iCub aircraft from SportairUSA has made it possible for an iPad to be used in the cockpit for navigation and receiving real-time weather info etc. The iCub aircraft belongs to the Light Sport Aircraft category, which is actually a fun-to-fly airplane instead of a serious aircraft. So, it’s possible to use a cheaper device like iPad instead of the costly FAA-approved GPS device.
An iPad 3G is used in the iCub airplane, loaded with various useful aviation applications such as the WingX Pro7 navigation software, ForeFlight Mobile HD, which provides extensive maps of the airports and approaches. There are also apps for emergencies including first aid and survival guides.
There is also an iPhone mount at the backseat which allows the back-seaters to use an iPhone to communicate with the iPad via the aircraft wireless system. The use of iPad is mainly because of the much lower cost for a fun-to-fly plane. And some more, the pilot can pop out the iPad to enjoy some movies or read e-books while they’ve arrived at their destination. Anyway, the price of the iCub aircraft is not known yet.
July 8th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
ha , great idea , there is so much different uses for the iPad is amazing what people can come up with , i also like the fact that i can do hand drawings on it too , very cool device! Thanks for sharing !
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 am
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