XM WX for iPad Gets Green Light

Pilots who use Apple’s iPad tablet computer have been lusting for one additional bit of functionality, in-flight weather data. Baron Services, the company that provides XM WX services, is about to fulfill those wishes with its iPad Mobile Link, a $199.99 gadget (introductory price) that lets compatible iPad apps display XM WX while airborne. Baron’s Mobile Link will be available late in the second quarter this year. The company hasn’t revealed subscription prices for XM WX via Mobile Link, but did detail weather products that will be initially offered, including Nexrad radar, satellite imagery, Metars, Tafs, TFRs, winds aloft, Airmets and Sigmets. Garmin was the first to announce a Mobile Link-compatible iPad app, Pilot My-Cast, and according to Baron Services, other companies are working on mobile device apps that will work with Mobile Link, including FlightPrep, Hilton Software and Foreflight. Baron expects developers to make Mobile Link work with operating systems for non-Apple mobile devices; next up will be the Android operating system. Pilots will need to buy the Mobile Link device plus an XM antenna and receiver to access XM WX products on mobile devices.