Must-Have Apps for General Aviation Pilots (iOS & Android)

Modern pilots rely on mobile apps not only for navigation but also for weather analysis, flight planning, logbooks, debriefing, regulations, and in-cockpit calculations. A well-chosen set of apps can replace much of the classic paper flight bag and significantly improve both safety and efficiency.

Here is a curated list of 10 essential apps for general aviation pilots, including download links for both iOS and Android (where available), plus brief explanations and alternative options.

1. ForeFlight – Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)

The most complete aviation app on the market and a benchmark for EFB systems.

What it does:
Flight planning and filing (VFR & IFR), moving-map navigation, geo-referenced charts and approach plates, weather briefings, NOTAMs, airport information, weight & balance, performance calculations, logbook, and document management.

Alternatives: Garmin Pilot, SkyDemon

2. Garmin Pilot – Navigation & Planning EFB

A full-featured multi-platform EFB especially popular with pilots flying Garmin avionics.

What it does:
Interactive maps, route planning, weather overlays, NOTAMs, airport & procedure info, logbook, ADS-B integration, checklists, and flight tracking.

Alternatives: ForeFlight, SkyDemon

3. SkyDemon – Europe’s Leading VFR App

Extremely popular with European GA and VFR pilots.

What it does:
Airspace-aware route planning, moving map with conflict alerts, terrain & obstacles, NOTAM visualisation, weather briefing, airport guides, fuel and wind planning.

Alternatives: Garmin Pilot, Air Navigation Pro

4. Avare – Android EFB (Free)

A professional open-source navigation tool for Android users without subscription costs.

What it does:

Best used as: Backup or budget EFB

Moving-map navigation, FAA charts, GPS track, airport info, ADS-B receiver integration, weather overlay, offline downloads.

5. MyRadar – Real-Time Weather Radar

Fast visual access to current storms and precipitation.

What it does:

High-resolution radar maps with weather overlays for storm avoidance and situational awareness.

Alternatives: Windy, AeroWeather

 

6. CloudAhoy – Post-Flight Debriefing

A serious training and analytics tool for flight review.

What it does:
Tracks your flight, offers 2D & 3D replay, compares actual flight to the plan, displays altitude/speed profiles, and supports instructor-led training debriefs.

Official website

Alternatives: FlySto

 

7. Sporty’s E6B – Aviation Calculator

Digital version of the classic E6B computer.

What it does:
Wind correction, groundspeed, ETA, fuel burn, crosswind components, weight & balance, unit conversions.

Alternatives: ASA CX-3 app

 

8. ASA FAR/AIM – Regulations & Reference

Your pocket aviation rulebook.

What it does:
Searchable aviation regulations (FAR/AIM content), learning aids, definitions, training references.

Used mainly for: Study, currency review, regulation checks

 

9. FltPlan Go – Free Flight Planning EFB

Strong alternative to paid EFB platforms for VFR and light IFR pilots.

What it does:
Route planning, flight filing, weather briefings, charts, moving map, airport info.

Check it here on their official website for more info.

Alternatives: Garmin Pilot, Avare

10. LiveATC – Air Traffic Monitoring

Educational and situational awareness tool.

What it does:
Streams real-time ATC audio from airports and approach facilities worldwide, excellent for training and familiarisation.

Used for: Learning phraseology, monitoring operations at unfamiliar airports

Recommended App Combinations

VFR Europe Pilot

  • SkyDemon

  • MyRadar or Windy

  • Sporty’s E6B

  • LiveATC

IFR / Advanced GA

  • ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot

  • CloudAhoy

  • ASA FAR/AIM

  • MyRadar

Android-Only Cockpit

  • Garmin Pilot

  • Avare (backup)

  • FltPlan Go

  • Sporty’s E6B

Final Thoughts

Today’s mobile apps form the digital core of the GA cockpit. Choosing a primary EFB (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or SkyDemon) combined with weather, calculator, training, and reference tools delivers:

  • Higher situational awareness

  • Faster planning and filing

  • Better weather decision-making

  • Improved legal compliance

  • Strong post-flight learning value

Paper charts are largely redundant — but redundancy remains essential: always carry backup power and at least one secondary navigation solution on your device.

While these apps offer incredible tools for the modern pilot, having a reliable and accessible way to use them in-flight is essential. That’s where the Dream Pilot Magnetic Kneeboard comes in. Compatible with all smartphones and tablets—whether you’re an iPhone or Android user—it keeps your device securely in place, even during turbulent flights. With its strong magnets, durable elastic strap, and compact portability, it’s designed to make your navigation apps easier to use and more accessible.

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