Weather Apps Every Pilot Should Find Very Useful

There is a slew of weather apps currently available to the public via smartphones, laptops, and PCs. These are incredibly helpful in knowing what to wear and what to bring when stepping out. But where these apps really shine is in the aviation industry.

Weather apps help airport tower personnel and pilots determine visibility, chances of turbulence, thunderstorms, etc. It is imperative that pilots have some of these installed and check them regularly before the flight. Below are three of the best ones out there, both those free to use and those that come with a price.

Image source: universalweather.com

MyRadar: This is free and easy to use app that features a high-quality looping radar bundled with an AIRMETS and TFR overlay. Of course, the data the app provides is taken from National Weather Service.

CloudTopper: Though strictly not a weather app, CloudTopper is incredibly helpful to IFR and VFR pilots for estimating distance to cloud formations and the feet needed to go over them. You can use your iPhone’s camera with the clouds, and the app will tell you their exact level. This app costs a measly $0.99.

Image source: robertgraves.com

METARs Aviation Weather: Never mind the $6.99 price; this is a fast and efficient app for checking weather conditions as well as tracking airports via color-coded icons. The app has tons of features, including customizable notifications for VFR/MVFR/IFR/LIFR. It likewise translates aviation jargons to layman’s English for easier comprehension.

Scott Beale has been working in the aviation industry for more than 20 years, successfully growing businesses that he acquired and founded. He has led various aviation firms to attain growth in revenues. More on Scott’s work here.

America’s Best Fighter Aircraft

America is the most powerful country in terms of military strength. And when it comes to defense aviation, the U.S. is king when it comes to air-to-air or air-to-ground combat. Here are a few of America’s best fighter aircraft today.

Image source: washingtontimes.com

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is currently the best fighter jet in production in the entire world. It’s a single-seat jet with twin engines and is 5th generation supersonic supermaneuverable craft designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It is the product of two of the most reputable defense contractors in the U.S., namely Lockheed Martin and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. One of the aircraft’s biggest strength is its stealth capability as it remains undetectable in most radars.  

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is similar to the F-22 but has a smaller build. With just a single engine, it is designed for ground attacks, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. It also has excellent stealth capabilities. The F-35 has three variants that differ in how they take-off and land. The F-35A has standard take-off and landing procedures, the F-35B has a short take-off and can land vertically, and the F-35C is carrier-based. 

Lastly, the F-15 Strike Eagle is a classic yet powerful jet in America’s arsenal. Developed in the ‘80s, this was an all-weather multi-role fighter and was deployed in military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Image source: washingtontimes.com

Scott Beale is an aerospace defense expert who helped pilot successful business turnarounds of a number of aviation companies. For more articles like this, visit this link.