IPAD Air or IPAD Mini?

[larryb]

I have the mini on the yoke. I tried a full size iPad in a plane, but too large and cumbersome. For me, I have the seat pretty far forward and high. So I don't have any room in my lap for anything more than a small notepad for clearances. Looking down at my lap is too far from the panel anyway.

 

Now there is the matter of which options to buy on your iPad. I recommend 1: The largest memory version possible and 2: The cellular data option. A full set of aviation data takes around 10 Gig per app. That plus videos and pictures and music, and you can use it up quickly. Then you get in a mode where you have to manage your memory to make updates, etc. Easier just to get the big version.

 

If you get the wifi-only option, it doesn't have a built-in gps. So you would need an external gps source of some sort. The gps chip only comes with the  cellular data version. Cellular data is also not that expensive. I have mine on my ATT data share plan, and it only adds $10/month to my cellular bill. Half of the utility of these devices is internet anywhere, and the cellular data gives you that.

 

Larry

[M20S Driver]

+1 , for Mini with Ipad back up.

 

Same here.  Mini on the pilot side yoke and I put the ipad on the co-pilot side but I ended up with a Knee Board for ipad since it was taking too much room on the co-pilot side too.

[aaronk25]

[stevesm20b]

Ipad air for me. Like the larger size for cross country flights. Fits on my lap.

[Ned Gravel]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1425851510.635217.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1425851557.587329.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1425851597.224092.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1425851625.227409.jpg

My exact setup too!

Ned Gravel

Lucky steward of C-FSWR, a '65 E model at Rockcliffe, Ontario, (CYRO)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[IndyTim]

These are good points. I can't imagine not having cellular on my iPad Mini. I use foreflight to file all my plans, and to get weather often and right up to departure (in addition briefings from Flight Service.) This would be tough without cellular. Also, regarding memory, I had a dedicated Foreflight -only iPad with 16GB of memory. I kept about 10 states' data on there, with all the data except for IFR High. I fought a constant battle for space - always having to delete one or more states to make room for updates. Finally I gave up, gave that iPad to adeserving college student - a friend of the family - and got a 64GB version.

I have the mini on the yoke. I tried a full size iPad in a plane, but too large and cumbersome. For me, I have the seat pretty far forward and high. So I don't have any room in my lap for anything more than a small notepad for clearances. Looking down at my lap is too far from the panel anyway.

 

Now there is the matter of which options to buy on your iPad. I recommend 1: The largest memory version possible and 2: The cellular data option. A full set of aviation data takes around 10 Gig per app. That plus videos and pictures and music, and you can use it up quickly. Then you get in a mode where you have to manage your memory to make updates, etc. Easier just to get the big version.

 

If you get the wifi-only option, it doesn't have a built-in gps. So you would need an external gps source of some sort. The gps chip only comes with the  cellular data version. Cellular data is also not that expensive. I have mine on my ATT data share plan, and it only adds $10/month to my cellular bill. Half of the utility of these devices is internet anywhere, and the cellular data gives you that.

 

Larry

[midlifeflyer]

These are good points. I can't imagine not having cellular on my iPad Mini. I use foreflight to file all my plans, and to get weather often and right up to departure (in addition briefings from Flight Service.) This would be tough without cellular. .

It's not that tough. I'm on my second ipad with no cellular. I think I had to fall back once on tethering to my phone because there was no wifi available in the 3-4 years I've used ForeFlight.

[ryoder]

I became dependent on my ASA kneeboard early in my flying and considered having it surgically attached to my leg.

 

When the iPad mini appeared along with Sporty's "MyClip" leg strap for it, I cancelled the surgery.

 

I was thinking of modifying my "flying shorts" to include Velcro that snapped in. Crazy isn't it?

[midlifeflyer]

IMO the MyClip is one of the best solutions for someone who wants a tablet on their leg. Still carry one in my bag.

[aaronk25]

The concern that eliminated the leg mount for me was IFR vertigo. The leg mount requires looking further down.

[midlifeflyer]

The concern that eliminated the leg mount for me was IFR vertigo. The leg mount requires looking further down.

 

I agree. For IFR flight, I think solutions that keep your head up tend to be better, plastic or paper. That's my I mentioned people who want it on their lap for the MyClip and that mine is kept in the flight bag. I use it mostly when I'm a passenger or instructing and don;t want to set up my yoke mount.

[aviatoreb]

The concern that eliminated the leg mount for me was IFR vertigo. The leg mount requires looking further down.

 

That's my thought - I like yoke mount.

[Marauder]

I thought I would jump in on this thread about some of the mounts I have been playing around with. It seems my perfect flight bag obsession has migrated to an obsession on finding the right mount for my iPad. I started off with the yoke mount Aaron is showing. I had two of them. One for the mini in front of me and another for my Air on the co-pilot's yoke. I didn't like the fit and clearance of the yoke mount and tried mounting it up on the center post. Too awkward and blocked some of my view. I currently have the mini on a suction mount on the side window. It's okay, but a bit out of my scan for approaches.

I will keep all posted on my obsession!

[donkaye]

I have the mini on the yoke. I tried a full size iPad in a plane, but too large and cumbersome. For me, I have the seat pretty far forward and high. So I don't have any room in my lap for anything more than a small notepad for clearances. Looking down at my lap is too far from the panel anyway.

 

Now there is the matter of which options to buy on your iPad. I recommend 1: The largest memory version possible and 2: The cellular data option. A full set of aviation data takes around 10 Gig per app. That plus videos and pictures and music, and you can use it up quickly. Then you get in a mode where you have to manage your memory to make updates, etc. Easier just to get the big version.

 

If you get the wifi-only option, it doesn't have a built-in gps. So you would need an external gps source of some sort. The gps chip only comes with the  cellular data version. Cellular data is also not that expensive. I have mine on my ATT data share plan, and it only adds $10/month to my cellular bill. Half of the utility of these devices is internet anywhere, and the cellular data gives you that.

 

Larry

 

Larry did the whole instrument rating with me with his iPad mini, and used it to perfection.  I personally still use the Area 796 for Approach Plates and a full size iPad as a backup.  Absolutely get the most memory possible.   I got the 128 Gig iPad Air 2 after having the 32 Gig iPad 2.  I filled the first one up so fast that it was pretty much useless except for the one airplane app that would fit.  I'll have to check  with Verizon, but I don't think they allow a family plan on the iPad.  I get around it by using the mobile phone hotspot.  I really like the large size of the full iPad, but of course it is the backup and it is mounted to nothing.

[mooniac15u]

 I'll have to check  with Verizon, but I don't think they allow a family plan on the iPad.

 

Verizon and AT&T both allow iPads as part of their data sharing packages.  The cost is $10 per month for a tablet on either carrier.

[midlifeflyer]

I thought I would jump in on this thread about some of the mounts I have been playing around with. It seems my perfect flight bag obsession has migrated to an obsession on finding the right mount for my iPad. I started off with the yoke mount Aaron is showing. I had two of them. One for the mini in front of me and another for my Air on the co-pilot's yoke. I didn't like the fit and clearance of the yoke mount and tried mounting it up on the center post. Too awkward and blocked some of my view. I currently have the mini on a suction mount on the side window. It's okay, but a bit out of my scan for approaches.

I will keep all posted on my obsession!

 

My set-up is similar to Aaron's (including coming under the yoke instead of over it) but with a small difference. I use the other yoke clamp

and two of the double-socket arms  instead of one.

Seems to give me a little more ability to angle the tablet where I want it and doesn't block any instruments.

[donkaye]

Verizon and AT&T both allow iPads as part of their data sharing packages.  The cost is $10 per month for a tablet on either carrier.

 

Thanks for the input.  Several years ago they didn't do it.  I think I'll sign up for it, but I'm sure there will be an activation fee for the iPad number.

[rbridges]

I had a full size iPad when I started instrument training. Never failed, look down on my right knee and plane would nose over to the right.

[midlifeflyer]

I had a full size iPad when I started instrument training. Never failed, look down on my right knee and plane would nose over to the right.

 

LOL!  One of my friends noted that we all have a tendency to pressure the yoke unconsciously. Some of us climb some descent, some turn left or right. His suggestion is simplicity itself - when you do something else, whether it's check something on the iPad or tune a radio, let go of the yoke. Even without an autopilot, properly trimmed, the airplane will maintain its attitude. At worst, it will still do a better job than us when our attention is diverted.

[jlunseth]

I have an iPad4 I think it is.  I have had an iPad in the cockpit since the original iPad came out. My choices for the iPad are partly driven by the fact that I have a good GPS (430 AW), GPSS (Icarus SAM), moving map (MX20) and AP (KFC200), so the plane can largely fly a cruising course on its own.  I also have an XM SatWX subscription, and the Jeppesen database for the 430, I get quite a bit of information either on the 430 or one the moving map.

 

I use Foreflight on the iPad.  The primary safety-critical use of it is for approach plates to fly instrument approaches.  I have the georeferenced version which I find very helpful.  I also find the larger sized screen very helpful to read the small print and details on the plate.

 

I sometimes use the iPad to just figure out where I am along the route of flight, or to dial in an NDB or VOR either as a backup or to help me locate myself on the course.  But I do that mainly when I am bored and looking for something else to do.  The GPS tells me with precision where I am, so the iPad is backup for that.  I suppose for those types of on-course navigation functions a small screen would work fine.

 

I absolutely hate all the various ways of sticking the iPad up in front of the panel, whether yoke mount or something else.  For one thing, if I yoke mount the iPad I can't fit my hands around the yoke handles, there is no room.  But more importantly, the iPad, which is not that important, is obscuring functions on the panel like the AI, or the engine gauges, that are safety critical.  So I know that some people do it, but not me.  I have a great kneeboard and that works just fine.

 

Increasingly, I find myself just shutting the iPad off and setting it somewhere out of the son, to be used if and when I need to pull up a plate.  That is the one thing for which I find it irreplaceable.

[Alan Fox]

I use a mini , I mount it on the yoke crossbar (beech) I used to mount it on the Pass yoke (Mooney)   I feel that using an I pad on your lap is inherently not safe , as it draws all of your attn. out of your scan , Mounted on the yoke it is in the scan and much less distracting , That being said , the full size pad blocks out too much of the panel ......

[N6327Q]

I pad mini yolk mounted works great! and I am 6'2 comes close to my knees but does not touch.

[Zulee]

For what it's worth I use a mini and ForeFlight...I had the full size iPad and also use an air at home...couldn't imagine using the air in the cockpit, too big.

[Marauder]

My set-up is similar to Aaron's (including coming under the yoke instead of over it) but with a small difference. I use the other yoke clamp

and two of the double-socket arms instead of one.

Seems to give me a little more ability to angle the tablet where I want it and doesn't block any instruments.

Just a quick update on my Ram mount obsession. I installed a new style mount on the yoke today. I wasn't happy with the bulky style of the mount you showed in the picture and even unhappier when the first one broke at that little plastic piece at the end of the screw.

This one is made up of two mounts combined. I bought one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJ90X2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And then married it to one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AM1PXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I took the plastic spacer and the "U" ring from the second item and married it to the first one. This way there is a plastic spacer on the bottom and plastic body on the top to protect the shaft.

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[Marauder]

Went for a flight yesterday and took a few pictures of the low profile mount installed. Like it much better than the old yoke style.

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