iPad mini 2

[ryoder]

T mobile had a lease offer that is lease to own and netted a nice discount off of the data plan rate so I went with that on my Air 2. I paid nothing down and for a low monthly fee I get a data plan and iPad. At the end of the lease I can buy it for about 100 bucks. Don't quote me on the details.

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[Oldguy]

We fly with an iPad air and Ipad mini 3 both loaded with ForeFlight and connected to a Stratus 2. My wife uses the mini and tracks engine information on it since the JPI is in front of her. She also pulls up en-route and destination weather and information as we are flying to help get radios set up.

 

I've never had a problem with the size of the mini when I use it. With the ability to pinch and zoom, the only thing I notice is there is less real estate on the screen for me to see. We did CB out on hers and go Wi-Fi only, but with the ability for them to sync with each other and the full size one having cellular, we have never had a problem.

 

I actually think I prefer the mini based on it's ability to restrict less of my view of the panel than the full-size. And the fingerprint reader has been useful in turbulence when the power button gets hit and it turns off. Punching in 4 numbers when bouncing around is above my skill set, but then I still have a 430W and not a 650.

 

John

[aviatoreb]

I don't need a finger print reader - I keep the mini in the cockpit so it is not coded at all.

[DXB]

I don't need a finger print reader - I keep the mini in the cockpit so it is not coded at all.

I do the same- view it as a convenience and safety feature to turn off the coding for ease of access.   It's a flight planning and cockpit tool only so no need for security.  

[philiplane]

I have the iPad Mini 2 32GB which is recommended as the optimum configuration for Garmin Pilot. It hooks to a GDL39 3D receiver and gives traffic, weather, and synthetic vision. I use it in several planes because the form factor fits where a full size iPad will not. The processor is fast. The iPad 3 only gives the fingerprint recognition and isn't worth the extra money.

[gsxrpilot]

It's scary how much I like having ForeFlight with me on the iPad Mini. I've been using the Mini 2 Retina cell/wifi version for awhile now.  About two months ago, I heading out to make an IFR flight to Dallas and learned the iPad had died. Completely dead, and never coming back. I still made the trip, and used my iPhone with ForeFlight for filing, plates, etc. It worked fine, but while I was in Dallas for about 5 hours, I went by the Apple store and bought a new one. Now its an iPad Mini 3, 128gb, cell/wifi.  As someone once said, nothing is "must have" including toilets, but there are things that make life much more enjoyable. 

 

ForeFlight on an iPad Mini on the yoke in my Mooney falls into that category.

[carusoam]

Paul, Any idea what killed off your iPad?

Best regards,

-a-

[gsxrpilot]

Paul, Any idea what killed off your iPad?

Best regards,

-a-

Probably just a couple of years of very hard use. I'd dropped it and had to replace the screen once. The home button was only functioning part of the time. I use the iPad for work as well as flying, so it gets a lot of use.

[helitim]

Flight,

i would like to resurrect this post and hopefully get some updates since several months have passed on the subject matter.

As of tomorrow I will be picking up my newly installed GTN 750 and GTX 345 transponder/ADS-B with WiFi capability along with a panel mounted IPad holder just above the pilots yoke.  At present I have the lifetime subscription to FlyQ and really like the setup.  This year at OSH I attended two separate Garmn Pilot user forums to try and evaluate the product since my Garmin subscription will offer free data for their Pilot app.  Because the screen is very similar to the 750, it makes sense to me to begin utilizing the Pilot app.....I think.  Does anyone here offer any good reason based upon your experiences not to go this route?

Second question I have is, which device to use?  At present I have the iPad Mini 2 w Retina display that fits well in the mount that I carry and use daily.  I will purchase a separate device to install and leave in the plane for dedication to flight use only.  If I understand correctly, this will negate the need for the internal GPS and cellular connectivity since it will only need the Bluetooth/WiFi information from the 345.  That being said, what would be the most economical device to install to have high quality resolution and graphics with a fast refresh rate as well as adequate memory (64GB or larger) to carry the required downloads of chart information?  Is there a device that is more advanced than the iPad2 for me to consider installing my existing unit into  the panel and upgrade to something else for my everyday use?

Thank you, Tim 

Edited August 24, 2016 by helitim

[ArtVandelay]

I have 32MB mini retina model, the entire US charts downloaded, it uses about 2GB or so.

The biggest plus is the custom Garmin dynamic flite charts.

For navigation it's excellent, automatic logging is nice, the flight planning has been improved.

I don't like you can only select and display 1 type of Airmet or Sigmet at a time and the brief is standard old format, with NOTAMS for every airport within 200 miles of intended path. It's easier to simply select the airports manually to look at WX and notams.

[Hank]

I wouldn't spend much time or money fitting a piece if consumer electronics into my panel. The lifecycle is far too short, and next years' product will be 1/4" wider and 1/8" shorter; then the next one will be 1/8" longer than the first and another 1/8" wider, while reducing the thickness by about a millimeter, so even if you can whittle away on your existing mount, it's now too thin front to back and will rattle. Or it will get 0.060" thicker and not go into the mount in the first place.

If you've got to fly with a consumer-grade tablet, put it in a consumer-grade mount and hang it from your panel or the window beside you, pushed low in front of the yoke. There are many discussions here about now people do this, complete with photos of what worked, what didn't and why.

Best of luck with your panel redo!

[carusoam]

On the iPad thoughts....

It is great to have it attached to a WAAS source by wifi.  My iPad measures T/O distances and ground rolls after landing, WAAS is required for this.

It is comforting to know that when the electrons stop flowing in everything else. The iPad still has it's own battery and GPS antenna.

If something disastrous is occurring... Glide rings on Foreflight may be a good standalone device.

Speaking of disaster, does your AHRS have it's own power?

 

Dropping WingX would be my least favorite choice to make.  But, if I were going GTN, it would happen so fast I wouldn't think twice.

I've lost the cognitive capacity to memorize multiple systems that all do essentially the same thing in a different way.  A fully integrated system that works would be best.

Problem fixing is keeping in touch with Trek...

Things that come to mind,

-a-

[helitim]

Hank,

My question is not whether I would or would not install something.  It is done.  Your suggestion for a "consumer grade" product is moot. Having searched the previous threads is how I found and responded to this one.  Had there have been an acceptable answer in one of those threads I would not have spent time trying to learn more information from the collective knowledge of this group.  My question is simply what are the best options for going forward?   Yes, I agree that there will always be a better option waiting to be released.  At some point we decide to invest in current technology and make the best of it.  That's all I'm trying to do here.  

Tim

[Hank]

In that case, Tim, get the most memory available. Apple isn't interested in letting us upgrade their products. But I enjoy my iPad mini retina. Buying memory upfront will extend the service life of the iPad, as applications multiply and you add some for convenience, to say nothing of reference documents (POH, Parts Manual, Maintenance manual, Garmin handbooks, EFB application and ever-expanding data as you travel, etc.). The actual chart files also seem to be getting bigger over time, and it's nice to keep them all updated.

Just make sure you have a way to update the applications and data in your flying-only tablet.

[Oscar Avalle]

I have an Ipad 2 connected via bluetooth through my Flight Stream 210 to the GTN 750 and the GDL 88. It works great. I use Garmin Piltot. The ipad itself is mounted on the yoke. I use mainly for charts and weather and as a back up if everything else goes belly up. 

[Danb]

Like Jim it's better than a good idea to fly with two iPads especially on cross country's, I bring the mini on local flights and both the mini-4 and IPad Air on Ifr flights. 

[Bob_Belville]

I have a clean, modern panel in a '66E with GTN 750 with GDL 88 (ADS-B I/O) Plus a GPS 696 mounted and integrated and I have felt no need for a tablet. 

But I now have an inexpensive Verizon Ellipsis with plenty of storage (16G plus a larger SD card) to take advantage of Garmin's One Pak pricing and free Garmin Pilot.

I keep the tablet in a side pocket but I have a couple of Velcro pads on the back and can slap it on a minimal knee pad.

I intend to add the Garmin FS 510 to the GTN 750 as soon as it starts shipping (this month?) which will make data updating pretty slick while displaying traffic and weather on the tablet as well as the 750. (Nancy is more interested in traffic than anything else and I can see her staying amused with that info display on the tablet in her lap.) 

[helitim]

Bob,

You have essentially the same setup that I will have.  The 696 in lieu of my tablet and the FS to display data which the 345 (in lieu of your 88) is reported to do on my tablet with the Garmin Pilot app.  My wife makes pokes fun at me because I also have kept my old 296 on the yoke.  To me, the 296 is such a simple yet reliable instrument. Have flown many approaches with it over the years, just because it would. (always having the primary units working as well)  Lastly, I have my iPhone if needed.  Not sure why I would ever need the iPhone for flight but I always keep it handy because the apps are on it.  

From everything you gentleman have stated, it sounds like there is no good reason not to get another iPad w GPS instead of without and continue on my current path.  Thank you all for the input.

Tim

[wishboneash]

iPad Mini 2 Retina with cellular/gps 32G. More than adequate for my Oshkosh trip this year with all relevant charts loaded. Unfortunately the standard USB chargers will not maintain the charge during flight but better than nothing. Has worked well for me for last year or so. Also have a Garmin 696 panel mount and GTN 650. Works well so far. Will plan on getting the Garmin 510 sometime later this year.

[gsxrpilot]

29 minutes ago, wishboneash said:

iPad Mini 2 Retina with cellular/gps 32G. More than adequate for my Oshkosh trip this year with all relevant charts loaded. Unfortunately the standard USB chargers will not maintain the charge during flight but better than nothing. Has worked well for me for last year or so. Also have a Garmin 696 panel mount and GTN 650. Works well so far. Will plan on getting the Garmin 510 sometime later this year.

Get one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019BROSC8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You have to have 2.4 amps to charge an iPad, and even then it's slow. This USB charger is 2.4 amps on both ports, so it doesn't matter which one you grab.

[flyer7324]

I have GTN 650 GTX 345 GMA350C FS 510 GNC 255A Aspen PRO 1000EFD STEC 30. The Aspen will interface With:345 later this year with STC fr Aspen. (Currently does so for GDL88). I use my iPhone 6plus on yoke with Garmin Pilot and iPad mini2 retina 64 as backup.

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[Bob_Belville]

4 hours ago, flyer7324 said:

I have GTN 650 GTX 345 GMA350C FS 510 GNC 255A Aspen PRO 1000EFD STEC 30. The Aspen will interface With:345 later this year with STC fr Aspen. (Currently does so for GDL88). I use my iPhone 6plus on yoke with Garmin Pilot and iPad mini2 retina 64 as backup.

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You already have the FS 510? When did you get it? Is your Ipad able to update data to the 650? My avionics shop has me on his call list as soon as it is released.

[flyer7324]

Mine has been ordered and I've paid for it. My garmin dealer says its available and I'm installing it along with the GMA350C on September 12. Both my IPad mini and iPhone 6plus will b able to update data to the 650 via Bluetooth using the 510 interface. Once the STC from Aspen is available l'll be able to display the 345 ADSB in FIS-B on the EFD 1000.

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[Bob_Belville]

12 hours ago, flyer7324 said:

Mine has been ordered and I've paid for it. My garmin dealer says its available and I'm installing it along with the GMA350C on September 12. Both my IPad mini and iPhone 6plus will b able to update data to the 650 via Bluetooth using the 510 interface. Once the STC from Aspen is available l'll be able to display the 345 ADSB in FIS-B on the EFD 1000.

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Okay. Your 510 is not in yet. That confirms my understanding.

(I am headed to NH, ME, NJ 9/8 and would really like to have the FS 510 before that to have traffic on the tablet for the copilot's amusement and to update data that expires 9/15 while I'm out of town.) 

(I have a single Aspen. I'm dubious that I'd be interested in putting ADS-B info on that small display.)

[Marauder]

2 hours ago, Bob_Belville said:

Okay. Your 510 is not in yet. That confirms my understanding.

(I am headed to NH, ME, NJ 9/8 and would really like to have the FS 510 before that to have traffic on the tablet for the copilot's amusement and to update data that expires 9/15 while I'm out of town.) 

(I have a single Aspen. I'm dubious that I'd be interested in putting ADS-B info on that small display.)

Time to buy that MFD Bob! Doesn't your GDL-88 FIS-B and TIS-B show up on the PFD? According to both Garmin and Aspen, it should.