Search Results for: iPad

Videos: How to mount and fly with an iPad in the cockpit

Jason Schappert, the pilot blogger behind MzeroA.com, has recently made a couple of useful videos about how to mount and use an iPad in the cockpit. In the first video, Jason takes you into the cockpit of his Cessna 150 to show you how he uses his iPad with a kneepad (instead of a yoke mount). Keep in mind that Jason is TALL, as in 6 ft 4 inches or 193 cm’s, and the cockpit of a Cessna 150 is SMALL:

In this other video, Jason shows you some tools he uses and the ways he uses an iPad in the cockpit. This includes on how to run a split screen on the iPad:

It should be mentioned that Jason has a couple of iPad in the cockpit videos under the posts, Check Weather On The iPad and Flight Plan on the iPad. In addition, we also have a number of posts here covering all aspects of iPad usage by pilots, including whether or not to upgrade one, what apps to use and general tips or tricks for pilot users.

Should student pilots use iPads during flight training?

We have written extensively about pilots using the iPad in the cockpit but recently someone named Phil, presumably a CFI, has posted a great question on Ask a Flight Instructor about the use of iPads during flight training by student pilots. Specifically, Phil wrote:

This question is in regards to the use of iPads and iOS applications for flight training, specifically when do you recommend their use and how to incorporate apps in your training syllabus…
….What do you think about iPads in the cockpit for students, when do you recommend their use, and how do you incorporate them into your training syllabus?

Phil further added that they have been testing an application with some students called AeroFlare that will record and analyze landings and landing performances plus record cross country flights. So far, Phil says they have found the application useful for student solos in the pattern and cross country flights because naturally, CFIs can then debrief the student pilots afterwards regarding any issues about air speed, location and altitude. However, Phil also commented that adding a tool inside the cockpit could be a distraction along with an additional layer of complexity on top of a complicated training program.

Nathan Parker replied to Phil’s question by writing that as long as the iPad wasn’t mounted and visible to the student at all times, it could be a valuable tool in the cockpit. On the other hand, Nathan added that he does not think he would require a student pilot to use an iPad during flight training unless they already use one.

In addition, Sam Dawson doesn’t have an issue with starting a student pilot with an iPad from day one of flight training but he also wrote that there are times when an iPad needs to be folded up and set aside. Nevertheless, Sam says an iPad in the cockpit is a useful tool and student pilots need to learn how to deal with distractions – including those created by iPads.

However, we want to hear what you think – especially from any student pilot or pilot who is not accustomed to using fancy new technology: Do you think using an iPad during flight training as a student pilot is a good idea or should student pilots concentrate on learning the basics of flying first e.g. the old steam gauges verses glass cockpit argument?

Unboxing and taking the iPad Mini flying

Both Aviation Mentor and ForeFlight have posts about iPad Mini unboxing and first impressions but Aviation Mentor’s John Ewing has taken flight with one. Hence, here is a quick look at some first impressions of the iPad Mini in the cockpit:

Weight. John has pointed out that the iPad Mini is lightweight but its still hard to appreciate just how light it is until you hold one in your hands. Moreover, the lighter weight offsets the smaller screen size.
iPad Mini Cases. While there are limited options for iPad mini cases, John noted that the presence or absence of a case will impact mounting options. However and if John does go for some kind of case or skin, he would opt for RAM Universal X-Grip II.
Yoke Mounting the iPad Mini. John tested the X-Grip with a yoke mount in the Cessna 172 and he pointed out that unlike the full-sized iPad, the lighter weight of the iPad mini means its ideal for yoke mounting. However, John also mentioned that while the yoke mount worked well on the right seat yoke, the chart holder clip on the left yoke in a late model Cessna aircraft would need to be removed to make the yoke mount work – something that could be problematic for renter pilots.
Suction Mounting the iPad Mini. An iPad mini with a RAM suction mount also worked for John and he wrote that the only issue he encountered was some slight interference between the suction mount and the side window. However and with some tweaking, John was able to make it work. The only issue he encountered was some slight interference between the suction mount and the side window.
Glare. John commented that having the iPad mounted higher up will limit heads-down movement and make it easier to quickly refer to the screen but having the iPad mounted higher up will also make glare an issue. On the other hand, John finds the loss of screen sharpness from screen protectors to be a bigger distraction than occasional glare.
Overheating. ForeFlight pointed out that the new iPad released in April also ran hotter than previous generations but during their initial tests of the iPad mini, it stayed cool throughout the trip. Nevertheless, pilots should probably still avoid having it in direct sunlight.

Both John and ForeFlight concluded that if you aren’t already using a full sized iPad in the cockpit or if you are using an earlier version, then choosing the iPad mini is a no-brainer. On the other hand, ForeFlight pointed out that the iPad mini isn’t for everyone, because fonts are smaller on the 7.9″ screen plus it doesn’t have a “retina” screen like the new iPads and iPhones.

Source: John Ewing of Aviation Mentor

Should pilots get an iPad or an iPad Mini?

The iPad Mini is scheduled to ship on November 2 and should provide pilots with a whole new level of information and apps to use in the cockpit but if you don’t yet have an iPad to use in the cockpit, might now be the time to start thinking about getting one? Moreover, should pilots go for an iPad or an iPad Mini?

To begin with, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli recently conducted a podcast interview with Foreflight’s Tyson Weihs about the iPad Mini and it was noted that everything will scale automatically downward in the new device with the pixels being the same. Hence, Weihs said that there is nothing extra that Foreflight needs to do to get their app to work on the iPad Mini and that’s probably true with all the other iPad aviation apps out there. That means it also sounds like the only real difference between an iPad and an iPad Mini for pilots will be its size (plus any performance issues that become apparent after the latter’s release).

In addition, Sporty’s Pilot Shop’s Vice President John Zimmerman recently gave a seminar entitled “iPad 101” at the AOPA Aviation Summit a few weeks ago and there is a summary of his talk posted here. Some of John’s key points included buying what you use and that budget conscious buyers who don’t need all of the “bells and whistles” offered by the iPad 3 should find the iPad 2 to be sufficient.

John then noted some of the iPad’s limitations in the cockpit, namely glare and the fact that the device can overheat. However, tilting the iPad screen can usually solve the glare problem while not leaving the device in direct sunlight will help prevent it from overheating. John also added that you should make sure everything is up-to-date, downloaded and the battery is fully charged before a flight so that you don’t find yourself stuck in the air lacking important flight information or worst – no flight information at all because your battery is dead. Likewise, John gave some very specific instructions for how to avoid GPS interference (usually by turning on “Airplane Mode”) that are a must read for any pilot who has an iPad but has concerns about using one in the cockpit.

If you still aren’t convinced about the whole iPad as an electronic flight bag idea, you might want to just borrow one and go flying. John also added that most flight apps are either free or come with a 30 day free trial for you to test them out before committing to buy.

Finally, it should be mentioned that Sporty’s Pilot Shop recently hosted an hour long webinar on Advanced iPad Flying that’s well worth listening too as its full of useful tips for using the iPad in the cockpit.

More great iPad tips for pilots

Air Facts Journal has recently posted a top 12 list of iPad tips for pilots that included the following:

Use Airplane Mode to verify that chart databases are downloaded.
Secure it in the cockpit.
iPad screen capture.
Enable Night Mode for viewing approach charts at night.
Use GoodReader for document management.
Know that you are legal.
Bring a backup.
Use an external GPS for reliable position data.
Maximize iPad battery life.
Don’t leave the iPad on the glareshield during the day.
Use the iPad’s Reminders app for maintenance tracking.
Use Multi-Touch Gestures for easy multitasking.

Each of these tips came with detailed explanations that are also well worth reading.

In addition, pilots with iPads or those thinking of getting one (or perhaps might find one under their Christmas tree) should also check out some of our previous articles about iPads in the cockpit, including Common problems pilots experience with iPads as electronic flight bags, Why pilots should not upgrade their iPad or iPhone electronic flight bag and iPad proficiency for pilots video.

Common problems pilots experience with iPads as electronic flight bags

We have recently written about why pilots might not want to upgrade their iPad or iPhone just yet due to problems with their latest operating system but John Ewing of Aviation Mentor has just written about a whole list of problems that pilots are experiencing with iPads as electronic flight bags. Specifically, the list of problems noted by John included:

Out-of-date/missing charts
GPS reception
Bluetooth issues
Chart apps with incomplete data
SIM cards rattling loose (which knocks out the GPS)
Apps crashing
Overheating
Battery issues

John then went into considerable detail about all of these issues along with the solutions or partial solutions that can resolve or at least mitigate these problems. He also suggested investing in a USB charger solely for use in the aircraft (in case you forget to fully charge your iPad by leaving it plugged in all night), put your iPad into sleep mode when you aren’t using the display (to preserve its battery power), keep your iPad out of direct sunlight and to do a dry run a day or two before a flight (or before you file a flight plan) to make sure that all of your apps and charts are up-to-date and functioning properly.

In other words and if you use an iPad as an electronic flight bag, John’s entire post (plus our previous post about issues iPad owners experience with the latest upgrades) is a must read before you depart on your next flight.