iPad Mini vs. iPad Air?

CC268

CC268

Final Approach
Joined
Nov 4, 2015
Messages
5,532
Display Name
Display name:
CC268
What are your guys' thoughts on these two sizes...it seems that most pilots recommend the iPad Mini as the Air can be a bit too big in the cockpit.

WiFi Only or Cellular version?

What do you guys think?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
CC268 said:
What are your guys' thoughts on these two sizes...it seems that most pilots recommend the iPad Mini as the Air can be a bit too big in the cockpit.

What do you guys think?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I went with the full size iPad Air for Foreflight. I like the amount of real estate to work with. I use a kneeboard or a Ram mount to the left of the panel in front of the windshield post. If you want to yoke mount a full size is probably too cumbersome.

Although I will never admit it publicly, I like the size because I am of an age where the eyes ain't quite what they were when I was 25. :confused:
 
Hmm...tough decision...I can definitely see the pros and cons of the bigger screen. I will be interested to see what others have to say as well.

Thanks a lot for your input
 
After three years with a full-size iPad 2 I went with a Mini. I don't even notice the change in size much, except that it's lighter and easier to haul around.

In the 172 I have my iPhone 6 on the yokemount to handle routine magenta-line-following chores without hiding much of the panel. I keep the iPad in the map pocket for when I need more chart detail or to look up airport or weather data.
 
CC268 said:
Hmm...tough decision...I can definitely see the pros and cons of the bigger screen. I will be interested to see what others have to say as well.

Thanks a lot for your input
Click to expand...
One other thing in favour of the larger screen...the apps seem to add more and more features and combinations with time. Now you can split screen Foreflight with a quasi-HSI if you have a Stratus. Seems to me if one wants to do that, the mini real estate is a bit tight for that and a map split screen.
 
Pilawt said:
After three years with a full-size iPad 2 I went with a Mini. I don't even notice the change in size much, except that it's lighter and easier to haul around.

In the 172 I have my iPhone 6 on the yokemount to handle routine magenta-line-following chores without hiding much of the panel. I keep the iPad in the map pocket for when I need more chart detail or to look up airport or weather data.
Click to expand...

Oh wow what an awesome idea...I have the iPhone 6S Plus...what yoke mount do you have?? Maybe I will pick one of those up.
 
It's the RAM mount from Sportys:

Photo%2BJun%2B20%252C%2B8%2B08%2B30%2BAM.jpg


This photo is from a couple of years ago, when I was still using an iPhone 4 and the full-size iPad 2:

SAM_2121.JPG
 
I LOVE my Ipad mini after having a full size Ipad but I would say it depends on how you plan to use and mount it in the plane. If you wanna yoke mount it, the mini is the perfect size in my opinion. If you want to use it as a kneeboard application I would go full size.
 
I use a mini mounted on a yoke in an Aerostar, and in everything else I use my maxi, er, Air 2. I like the big one, myself, because I use it as a portable laptop while I'm gone on trips, too, with a keyboard, etc., and I like the size, being able to see an approach plate or other things full size without having to zoom in or squint with my old eyes. Most people seem to like the mini. I like the bigger one and find the size to be more of a benefit than a problem, even in smaller cockpits, but I also don't personally use it so that I need to be looking at it constantly, I just pull info off of it, or have the weather or traffic up to glance at now and then.
 
I went from an iPad 2 to the iPad mini 3. I like the way it tucks inside the yoke and I can see and read everything.
ipad mini.JPG
 
If you search back you may find some posts I did talking about how I didn't really see the attraction of the mini, and that I had no problem with placement of my full sized iPad. Even photos of it in the cockpit in a similar position as Gary's mini.

My concern was mostly about the mini's size in flight for my older eyes and its usefulness for other tasks.

One day, I decide to borrow a friend's mini and try it in flight. My in-flight concerns vanished. Being smaller it naturally fit a little better, but I also discovered that the net size for displaying maps, charts and other info on a 7.9" screen really wasn't that different than on a 9.7" screen.

Bought a mini. Sold my iPad 3 on eBay.

That's not to extol the virtues of one over the other. It's personal. The point is that all the sizes have their pluses and minuses. Where they net out for one person is going to be different than for another. Test flying with a friend's may be the best way to find out what works best for you.
 
I have an ipad mini on a "Ram" yoke mount. If your eyes are young, that's a pretty good setup but with my old eyes, I am considering getting a regular size IPAD but not sure how to manage it in the small space. I don't think the mount to the left will work because I had my mini on a window mount and it over heated.
 
midlifeflyer said:
My concern was mostly about the mini's size in flight for my older eyes and its usefulness for other tasks.

One day, I decide to borrow a friend's mini and try it in flight. My in-flight concerns vanished. Being smaller it naturally fit a little better, but I also discovered that the net size for displaying maps, charts and other info on a 7.9" screen really wasn't that different than on a 9.7" screen.
Click to expand...

Mark,
I had the exact same concerns until I had a chance to see one in flight. It has really worked out well how I have it mounted and there is no obstructed view of the panel. I actually like the AHRS display next to the map in the configuration pictured in my previous post.

12716326_10153173648521330_8908188837468136957_o.jpg
 
Last edited:
HotRock said:
I have an ipad mini on a "Ram" yoke mount. If your eyes are young, that's a pretty good setup but with my old eyes, I am considering getting a regular size IPAD but not sure how to manage it in the small space. I don't think the mount to the left will work because I had my mini on a window mount and it over heated.
Click to expand...

I still have my original iPad 1 as a back up. It has a rubber type cover/shell and when I used to use that I would lean it against my throttle quadrant and rest on my right thigh. It never once slipped or fell off. The mini is perfect, secure and always ready to go with my current set up. It's safer than how I used the ipad 1 while in IMC.
 
I have an iPad 2, not the air, the older 2, just waiting for the Air 3/Pro 9.7 (whatever they call it) to come out. In the Cirrus the full sized is great. I love the screen size, and helps for not so young eyes. It's a bit tight in the baron. There's a mount I need to try out and maybe that will help.
 
GMascelli said:
Mark,
I had the exact same concerns until I had a chance to see one in flight. It has really worked out well how I have it mounted and there is no obstructed view of the panel. I actually like the AHRS display next to the map in the configuration pictured in my previous post.

12716326_10153173648521330_8908188837468136957_o.jpg
Click to expand...

Yeah, me too. I did exactly the same set-up as you for my full-size iPad.
MooneyIpad.PNG



I think landscape works especially well with the "PFD" screen. So far, though, I like my mini in portrait mode for regular use. I find it to be better for approach plates and, I rarely use the PFD screen in flight - I wanted it for emergencies. But I've been using the RAM Roto-View adapter plate, in the Tab-Tite configuration they display so changing orientation is simple if I want or need to.
RAM-HOL-ROTO1UIU2.jpg
 
I almost got a mini myself, but ended up with an iPad Air 2. Kinda hard to see the complete setup in this picture but I use it landscape. Gives my plenty of visibility, even approach charts are fine, just need to move them around a bit sometimes.

RAM Mount of the iPad Air2 and I have a ram mount for my iphone 6s as well (suction cup) on the window.
 

Attachments

  • 24402385791_1772a82729_b.jpg
    24402385791_1772a82729_b.jpg
    143.9 KB · Views: 55
As an aside, Apple is holding an event on Mar. 21.

New iPads are rumored, including a smaller Pro with many of the features carried over to the new model(s).

I'd wait to pull the trigger until then. Current models will likely be available for less after the announcement, so you will be able to either save some money or have marginally more utility and speed with the new model.

Back on point, the Mini form factor works best in my Sky Arrow:

12926639325_89792065d8_z.jpg
 
I use the mini, strapped to a kneeboard. Since I'm a renter, I never know what plane I'll be flying, so it's easier for me to keep all of nav gear portable and small.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1899.png
    IMG_1899.png
    363.5 KB · Views: 23
My gut tells me that the Mini is probably the better way to go...especially if I want to do a yoke mount. I think the Air 2 would be too big and cumbersome in the 172 that I fly in.

So how easy is it to add and remove the RAM yoke mount? Does this count as a "modification" to the plane? Maybe for now I will get a kneeboard mount, but the RAM yoke mount looks like a great way to go at some point.
 
Yoke mounts traditionally just clamp on. Hence, not a mod.

Just make 100% sure the controls have full range of motion with no interference - especially if you're running one or more cables to it.
 
FastEddieB said:
Yoke mounts traditionally just clamp on. Hence, not a mod.

Just make 100% sure the controls have full range of motion with no interference - especially if you're running one or more cables to it.
Click to expand...

So you said you think Apple is coming out with a new model? I thought that they typically released their new stuff late in the year? Or maybe that is just the iPhone...to be honest I don't want to wait too long.
 
I have an Air 2 and love it, but I have a pretty roomy cockpit. The Mini is a little too small for my taste.

I never understood yoke mounts. why would you want to take a navigation device that you want to be able to read and manipulate in all flight conditions including turbulence, and then strap it to the part of the cockpit that moves the *most* in flight??? Very few would think to attach an iPad to the top of a joystick, but some folks just love their yoke mounts!
 
I guess I will take a look at the iPad Air and mini in store again...still thinking the mini is the way to go for now, but maybe I will change my mind!
 
CC, it appears you're becoming afflicted with gadget fever :rolleyes: :D :D

If you obtain one.... use caution to not let it become a distraction in your training.... Way too easy to get sidetracked form learning the basics the PPL is teaching you. And distract your CFI because he wants to show you something that you don't yet need to know while his money clock is running.
 
AggieMike88 said:
CC, it appears you're becoming afflicted with gadget fever :rolleyes: :D :D

If you obtain one.... use caution to not let it become a distraction in your training.... Way too easy to get sidetracked form learning the basics the PPL is teaching you. And distract your CFI because he wants to show you something that you don't yet need to know while his money clock is running.
Click to expand...

Yea...I wasn't going to buy one until after my PPL, but I talked with my instructor and he thought it would be worth having one so that he could teach me how to use ForeFlight and utilize the technology that I will be using when I get my PPL anyways...instead of trying to figure it out on my own AFTER getting my PPL. Now I won't use it much for now...but he said when we get into cross country and other stuff we can definitely utilize it. He said I can learn everything by hand using the paper charts, but also get familiar with the electronic technology...so I figured that was a good way to go.

I do love my new Bose A20 headset though ;)
 
I use the iPad Air 2, using the RAM yoke mount, but flipped upside down so the button is at the top. It doesn't block as much panel that way. It only covers up the carb temp pretty much.

I use my iPad for approach plates so I want it front and center.
 
Hmm seems to be a fairly even split between the Air and Mini...tough decision!
 
I think Apple has a 14-day return policy, so no harm in trying out one or the other to see how it works.

Probably start with the Air2 or its next incarnation - though the Mini works best for me, more screen real estate is a plus if you can make it fit. If it turns out to be too big, return it and get the Mini.
 
FastEddieB said:
I think Apple has a 14-day return policy, so no harm in trying out one or the other to see how it works.

Probably start with the Air2 or its next incarnation - though the Mini works best for me, more screen real estate is a plus if you can make it fit. If it turns out to be too big, return it and get the Mini.
Click to expand...

Hmm I suppose that is an option...I think the Mini will be probably the route I go, but I will check out the Air a little bit more.
 
Apple will announce the replacement for the iPad Air 2 on March 21. Even if you don't want the new one you could probably save some cash as the Air 2 will no longer be top dog. The mini, that was updated recently so you won't save anything by waiting.
 
Hey guys, would you recommend the Cellular version or WiFi Only??
 
CC268 said:
Hey guys, would you recommend the Cellular version or WiFi Only??
Click to expand...
My preference is Cell version
  • you get the GPS chip as part of the package
  • you get get your pre-flight briefing when outside of a wifi source.
  • difference in cost is small when compared to the increase in utility.
 
iPad Mini 4 64GB cellular running ForeFlight, with various RAM mounts (yoke mount, suction cup, blah blah blah.) WiFi tethered to my iPhone 6 Plus 128GB which is also running FF. Plenty of memory, connectivity and the perfect sizes. If I want to put the iPad on the side window I can run the iPhone on the yoke. I just wish I could use the phone to change things simultaneously on the iPad in FF. That would be cool. Toggle sync on/off as wanted. I think I need to email the FF team...
 
Lachlan said:
I just wish I could use the phone to change things simultaneously on the iPad in FF. That would be cool. Toggle sync on/off as wanted. I think I need to email the FF team...
Click to expand...

There is the ability to share route and route changes between devices. Look in the Pilot's Guide for "Cockpit Sharing"
 
Lachlan said:
iPad Mini 4 64GB cellular running ForeFlight, with various RAM mounts (yoke mount, suction cup, blah blah blah.) WiFi tethered to my iPhone 6 Plus 128GB which is also running FF. Plenty of memory, connectivity and the perfect sizes. If I want to put the iPad on the side window I can run the iPhone on the yoke. I just wish I could use the phone to change things simultaneously on the iPad in FF. That would be cool. Toggle sync on/off as wanted. I think I need to email the FF team...
Click to expand...

To me this seems like the way to go - I have the 6S Plus 64GB and I think that paired up with the ipad mini 4 64GB would be great.
 
AggieMike88 said:
My preference is Cell version
  • you get the GPS chip as part of the package
  • you get get your pre-flight briefing when outside of a wifi source.
  • difference in cost is small when compared to the increase in utility.
Click to expand...

Yea I had planned on getting the cellular version so I guess I will stick with that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top