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Best Smartphone For A Solo Pilot

You did bring up an interesting question, but it is likely to be outside of the typical scope of an Android help forum. Just presuming your query is a bit too focused on a specific usage that would be better answered in something like an aviation-based help forum. You'll probably get better suggestions from other flyers' experiences than what we can provide based on our typical consumer livelihoods.

-- Curious though but do small aircraft include Bluetooth integration so you can link a phone to something like an Android Auto head unit in most modern cars? Or are you just looking for a phone that you'll be using as is?
-- Do you get an adequate or any cellular connection when in the air? If it is usable, given that 5G strong points are faster bandwidth and lower latency but coverage range is limited at best, I'm assuming you just need a phone with solid 4G/LTE support and 5G isn't that relevant.
-- GPS signals should be really strong when flying, yes?
-- What features are you looking for in a phone? Network connectivity? Multimedia playback? Sharp, bright display? Are there specific functionality items that relate to being in a small aircraft in question, or is this just a matter where you want a good quality phone for your daily usage?
 
Do you actually pilot a GA plane or is this a general query?

There's no obvious benefit to any particular phone specification, but you would need to ask in the aviation community. I don't think many here fly home from work!

I know most pilot / operators now use ForeFlight with an iPad or similar for most all route guidance, planning, alerts, terminal information, copying traffic instructions if not using panel systems, databases etc. etc.
There is a lesser app for iPhone and Android, but as most use the larger iPad in flight....

There's still some discussion on whether phones interfere or cause extraneous noises during radio ATC transmissions, and the FAA in the US currently afaik still prohibit phone use at least with the now increasingly defunct 2g voice calling, see below.

https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/airplane_cell_phone/

I follow a few YT channels that cover or recreate air incidents on both private and commercial flights, and have been reading reports on same for 40 years on and off.

I can't categorically claim definitive knowledge, but voice calls are mostly not used, and a phone screen would be generally useless compared to an iPad sized flight planner, and the aircraft will have a data system installed to connect the portable unit to the flight panel etc.

There's a dreaded phrase that Air Traffic Controllers use when a pilot has seriously contravened instructions: 'Possible Pilot Deviation. I have a number for you to call. Advise when ready to copy. "

Again afaik the pilot must call either after the flight, or when on the ground.

A recent incident was where a single engined pilot landed on a Highway claiming engine loss, where seemingly that wasn't the case according to good independent investigators (Dan Gryder) and he filmed it on a phone for video clicks.

https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/airplane_cell_phone/
 
My cousin is a pilot and I will ask him.

Also, it would be of great help to know exactly what features you desire.

These would be separate from the needs of a pilot.

My cousin has been a private pilot for quite some time, so he should know what the requirements are as far as what a pilot needs.

I will call him tonight, but I don't know when he will get back to me.
Usually it is fairly quickly.
 
I have a few friends who are small airplane pilots, two of whom are blessed enough to own their own plane. All of them swear by iPad.

Kinda crazy that technological advancements have so revamped cockpits. Of course they’ve revamped most things, so it’s no real surprise. ;)

Good luck.
 
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