Help for Instructors

Guide to Sharing Your ForeFlight Screen on Google Meet

As a flight instructor on Skyfarer Academy, sharing your ForeFlight screen from an iPad during a Google Meet session can enhance your sessions by providing real-time demonstrations of flight planning, navigation tools, and aviation charts. With Companion Mode, you can easily share your iPad screen while managing the session from your computer.

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Updated December 20, 2024

ForeFlight is an indispensable tool for aviation instruction, offering web-based and mobile features that can significantly enhance the learning experience. With its intuitive interface and functionality, you can guide students through complex tasks such as creating and analyzing flight plans, interpreting aeronautical charts, checking real-time weather updates, and practicing weight and balance calculations. The tool's integration with web platforms and its ability to share data across devices makes it an invaluable resource for both in-person and online instruction.

During your sessions, you can use ForeFlight to explain key concepts visually, such as demonstrating the impact of weather patterns on a planned route or teaching advanced navigation techniques using the moving map feature. These web-connected, real-time applications help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making your sessions more engaging and impactful. Whether it’s leveraging ForeFlight’s web interface or its mobile app, the tool’s capabilities ensure you can deliver high-quality aviation instruction effectively.

According to Google Meet’s support documentation, the only way to share the screen of a different device is by installing Google Meet on that device and joining the meeting using that device.

Follow this guide to set up and share your ForeFlight screen effectively:

Step 1: Prepare Your Devices

Ensure the Google Meet app is installed on your iPad. Download it from the App Store if needed.
Confirm that ForeFlight is installed and set up on your iPad.
Connect both your computer and iPad to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Join the Google Meet on Your Computer

Open Google Meet on your computer and join the session as your primary device.
Enable your audio and video on the computer to interact with students during the session.

Step 3: Join the Meeting on Your iPad in Companion Mode

Open the same meeting link on your iPad.
Join the meeting using Companion Mode:
- Tap Use Companion Mode (visible before entering the meeting).
- Alternatively, toggle the Companion Mode option during the join process.
If you don’t see the Companion Mode option, manually mute the microphone and speakers on the iPad to avoid audio feedback.

Step 4: Share Your ForeFlight Screen

On your iPad, open the ForeFlight app and prepare the materials you want to share (e.g., charts, flight plans, or navigation tools).
In the Google Meet app on your iPad, tap the three dots menu.
Select Present Screen and follow the prompts to start sharing:
- Your entire iPad screen, including the ForeFlight app, will now be visible to all participants in the meeting.
- Demonstrate flight planning, map tools, weather overlays, or other ForeFlight features as needed.

Making the Most of These Tools

Use your computer to:
- Monitor student engagement.
- Handle chat and Q&A.
- Control session settings.
Keep your audio and video on the computer as the primary interaction point.

Which iPad will work with ForeFlight Mobile?

As outlined in ForeFlight’s support documentation, any iPad that can run iOS 15 or later is compatible with ForeFlight Mobile. However, for the best experience during your sessions, you should consider key factors like performance, display size, and internal storage when choosing an iPad.

ForeFlight recommends using an iPad that supports iOS 15 or later to ensure compatibility with the latest features and updates. For optimal performance during your sessions, newer models like the iPad Pro (5th generation or later) or the iPad Air (4th generation or later) are ideal. These models provide faster processors and better graphics capabilities, ensuring smooth rendering of maps, charts, and other dynamic ForeFlight tools. If you plan to use ForeFlight extensively during your lessons, the additional screen real estate of the iPad Pro’s larger display is a significant advantage, especially for showing detailed maps and flight plans to your students.

*If you’re already using an older iPad, such as the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 4, these devices may still run ForeFlight but could experience slower performance or lack support for newer app features.

Using ForeFlight Web for Enhanced Instruction

In addition to the iPad app, ForeFlight Web offers another valuable tool for enhancing your Skyfarer Academy sessions. ForeFlight Web allows you to access many of the same features available on the mobile app directly from a computer’s web browser, providing flexibility and additional instructional opportunities.

ForeFlight Web is ideal for pre-session preparation or live demonstrations during online classes. You can use the platform to create and share flight plans, analyze weather data, and showcase aeronautical charts in real time—all from the larger screen of your desktop or laptop. This is particularly useful when working with students who may not yet have access to an iPad or are looking to understand the planning process before transitioning to in-flight applications. The intuitive web interface mirrors much of the functionality of the iPad app, making it a great transition for those familiar with ForeFlight on mobile devices.

A standout feature of ForeFlight Web is the Flight Plan Editor, which enables you to build detailed flight plans by entering waypoints, adjusting altitudes, and assessing fuel requirements. The platform automatically syncs with your ForeFlight account, so any plans created on the web are instantly accessible on your iPad, allowing for a smooth flow between devices during instruction. While ForeFlight Web does not include certain features like moving map displays, it is an excellent complement to the iPad app. To access ForeFlight Web, you’ll need an active subscription, and your browser must meet the platform’s compatibility requirements. Supported browsers include Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Audio Management: Ensure only the computer has active audio (mic and speakers). The iPad should remain muted.
Rehearse the Setup: Test sharing your ForeFlight screen before a live session to ensure everything works seamlessly.
Content Preparation: Arrange the ForeFlight materials you want to showcase ahead of time for a smoother experience.
Engage Participants: Use the computer for direct interaction and the iPad for dynamic demonstrations.

By integrating ForeFlight into your sessions, you can deliver highly interactive sessions online. Students will benefit from real-time demonstrations and the opportunity to see aviation concepts applied in practical scenarios.