iPad predicament

PilotMedic865

Filing Flight Plan
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PilotMedic865
So, I have an iPad Pro 11 that I have a data plan on that I use for everyday tasks. I also use ForeFlight on it and set it on my knee. I also will occasionally run ForeFlight on my iPhone XR when I forget the iPad. I am mostly using it for the audio traffic alerts, and back up navigation for VFR. The problem is, the iPad Pro 11 is huge in the 172 cockpit and the iPhone is a little small. So, do I get a knee board for my pro, and risk looking down a lot to pull up charts and look at traffic, or do I drop $380 on a WiFI only version of the iPad mini 5, and mount it to the yoke? I am using a GTX345 through Bluetooth for GPS and ADS-B so the cellular data is not needed. In the event I use a plane with out the GTX, I have a stratux with a GPS in it. Thoughts?


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My iPad mini works great on my yoke- 77 Archer. I tried an iPad 2 on my knee- too much head movement,
 
I used my iPad mini 3 for navigation today. Only thing that fits on the yoke of my airplane. Doesn’t do much else these days, but works great for Foreflight.
 
DE72EBB8-B677-4556-9321-23B99784732F.jpeg I would go with the mini. I used to have an Air2. I tried it on the yoke, kneeboard and just setting on the seat. It was just too big for the 172. I bought a new Mini 5 and mounted it on the yoke. It works out well. The angle of this picture makes it look like there is no room to grip the yoke - but there is plenty of room. I was worried the mini would be too small for day to day use but it works out well.
 
The 9.7 works just dandy in an Archer or Lance. Get the cellular version, just don't activate it so you get the baro and the GPS. I flew commercial last wed and tracked my flight wheels up to wheels smoking with nothing more than the latest "iPad" cellular, no service plan.
 
The 9.7 works just dandy in an Archer or Lance. Get the cellular version, just don't activate it so you get the baro and the GPS. I flew commercial last wed and tracked my flight wheels up to wheels smoking with nothing more than the latest "iPad" cellular, no service plan.
That’s exactly what I have. I use it in the 182. No mounts. Mostly used for chart stuff looking up a waypoint if I get a reroute along an airway as the 430w can program airways.
Looking up radio frequencies or a plate that I didn’t print. The 9.7 is the perfect balance IMO and can he had relatively cheap on eBay
 
Get a bigger airplane so you can use the full size iPad you already have. We all need to support the GA economy. ;)

Seriously, I would upgrade to the largest screen phone available instead of buying a mini. The phone is far more versatile.
 
Seriously, I would upgrade to the largest screen phone available instead of buying a mini. The phone is far more versatile.
I agree.

And I think I recall a rumor that FF might be shifting gears a bit so the "phone version" is significantly more similar to the tablet version.
 
I agree.

And I think I recall a rumor that FF might be shifting gears a bit so the "phone version" is significantly more similar to the tablet version.

If this becomes a thing I would have no problem using my iPhone instead of a tablet.


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If this becomes a thing I would have no problem using my iPhone instead of a tablet.
Well, AirVenture is just weeks away. Version 11.6 might have just been an aperitif to a bigger announcement.
 
I agree.

And I think I recall a rumor that FF might be shifting gears a bit so the "phone version" is significantly more similar to the tablet version.
Which makes sense as phones become larger.
 
So, I have an iPad Pro 11 that I have a data plan on that I use for everyday tasks. I also use ForeFlight on it and set it on my knee. I also will occasionally run ForeFlight on my iPhone XR when I forget the iPad. I am mostly using it for the audio traffic alerts, and back up navigation for VFR. The problem is, the iPad Pro 11 is huge in the 172 cockpit and the iPhone is a little small. So, do I get a knee board for my pro, and risk looking down a lot to pull up charts and look at traffic, or do I drop $380 on a WiFI only version of the iPad mini 5, and mount it to the yoke? I am using a GTX345 through Bluetooth for GPS and ADS-B so the cellular data is not needed. In the event I use a plane with out the GTX, I have a stratux with a GPS in it. Thoughts?


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There are more options available if you are willing to let go from Apple.
 
Not if you are not willing to let go of your EFB app first.

It's really not about the hardware. It's about the software.

Right. ForeFlight is killing the EFB game right now. Garmin Pilot would be my first choice if I didn’t have to use their proprietary ADS-B receivers. But considering I have Mac computers, iPhones and iPads all mesh perfectly.


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BTW, before my Mini, I used full-sized 1st and 3rd Gen 9.7 iPads. While I definitely prefer the Mini form factor, I had no problem with yoke-mounting the earlier ones. This is in a Mooney, which is tighter than the 172s, PA28s and Bonanzas I've use it in.
MooneyIpad.PNG
 
Don’t have a picture but I can fit a 9.7 ipad between the yoke of my tiger and it has a very narrow yoke. Leaves enough room for my left hand scooted to the right.
 
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