Mounting iPad in a C172

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Renesh Kumaresan

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My instructor lets me use my iPad to reference sectionals. It has been very helpful to quickly check the distance between me and other places or aircraft. I know some will suggest using an iPad is bad while training, but I have only started using it after flying for two years, but I still have paper charts. I currently use a suction cup mount to mount it on the left corner of the windshield where the only thing it blocks is the clock and maybe just the slight corner. It hasn’t been too much of an annoyance in terms of visibility. But I was thinking of using a yoke mount instead so I could use it quickly. Will this method take my eyes off from the outside environment for too long or will it be better than the suction cup mount?
 
Renesh Kumaresan said:
My instructor lets me use my iPad to reference sectionals. It has been very helpful to quickly check the distance between me and other places or aircraft. I know some will suggest using an iPad is bad while training, but I have only started using it after flying for two years, but I still have paper charts. I currently use a suction cup mount to mount it on the left corner of the windshield where the only thing it blocks is the clock and maybe just the slight corner. It hasn’t been too much of an annoyance in terms of visibility. But I was thinking of using a yoke mount instead so I could use it quickly. Will this method take my eyes off from the outside environment for too long or will it be better than the suction cup mount?
Click to expand...

I have no problem with my students using iPad instead of paper. I'm happy when they can answer the question "where are you now".

That being said, do you mount a paper sectional on the yoke or window?
IMHO, the iPad isn't a panel GPS. It's essentially a chart. Yes, it has GPS data on it (if equipped), but at its core, it's simply a digit chart. Reading that, it sounds a bit snarky. Not intended that way at all. I've just never understood the desire to bolt a small TV in the way of other things I should be looking at. I mount my iPad in my lap. If not used, it's in the seat next to me or within a 3 second reach somewhere.
Just my 1.5 cents.
Lean forward...


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My friend Jamey uses a MyGoFlight Claw Yoke Mount for mounting his iPad in his 172. It's not cheap, but well built with lots of stay-put adjustability.

n2686u%20enroute%20oak%20to%20abq%2023jul18%20med_zpssxqh0eql.jpg
 
Not sure what size you have, but if it's a mini, just keep it on your lap or put it in a side pocket, never got the desire to mount the things
 
frfly172 said:
Try a ram mount on the left corner of the windscreen.
Click to expand...
I currently mount on the left corner. I just wanted to know if a yoke mount would be okay, because when I look down I would be taking my eyes off the outside, whereas the left corner I am keeping my heads up. I currently have to reach for the iPad on the left corner to move or check for ADS B traffic.
 
Get the Ram Claw, medium arm, diamond base and rhe EZ-roller cradle for your ipad.
It works great in my 172.
 
I use a cheap suction cup mount on the right side of the windshield for my ipad mini. It's still close enough to easily view and reach, but blocks no instruments and I'm not looking down at the yoke to use it.
 
I’m with @James331 ... never had a desire to mount anything on the yoke. But that’s one of those personal preference things. You won’t know if it works for you personally until you try it.

Cockpit management is a huge thing. And each pilot has their own system that works for him or her. As you fly more and experiment more you will find what works best. And change and adapt as you go.

Just figure out what works for you.
 
Mines on the yoke I and I love. Having all the info at your fingertips is awesome. I also use a stratus so it’s a great attitude backup in case I lose vacuum. Having the terrain on it is helpful for flying in the non flat lands. I also use an Apple pen to draw out my taxi instructions and ATIS info. All conveniently on the yoke.
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I prefer to mount it at the right seat, somewhere to the right corner of the window. Mind that you have full control without hitting the iPAD. This makes the visibility decrease reasonable small and will not overlead your working area on the left seat.
 
I use my tablet on a kneeboard. Looking down at it is no different from looking down at a chart on my lap (except that it won't blow out of my open cockpit like a chart would).
 
Renesh Kumaresan said:
My instructor lets me use my iPad to reference sectionals. It has been very helpful to quickly check the distance between me and other places or aircraft. I know some will suggest using an iPad is bad while training, but I have only started using it after flying for two years, but I still have paper charts. I currently use a suction cup mount to mount it on the left corner of the windshield where the only thing it blocks is the clock and maybe just the slight corner. It hasn’t been too much of an annoyance in terms of visibility. But I was thinking of using a yoke mount instead so I could use it quickly. Will this method take my eyes off from the outside environment for too long or will it be better than the suction cup mount?
Click to expand...
I think both can work well in a 172, although a left corner window mount would be a bit much for anything larger than a Mini. It's really a matter of preference.

My goal is to place it in a position where it is easy to retrieve and read information when I need it, not block essential instruments and gauges, and reduce head-down time. I personally use a yoke mount in most of the aircraft I fly, but have the ability to switch to suction if it works better in a particular airplane.

On the use of the iPad during training, I think it actually enhances the ability to recognize landmarks. I've seen and heard if many examples of a CFI pointing to a landmark and the student thinking he sees it while looking at something completely different. With own ship on, the student becomes sure and learns how to recognize them even with own ship turned off or paper replacements.
 
I use a mygoflight suction mount. Its the more expensive version and has yet to fall off during any flight. Compared to the ram mount I have in my vehicle that falls off all the time. I mount it on the pilot side window, pulling the yoke all the way back to ensure the controls don't hit it. It's a slight pain if you need to switch fuel tanks as my left shoulder hits the Ipad. and you may need to move your head around slightly to see a very small area the iPad blocks out the window. In the 152 I mount on the window on opposite side as I don't fly with any adults in that small plane. I use an iPad pro 10.5 in portrait orientation.

I've been happy with all the mygoflight products I've purchased, especially the screen protectors. My only quip with them is since I live in the same state as them, they charge sales tax based on where they are located, not where they ship to. Since Im unincorporated, my sales tax is like half of what they charge and I have to argue with them EVERY SINGLE TIME. I just ordered something and I may turn them into the state this time.
 
I use a mini as well. I think it is the perfect size for the cockpit. I really dislike yoke mounts, have used one twice and just felt way too bulky and didn't like it. I use a ram suction cup mount on the left side of the windscreen. Puts the Ipad right above the air speed indicator, easy view, and doesn't obstruct anything.

Also as far as using it versus paper charts, I would say start using what you plan to use in real world flying. Are you going to just have a paper chart every time? Or be using foreflight on cross countries? That was my CFI's thoughts and I think it is sound advice. Know how to use a paper chart though when your DPE fails your Ipad in flight.
 
I used a iPad mini 3 and had it mounted on the yoke. There are plenty of options for mounting. I like the RAM mount products.

In the Sundowner
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In the Debonair
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Stan Cooper said:
My friend Jamey uses a MyGoFlight Claw Yoke Mount for mounting his iPad in his 172. It's not cheap, but well built with lots of stay-put adjustability.

n2686u%20enroute%20oak%20to%20abq%2023jul18%20med_zpssxqh0eql.jpg
Click to expand...

Yea the mygoflight mounts are amazing...pricey but worth it
 
I don't see many great options for a 172. I have a (full size) iPad air 2. I am using a Ram mount on our 172 in horizontal mode. I tried it on my knee-board, setting it on the seat, the passenger yoke, and finally settled on the pilot side yoke. I like having the charts and especially the approach plates. I make sure I mount it to the actual collar on the yoke - not the yoke shaft so you have full travel forward.

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Different take, one that's worked for me - I have my iPad in a rubberized case; I sit it on my aluminum kneeboard, and it doesn't slide about. Keeps the panel and yoke clear. I thought it would be annoying, or a vertigo inducer, when using the approach plates, but hasn't been a problem - in approach mode I generally revert to the G530 panel mount, so once into the approach, I'm not looking at the iPad that often. Might ne a space issue with a CFI sitting next to you, though.
 
Renesh Kumaresan said:
My instructor lets me use my iPad to reference sectionals. It has been very helpful to quickly check the distance between me and other places or aircraft. I know some will suggest using an iPad is bad while training, but I have only started using it after flying for two years, but I still have paper charts. I currently use a suction cup mount to mount it on the left corner of the windshield where the only thing it blocks is the clock and maybe just the slight corner. It hasn’t been too much of an annoyance in terms of visibility. But I was thinking of using a yoke mount instead so I could use it quickly. Will this method take my eyes off from the outside environment for too long or will it be better than the suction cup mount?
Click to expand...

I bought a mount from a custom mount maker that straps right on the yoke! Amazingly helpful.

I’m pretty sure it is these guys. Customizable to the type of 172 you fly. Really nice guys too!

https://www.ipadyokemounts.com/index.html
 
jspilot said:
I bought a mount from a custom mount maker that straps right on the yoke! Amazingly helpful.

I’m pretty sure it is these guys. Customizable to the type of 172 you fly. Really nice guys too!

https://www.ipadyokemounts.com/index.html
Click to expand...
Looks like a fun DIY project! Take a standard RAM cradle and create a way to strap it on rather than clamp it on.
 
Seating position and panel layout are going to dictate what works for you. On my club planes, yoke mount will hide the suction gauge, tach, or gear position indicators, depending on what plane I’m in. I’m a big guy, so there’s not enough room for the yoke to clear a knee board very well.

Losing sight of the gear position indicators was the last straw for me, and I ordered a suction mount after my first flight in the 182RG. If I have pax, it goes where you have it already at the left end of the glareshield. If I’m solo, it goes at the right end.

I only do this for XC flights, though. For local flights I treat it like an electronic sectional and keep it stowed somewhere with easy access.


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midlifeflyer said:
Looks like a fun DIY project! Take a standard RAM cradle and create a way to strap it on rather than clamp it on.
Click to expand...

I guess you could! The straps really are great and the way those mounts work perfect! The guy even said he’d give me a huge discount on the next one since I ordered one for a mini 1(original) about a year ago. I’ll be upgrading soon and defiantly will go with these same guys.
 
Yoke mount, portrait orientation, using ram mount, perfect for map or approach plates IFR. I already have an Aera510 in a windshield bow mount on the left.
 
I've given this a great deal of thought in the past, and was never happy with any of the commercial apparatuses. The Ram mounts are bulky and obscure a lot of the panel. I wanted something similar to holding the tablet in hand, with minimal mounting hardware. What I ended up doing is to mount the tablet horizontally on the yoke using a small 3D printed clip. The clip is designed to slide between the tablet's backside and the sleeve, and is designed to sit on the center part of the Cessna yoke. I can post details if anyone is interested. I am sure it can be improved, but I find it is much better than the commercial mounts. Here is a photo.
 

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sarangan said:
I've given this a great deal of thought in the past, and was never happy with any of the commercial apparatuses. The Ram mounts are bulky and obscure a lot of the panel. I wanted something similar to holding the tablet in hand, with minimal mounting hardware. What I ended up doing is to mount the tablet horizontally on the yoke using a small 3D printed clip. The clip is designed to slide between the tablet's backside and the sleeve, and is designed to sit on the center part of the Cessna yoke. I can post details if anyone is interested. I am sure it can be improved, but I find it is much better than the commercial mounts. Here is a photo.
Click to expand...
I know this is old tread but I was wondering if you can share more details on 3d printed clip for the cessna 172 yoke? This makes most sense after considering all other mounts best solution.
Thanks in advance,.
 
frfly172 said:
Try a ram mount on the left corner of the windscreen.
Click to expand...
Ram mounts are really good. There are a number of options...suction cup, permanent mount, and one (not sure what it's called) that goes between the seats and inflates to stay put then has a telescoping arm.
 
I use a RAM mount with the tube clamp on the control tube. I mounted a 1” ball to the back of my Otter hard case using countersunk screws to connect to the arm coming off the tube clamp. The case stays mounted and I can remove my Ipad mini easily if need be. Usually it stays in the plane plugged into the panel USB port (C 182).
 
I have asked applicants to remove an iPad suction-mounted to the left corner of the windscreen on a C-172. It blocks too much visibility for both me and the applicant. I'm surprised flight instructors would allow this in training.

I realize not all mounts are created equal, but I'm referring to a full-size iPad on an articulating arm, partially obstructing the panel and the view above and left of the glareshield. It's not a safe mounting location, in my opinion, and I won't fly that way.

I've experimented for years with mounting and using iPads in light piston aircraft and have found the best place to temporarily mount or store an iPad is either on one's lap, or on a yoke mount, assuming it doesn't interfere with full travel of the yoke (pitch and roll.) I have found in some cases, applicants have mounted the iPad to the yoke in a way which limits travel, and again, I'll ask them to remove it. One real head scratcher was an applicant who presented a personal aircraft with an iPad Pro (12.9" screen, or whatever the "large" one is) with an angle mount on the yoke (angled the iPad "up" and also offset it from the yoke by several inches). It severely constricted pitch and roll inputs. Unacceptable.
 
Best for me over several thousand hours has been ez-roller RAM mount on right yoke using an iPad mini. Cant it towards pilot and voila.
 
I use an iPad mini on a ram mount with suction cup. I used to have an iPad on the yoke. But, this is so much easier, and doesn't block any instruments.

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First off I have to say I did not use a Ipad when I was training in 2015. My flight instructor did and he held it in his lap. At the end I did get a ipad and used it during my oral checkride for my charts. The DPE was very receptive to the ipad/foreflight. He spent a considerable amount of time showing me the FF features during my oral. I did not use the ipad during the flight.

Then IMO a mini ipad is the largest one should use in a small airplane like 172, 182 or cherokee etc. Anything larger is too large for a small cockpit.

I flew quite a bit with my ipad on the yoke, sideways and vertical. I found 2 problems with it on my yoke during instrument training. One it is not good to be looking down in IMC or any time and the yoke is always moving making it hard to study plates.
So I moved it to the left windscreen. It mostly blocks the door post and seems the lesser of the evils?
I like it because it is right in my face, it is not moving and it keeps my head more stable during IMC.
The ram mount is OK, fit's pretty good. The only draw back is every once in a while it falls off mainly when I climb high. I can put it back pretty quickly with one hand I believe. Been using it there for 4 years now so a lot of hours. I have replaced the suction cup once so far and the clip on the mounting plate broke once too so far. And I am still using a mini 4 ipad. It performs like it did when it was new except for the battery. I keep it plugged in and the battery does last long enough for me to switch to my phone if need be.
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I still use the red light on the door pillar to light my panel at night and the ram mount clears it and does not block it.
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wilkersk said:
I use an iPad mini on a ram mount with suction cup. I used to have an iPad on the yoke. But, this is so much easier, and doesn't block any instruments.

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That’s a nice arrangement we well - have similar in one aircraft. iPad mini is pretty much custom made for flying IMHO. Slots into the Bose headset bag and is always available anywhere.
 
Dana said:
I use my tablet on a kneeboard. Looking down at it is no different from looking down at a chart on my lap (except that it won't blow out of my open cockpit like a chart would).
Click to expand...

Same. Kneeboard works great.
 
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