.

The Import GPX Flight Plan feature is found under your Favorite Routes List.  If you're not yet an iFlightPlanner Premium member you can upgrade today for as little as $9.99 per month!

This iFlightPlanner Quick Tip show you how to access iFlightPlanner's freely accessible chart resource available at:

https://www.iFlightPlanner.com/AviationCharts

Simply enter your desired route in the "Route" field and click the green, "Show on Map" button to see the waypoints instantly depicted over a Google Map, Sectional, IFR Low or IFR High chart.  You may change the map type using the options in the upper-right corner of the maps view at anytime and can be confident you're always seeing the most up-to-date chart and navigation data available.

The same "Map Layers" menu that is available to all members using the intuitive Flight Wizard is available in the upper-left corner, and routes can be easily copied and shared using the link icon on the right side of the page!

Should you have any questions about how to use the iFlightPlanner Aviation Charts please don't hesitate to contact us!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN.FLY.LOG.

Several iFlightPlanner for iPad members approached us last week in Oshkosh regarding a perceived connectivity issue between their Bluetooth GPS decive and iPads running iOS 6, specifically versions 6.1.2 and 6.1.3.  Know that this bug lies within the iOS 6 software and not iFlightPlanner for iPad or your third-party GPS and we expect  it to be fixed with the release of iOS 7 later this year.  In the meantime, here's a Quick Tip that walks you through the process of unparing your GPS, closing any open applications that utilize the GPS data and rebooting your iPad.

1. Power off your Bluetooth GPS device.
2. On your iPad go to Settings > Bluetooth and locate your GPS device.
3. Tap the blue arrow to the right of your device, select "Forget this Device" and then "Ok".
4. Double-click the Home Button to display your list of recently used apps.
5. From within that list only, touch and hold on iFlightPlanner until all the icons start to jiggle.
6. Tap the red,  icon to force-close each app.
7. Once all the apps are closed, touch anywhere above the now empty list to close it.
8. Press and hold the power button on the top-right corner until "slide to power off" appears.
9. Move the slider to power off your iPad.
10. Once the iPad as completely shut down, wait a few seconds, and power it back on.
11. Power on your Bluetooth GPS Device and activate its pairing mode
12. On your iPad go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap on the name of your GPS device to reconnect.

Should you continue to have connectivity issues betwen your iPad and Bluetooth GPS device, the iFlightPlanner Crew recommends contacting the respective device's customer support department.

Did you know that your iFlightPlanner Profile allows flight plan forms to be automatically filled with the personal details that are required by the FAA?  

Simply verify that your information at https://www.iflightplanner.com/My/MyProfile.aspx is correct on the "Addresses" tab.  The Flight Wizard™ will then use your Primary address to complete any future flight plan forms!

» Quick Tip: Filing FAA Flight Plans

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to modify your profile and customize your flight planning experience with iFlightPlanner.

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use the Special Use Airspace (SUA) and Class B, C, D and E Airspace functionality with maps and charts in iFlightPlanner.

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to close your flight plan and log your flight into your electronic logbook using iFlightPlanner.com or iFlightPlanner for iPad.

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how iFlightPlanner can help you incorporate SIDs and STARs into your low altitude and jet route flight planning. 

This week's flight planning Quick Tip highlights iFlightPlanner's integrated weight & balance calculator and demonstrates how easy it is to email or text your CG results to yourself or a friend.

This week's Quick Tip shows you how quick and easy it is to complete the New Member Setup Wizard and ensure that you get the most out of your iFlightPlanner experience!

Once you've completed the New Member Setup Wizard you're ready to plan your first flight or download iFlightPlanner for iPad presented by Sennheiser.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions along the way!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use custom locations or latitude/longitude coordinates as a departure or destination, a feature specifically designed for pilots who fly seaplanes or helicopters.

This week's flight planning Quick Tip shows you how easy it is to drag, drop and rubberband your flight routes with iFlightPlanner and the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

iFlightPlanner's interactive and freely accessible secional and IFR charts can be found at https://www.iFlightPlanner.com/AviationCharts.

One of the most exciting new features available to iFlightPlanner Premium member is the ability to export flight plans.  This flight planning Quick Tip, featuring the Dynon Skyview avionics package, shows you how to save .FPL and .GPX files using the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard, and import them directly into your avionics.

Upgrade your account to iFlightPlanner Premium and experience all that iFlightPlanner has to offer!

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use iFlightPlanner's graphical AIRMETs, SIGMETs and TFRs depicted along your route.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use iFlightPlanner's color-coded METARs and TAFs that are depicted along your route.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to save a favorite route for future use with the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to find and use the quickest or most efficient altitude for your flight using the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

We have created a new, printer-friendly flyer to help spread the word about iFlightPlanner!

If you think your fellow pilots would appreciate knowing more about iFlightPlanner.com, mobile.iFlightPlanner.com and iFlightPlanner for iPad presented by Sennheiser, print a copy and post it at your local airport or share the following short link via email or in your favorite online forum!

http://bit.ly/iFP-Flyer

The highest compliment we can ever receive is a personal recommendation from our members based on their experience with us.  We thank you for your continued support and encourage you to stay tuned - we have some exciting new features in the works thanks to your feedback!

The iFlightPlanner Crew
PLAN. FLY. LOG.™

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to find and use FAA coded departure routes with the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to find and use FAA preferred routes with the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

This flight planning Quick Tip shows you how to use the custom and auto-routing features available in the iFlightPlanner Flight Wizard.

See just how easy it is to search and find airports in the Airport/Facility Directory in this iFlightPlanner Quick Tip.

See just how easy and efficient it is to find an alternate airport for your flight using the Flight Wizard in this iFlightPlanner Quick Tip.