Ipad in the cockpit

I have a black iPad in a black case. I've found that in direct sunlight (always bad) its worse with the case open and the screen exposed to the sun light. If its just the case then it's bad but not nearly as bad as direct screen sunlight.

That being the case, I'd imagine a white iPad would do better than a black one left screen down in the cockpit in direct sunlight but would hardly matter if left screen up. Regardless, I treat my iPad like a vampire and always think about where the sunlight is and don't go there with it.
 
Last edited:
So has anybody ever had to use an iPad in an emergency that you know of? i don't mean using it instead of sectionals. What I'm talking about is actually making use of the GPS as a primary aid or possibly even one of the geo-referenced approaches. The built in GPS is not particularly reliable (it disappears on me occasionally), but if I had a total electrical failure in the clouds, no GPS, no radio, etc, and my iPad is still working you can be quite sure I would use it to get myself out of that situation. Just curious if anybody has heard of someone using it in an emergency.
 
MBDiagMan said:
I'm not being argumentative. I'm just curious to know if you have seen the latest Foreflight with XM weather. It has only been available a couple of months.
Click to expand...


He's correct, all you have to do is look at the display and his statement becomes obviously true, and I have an iPad2 with WingX, it is not a unit on the level with the 796.
 
I use my iPad 2 for preflight and charts plus plates during flight. The garmin aera 510 handles the navigation and xm weather.
 
Henning said:
He's correct, all you have to do is look at the display and his statement becomes obviously true, and I have an iPad2 with WingX, it is not a unit on the level with the 796.
Click to expand...


I've never even dreamed that the IPad would be on the same level as the 796. My curiosity was about the weather display with the latest FF version and Sirrius weather. It appears quite robust to me.

Since it has only been out a month or two, I was curious if he had seen it. I have not seen the 796 weather display, so I was curious to hear someones impression that has seen both. I don't understand how the depiction of weather radar from the same source can be different on one screen versus another.

Again, I'm not being argumentative, just trying to learn.:wink2:
 
MBDiagMan said:
I've never even dreamed that the IPad would be on the same level as the 796. My curiosity was about the weather display with the latest FF version and Sirrius weather. It appears quite robust to me.

Since it has only been out a month or two, I was curious if he had seen it. I have not seen the 796 weather display, so I was curious to hear someones impression that has seen both. I don't understand how the depiction of weather radar from the same source can be different on one screen versus another.

Again, I'm not being argumentative, just trying to learn.:wink2:
Click to expand...

XM ships a lot of data but the display device has to format that data. It is surprising but a lot of devices don't completely show the data. I don't think the G1000 shows everything the 796 does. As an example, Avidyne Entegra in the cockpit doesn't show frontal boundaries. If what you want is basic NEXRAD images then they all do that.Reports I have seen posted by owners say the ForeFlight system works well in that regard. If you are happy with what ForeFlight shows on the map when connected to WiFi then the XM should be fine. Both show TFR's, METAR's, NEXRAD etc. Winds are shown on airports so there is no general winds aloft map like on a 796 nor are there frontal boundaries.
 
My company is installing wifi in our aircraft soon. (waiting on the Feds). I know it's expensive but so is everything. Is it possible to install wifi on smaller GA aircraft? Seems like if it was then XM would be dead as an iPad with Foreflight hooked up to the interwebs would be an ideal solution.
 
MBDiagMan said:
I've never even dreamed that the IPad would be on the same level as the 796. My curiosity was about the weather display with the latest FF version and Sirrius weather. It appears quite robust to me.

Since it has only been out a month or two, I was curious if he had seen it. I have not seen the 796 weather display, so I was curious to hear someones impression that has seen both. I don't understand how the depiction of weather radar from the same source can be different on one screen versus another.

Again, I'm not being argumentative, just trying to learn.:wink2:
Click to expand...

Why not WingX Pro? Gets you ADS-B weather (no subscription) plus eSVT and even an optional AHRS.
 
Henning said:
Why not WingX Pro? Gets you ADS-B weather (no subscription) plus eSVT and even an optional AHRS.
Click to expand...


ADS-B Weather at no charge? You've got my attention Henning! My Foreflight subscription comes due in July, so I'll be researching in the mean time.
 
Captain said:
My company is installing wifi in our aircraft soon. (waiting on the Feds). I know it's expensive but so is everything. Is it possible to install wifi on smaller GA aircraft? Seems like if it was then XM would be dead as an iPad with Foreflight hooked up to the interwebs would be an ideal solution.
Click to expand...

It's $85K on a business aircraft (minimum). I haven't heard of any offerings for smaller GA, but I imagine we'll see something in the next decade. THAT will be a game changer.
 
Yes, the fact that it is a one time expense for later technology is worth consideration.
 
peppy said:
The XM weather product on a 796 is vastly superior to anything on the iPad.
Click to expand...

When you say this are you including personak experience with the same XM products now available on iPad (with appropriate external hardware)?

I ask because they're relatively new. I haven't yet met or talked to anyone who's actually tried them out yet, though.

They're somewhat cost-prohibitive for a trial run, but I'm tempted to take the plunge anyway.

They didn't really exist last year, and I'm glad they do now, but I haven't seen them in person yet. Just Foreflight and WingX screenshots.
 
denverpilot said:
When you say this are you including personak experience with the same XM products now available on iPad (with appropriate external hardware)?
Click to expand...

I don't have it since I have Sirius built into my plane. There have been several threads on COPA with some people getting it. It appears to work well. The hardware appears a bit clunky but since it connects via WiFi at least there isn't a cable to the iPad. ForeFlight is also looking at ADS-B and have plans there but I don't have a date.
 
denverpilot said:
They didn't really exist last year, and I'm glad they do now, but I haven't seen them in person yet. Just Foreflight and WingX screenshots.
Click to expand...

WingX uses an ADS-B receiver for weather, is ADS-B getting signal from XM?
 
Henning said:
WingX uses an ADS-B receiver for weather, is ADS-B getting signal from XM?
Click to expand...

No. ADS-B weather is sent out by the FAA. It is part of the NEXGEN initiative with the idea that eventually transponders will transmit GPS data so you could see very accurate traffic information without radar coverage being needed. Side services include transmitting weather info. The info is transmitted from ground based stations while XM is transmitted over commercial satellites.
 
peppy said:
No. ADS-B weather is sent out by the FAA. It is part of the NEXGEN initiative with the idea that eventually transponders will transmit GPS data so you could see very accurate traffic information without radar coverage being needed. Side services include transmitting weather info. The info is transmitted from ground based stations while XM is transmitted over commercial satellites.
Click to expand...

Right.;) Might as well get ready, because it is coming. Most likely it'll be 20 years before all planes will be forced to be compliant, and that will be regulated by industry coming to market with equipment to bring about industry wide flight autonomy.

In the mean time, the technology is not all that expensive to be able to take advantage of the information capabilities it provides. Seems kinda silly to me to not take advantage.
 
Last edited:
Be aware that the ADS-B weather radar, though free, does have done limitations compared to the XM weather products.

Among these:

* You probably won't be able too get any depiction on the ground before departure.

* The Nexrad image is intensity only... No shading for precipitation type (rain vs. mix vs. snow)

There's a few others that aren't coming to mind right now.
 
WingX Pro is my main aviation app. I also use Checklist Lite and Documents2 for tracking my fuel usage plus Hobbs and Tach hours.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
Moon to find % illumination, elevation - if it is a night flight
Camera to catch cool clouds, traffic, cockpit scenes, neat stuff on ground
Music for inflight entertainment
Notes to jot down stuff I think of which I need to do later
Maps or CityMaps2Go for when we land.
GameCenter for pax
Click to expand...

What do you think about, in flying, that is non-aviation related, that you need to do later? When I fly I just focus on that one thing. And no music for me, I'd get distracted. Then again, I'm that girl who doesn't even know where the keys to the airplane are (and I had TWO pilots on board going "uh oh" since I'd let them both in through the doors with my key during pre-flight)
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Be aware that the ADS-B weather radar, though free, does have done limitations compared to the XM weather products.

Among these:

* You probably won't be able too get any depiction on the ground before departure.

* The Nexrad image is intensity only... No shading for precipitation type (rain vs. mix vs. snow)

There's a few others that aren't coming to mind right now.
Click to expand...

* No coverage over Cuba, Jamaica, Cayman or the Bahamas

* No coverage over Canada

* No Gulf coverage

* No Coverage over Mexico

* No Music

* No News

* Expensive
 
Last edited:
So far I'm super happy with my iPad 2 setup with foreflight. I got a pack of anti glare protective film which make a huge difference in the cockpit. Essential accessory.
 
Sac Arrow said:
So far I'm super happy with my iPad 2 setup with foreflight. I got a pack of anti glare protective film which make a huge difference in the cockpit. Essential accessory.
Click to expand...

Is that just the normal protective film or is it specifically sold as 'anti-glare' and a sperate product?
 
Hello All,

I am about to buy a second hand Ipad 2 3g and am torn between Black or White. Found both used online near me... Black one has 1 year remaining on waranty white one does not..

Anyhow I noticed that there was mention of the white one being cooler in direct sun.. However I have heard from others that the white one is more distracting and looks odd in the cockpit than black... I am torn between which to buy... White but no warranty or black which may run hotter but has a warranty left...

Marc
 
Addicted2climbing said:
Hello All,

I am about to buy a second hand Ipad 2 3g and am torn between Black or White. Found both used online near me... Black one has 1 year remaining on waranty white one does not..

Anyhow I noticed that there was mention of the white one being cooler in direct sun.. However I have heard from others that the white one is more distracting and looks odd in the cockpit than black... I am torn between which to buy... White but no warranty or black which may run hotter but has a warranty left...

Marc
Click to expand...

Get the black one with warranty. I think the white one just looks goofy. Plus it's less conspicuous should you inadvertantly leave it unattended.
 
Sac Arrow said:
Get the black one with warranty. I think the white one just looks goofy. Plus it's less conspicuous should you inadvertantly leave it unattended.
Click to expand...

Doesn't matter. You'll probably put a cover on it anyway. ;)
 
Sac Arrow said:
Get the black one with warranty. I think the white one just looks goofy. Plus it's less conspicuous should you inadvertantly leave it unattended.
Click to expand...
OTOH, since it's less conspicuous, you're also more likely to inadvertently leave it behind, since it's less conspicuous! LOL

And to address some of the other points raised...
I have the white one and got it because it seemed logical that it would not absorb as much heat. I've never tested that theory, though, and realize that the bezel is just a small portion of the area that would absorb heat.

Get whichever you want. If they're the same price, I'd go with the one with the warranty.

And at least the cover that I use in the cockpit does not cover the bezel.
 
Considering the sun heat issue, white may be better, but the negative is the extra glare in the sun making it even harder to read.
 
Addicted2climbing said:
Hello All,

I am about to buy a second hand Ipad 2 3g and am torn between Black or White. Found both used online near me... Black one has 1 year remaining on waranty white one does not..

Anyhow I noticed that there was mention of the white one being cooler in direct sun.. However I have heard from others that the white one is more distracting and looks odd in the cockpit than black... I am torn between which to buy... White but no warranty or black which may run hotter but has a warranty left...

Marc
Click to expand...


Depending upon what application you want to run on it, you would probably be better served with a 3G + WiFi. By having WiFi you can download your apps and keep everything updated without an Expen$ive wireless bill. The 3G gives you the GPS capability.

My wife gave me a white one for Christmas and I thought it would look funny in the cockpit. After that I learned from a friend that his had overheated last Summer so I decided white would be a good thing for my use.

BTW I'm a Foreflight user for now. My subscription is up in July and although I'm happy with it I will be evaluating WingX and the new Garmin product.
 
MBDiagMan said:
Depending upon what application you want to run on it, you would probably be better served with a 3G + WiFi.
Click to expand...
That's what he said he was getting. An iPad 3G has Wifi.

You can get a WiFi iPad that doesn't have 3G but you can't get a 3G iPad that doesn't have Wifi.
 
Sac Arrow said:
Combination protective film and ant-glare. It's effective as an anti glare.

http://www.amazon.com/splash-Protec...DGWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332621048&sr=8-1
Click to expand...

Never again pay $10, $20 or $30 for a screen protector. MonoPrice, from whom I've bought all my video, audio and computer cables for quite some time--nobody can come CLOSE to their quality vs. price--just added iPhone and iPad accessories. They have normal, matte and privacy protective film here (drill into the right category for your device type), for as little as $1.40 each qty 2.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=112&cp_id=11212
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Never again pay $10, $20 or $30 for a screen protector. MonoPrice, from whom I've bought all my video, audio and computer cables for quite some time--nobody can come CLOSE to their quality vs. price--just added iPhone and iPad accessories. They have normal, matte and privacy protective film here (drill into the right category for your device type), for as little as $1.40 each qty 2.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=112&cp_id=11212
Click to expand...

If they could figure out how to make the waterproof dip anti glare as well...
 
Love monoprice. HDMI cables at correct prices too.

I attempted to put one of those films on the iPad 3 yesterday and it was nothing but tiny bubbles.

What's the trick?

An earlier film on an iPhone 3 was aided by very light silicone under the film but it was going inside a case that would hold it in place.

I didn't want to make the iPad film any less sticky or it'd be peeling up all the time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top