I've been using iPads for years, initially for aviation and over time adding in photo editing, writing, and coding.

Today, I'm using a 2018 iPad Pro 11" that I picked up in early 2019, along with the Apple Magic Keyboard case, and a pencil. The same model is now available (refurbished) on Amazon for just over $600.

Before the iPadOS 13.4 update and the release of the Magic Keyboard, I used the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, which is good. The Magic Keyboard, on the other hand, is outstanding -- it's more expensive, but it turns the iPad into a laptop I actually want to own, as it lets me do basically everything from one computer: programming and web development, photo editing, writing, and an electronic flight bag for aviating.

This is an opinionated list that lays out how I've set up my iPad for every day use.

Over a year ago I wrote about my initial experiences building and testing out the open-source Stratux ADS-B In receiver. I've gotten more involved with the project since then, testing out new hardware and changing my existing build. I've also had the chance to use some competing hardware!

TL;DR: build yourself this $140 Stratux

If you're a pilot without existing access to ADS-B In weather and traffic, build this list. The same results cost $233 a year ago, and the software has matured while the hardware has improved. For under $150, you can get dual-band ADS-B In traffic and weather with WAAS position data. It's fantastic.

UPDATE: new writeup 17 July 2017, with a new $140 parts list

I first heard about the Stratux project a few months back, in a subreddit that described how to build your own ADS-B In receiver for under $120. It uses software-defined radios to pick up ADS-B data, then processes it using open-source software. As a pilot who's dabbled with the idea of plunking down around $1000 on the Stratus 2S, this was a pretty attractive idea: less than $200 for traffic and weather on my iPad? Heck, I could build a receiver and order a new iPad for less than the list price of the Stratus.

I took the plunge, ordered the parts, and tried it out.

The verdict? It works brilliantly.

After this ~40 minute briefing, the student should have a working knowledge of the pitot-static and gyroscopic flight instruments. In order…

After this briefing, the student should have a reasonable understanding of navigating with the Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) and Horizontal…

This is a rough overview of the FAA requirements for an instrument rating - what must be part of the checkride - and some of the areas that…

The student should gain a working knowledge of instrument flight maneuvers and unusual attitude recovery, and understand the techniques and…

The student should be able to apply previous lessons about approach components to an instrument approach chart, and be prepared to fly an…

These are sample questions for private pilot candidates that will hopefully allow them to demonstrate some level of correlation-level…

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Develop the student’s ability to plan and execute a steep spiral, improving options in an emergency situation.

Elements

• altitude considerations
• setup
• execution
• standards
…

The student should gain an understanding of DME operation and the instrument landing system, and be able to apply that knowledge to flight…

The student should gain an understanding of departure and arrival procedures and clearances, as well as a basic ability to read enroute and…

The student should have an understanding of the national airspace system, and be able to apply it to a cross-country flight or sectional…

The student should gain an understanding of straight-in and circling approaches and be able to apply that knowledge to several landing…

At the conclusion of this briefing, the student should be able to explain the execution of (and reasons for) the instrument cockpit check.

…

The student should gain a working understanding of aircraft weight and balance, including methods for calculation and aircraft limits for…

This briefing should develop the student’s understanding of the setup, procedures, and execution of chandelles to improve control smoothness…

This lesson should establish the student's familiarity with situations leading to (and the execution of) stalls, while explaining the danger…

This briefing reviews stalls and introduces spin aerodynamics, as well as the procedures required for the successful avoidance of and…

The student should become familiar with the behavior of the aircraft in slow flight, gaining an understanding of the inputs and procedures…

This lesson should establish the student's familiarity with situations leading to (and the execution of) the more complex and dangerous…

The student should gain a working understanding of flight planning and the basics of navigation, including aeronautical charts and radio…