Hello everyone new student pilot here. I've got conflicting reports on which iPad Mini (version 5) I would need. There are two different ones, one is wifi-only and one with Wi-Fi and cellular capability. The people at Apple initially told me I would need the one with cellular capability and have to pay for service each month the people at Foreflight says quite frankly there is no GPS in the wifi-only version and I would need the one with the cellular capability. My CFI is using his as well it does not have any celuar service. I also talked to another pilot at the airport that says he's never had any issues with not having cellular service only a few times it was a little off. I know I can buy an external GPS but I really don't want that hassle I'd rather be internal if possible any thoughts or comments will greatly appreciate again I get conflicting stories on this depending on who I ask really confused here thank you JC
I have the cellular one, but don't have cellular service and you don't need it. You get the cellular because it has the built in GPS. Wifi only doesn't. We had a thread on this not too long ago and you'll have some tell you to get the one with the GPS and others tell you that you don't need it.
You will want an external source anyway so you can get ADSB In. A Stratus or Stratux will also give you GPS so there isn't any need for the cellular ipad.
I would say that is the preferred route as you get AHRS with the Stratus, but cost wise, the cellular model is a lot cheaper.
You have it backwards. The wifi only model is a lot cheaper. To the OP: I prefer the cellular model, and I think in the long run it is worth it, because you can download weather, file flight plans, etc. Of course, most phones have hotspot capability, so if you have a phone with you, its not a big deal.
No, I do not have it backwards. A wifi only model plus a Stratus is significantly more expensive than a cellular model.
I have an Ipad pro 10.5 with cellular and it works great for me. The cellular is a little more for the Ipad. I have cellular data for it, Verizon charges $10 a month for it on my plan. I like it mainly for my ability to file IFR at airports without having to worry about wifi. Other than that, the wifi model is probably fine. I get the ads info through the airplane avionics.
I have one with the WiFi only, and use a Bad Elf for the GPS. This works for me because I use the Bad Elf for other purposes as well. Some of the portable ADSB modules (Stratus, home-made Stratux, Sentry, GDL-50, and others) often contain a GPS. Some of the panel-mount products (Garmin, Avidyne) can also send GPS data to Foreflight, essentially giving you another screen. I usually find WiFi at the FBO if I need information, or I can use a phone for a hotspot.
I have three iPads I have purchased for cockpit use. Each one was cell capable, although I never used them for cellular data. I just wanted to have the internal GPS, just in case. I have used a Stratus all the time too. Lots of guys are spending a few bucks a month for cell data. That allows you to flight plan, check weather and file from your iPad. You can probably use your phone as a hot spot, but this gives you another option.
