Ipad and a Kneeboard

[BirdDog]

Hello all.

So I have come here seeking some advice.  I currently use a kneeboard (pen and paper) but I am thinking on moving to an iPad Kneeboard with an Apple Pencil, and am looking for peeps that have already done this.

My aircraft is a Bristell with a stick, so I am concerned it will get in the way.

So...

What is your experience?
What size iPad do you use?
Was it worth it?

Any other comments?

Cheers all
J

[Bennyboy320]

I’m using my iPad Air with a magnet kneeboard & strap, been using it now for about a year, very happy with the setup.

My ride is a Foxbat with a centre stick so there’s no obstruction.

 

Edited 18 hours ago by Bennyboy320

[BirdDog]

Thanks Benny

 

I was looking at them yesterday - they look good.

I was thinking an iPad Mini.  I have the 11 inch right now, but I think that may be too big.  Mine is a stick between the legs, so was thinking it might be too big.

 

Cheers

J

[BurnieM]

I think you are asking 2 different questions.

Making notes or following a pre-planned course a paper based kneepad is fine.

 

However the primary use of iPads is to run a EFB mapping package.

A lot of people are using iPads to cover a poor (20 year old plus) panel.

 

Really you want your EFB somewhere at eye level attached to your panel.

Have a look at RAM mounts.

Bigger is always better but many panels do not have space for a standard iPad.

General rule is an iPad mini is better in the cockpit but a standard iPad is better for planning outside the cockpit.

 

Above plus an A5 paper notebook.

 

I would buy an iPad mini with 64GB memory. Most packages do not require more in Australia. 

While you can use a separate GPS, a cellular iPad mini with built-in GPS is more useful.

You do not need the cellular funciton but it is the only model with GPS.

 

IPad mini 7 is the latest model but there are some good deals on refurbished iPad mini 5 64GB cellular around.

 

I have an iPad mini 6 256GB cellular purchased new and a iPad gen 9 64GB cellular (standard previous generation) purchased new.

The standard iPad was half the cost of the iPad mini.

But I do not have my own plane.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by BurnieM

[BirdDog]

Thanks Burnie.

 

It will not be used as my primary Nav.  I currently have an iPad Pro that will still come with me in the cockpit.  

 

I also have a full glass Garmin cockpit, and an also an Iphone that also carries Oz Runways.

 

This is more for scratching things down.  Things like checking weather, ERSA and other data needed on the fly.

 

I am thinking Mini might be the way to go here.

[Deano747]

The pencil can be problematic with securing so it doesn't escape while using.

Life can be poor - I have had 2 pencils fail in 3 years ...... H2B's last a lot longer and cheaper.

You run the risk of deleting stuff on a page to get more writing in that you later wish you hadn't.

One more thing that requires charging and prone to overheat shutdown - particularly in an exposed cockpit as yours.

Google how many have reverted back to a pencil & paper for note taking. 

Good luck with your final decision from one who did .......