New iPad for Flying

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WeekendWarrior

Filing Flight Plan
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FlyKC
What are your all's thoughts on iPad choices for flying? I have a 1st-gen 32GB Air that's got almost no life left in it (used it every day for 4 years of school plus two years of flying concurrently) that I need to replace.
I'm still eligible for Apple's student discount program (all you need, IIRC, is an email address ending in .edu), and their back-to-school sale has begun so iPads are cheaper and the AppleCare warranty is cheaper too. They even come with a free pair of Beats headphones during the sale. Sounds like the perfect chance to upgrade.
I use Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight interchangeably, both installed together, so the smallest internal I could get away with would be 32GB.

I'm looking for PIREPs - current-gen iPad Air or the smaller iPad Pro? There's a fairly significant price delta, so I'm seeking opinions. Is there anyone who has the Pro and would recommend it over the Air? Or vice-versa?

My current iPad has the LTE radio in it for the GPS features, so the new one would as well. Never had an active data plan, though, and never plan to. I'm always either connected to a GTX345 or using my GDL52 for primary position source/NEXRAD/ADSB in. I just like the peace of mind that comes from the iPad having some sort of offline GPS ability.
 
My IPad is an Air 2 without cellular that connects to myGDL 39 3d. It’s getting a little tired and the battery is having issues with lasting as long. I will probably replace it with the new 11” pro. I like the wider, larger screen. I know many pilots prefer the new mini IPad but I don’t think it is much better than my Iphone8. By the way, I can use my IPhone as a hotspot for the IPad so I don’t think one with the cellular for GPS is necessary. Your experience may be different.
 
Not sure your setup but I have what is apparently an iPad 5th generation. I use a sentry to connect to that and my iPhone 7

My iPad yoke mount will fit a 172/182 your mileage may vary.

I chose not to get a Mini because when I was searching it wasn’t being updated. If Apple ever updates I might consider it but honestly my 7 phone does just fine.

I would not rely on a hotspot connection (or any connection) if it’s vital for your navigation. I’ve had my iDevice shut down due to excessive heat. Always be ready with a second iDevice or a nonDevice workaround.
 
I have two iPad air a 32GB and a 64GB. the 32GB has the GPS the 64GB does not. 64GB allows for update database pre-download concurrent with the current database GPS is a nice feature, but if you have a Status/Stratux/etc GPS WiFi input the non-radio iPad works well also. I like the larger screen size of the Air. I made a knee pad to strap it to my leg, but you can buy a knee pad from Sportys.
 
I followed one of Foreflights recommendation and got the 11" IPad Pro, 256 GB with wifi + cellular. It is a bit large in the little Cherokee.
 
I find an iPad mini to be a perfect size for the plane. It’s mounted in a ram cradle mounted between my bonanza yokes is and really intended to be permanently kept in the plane. The larger iPads just felt too big for the cockpit. We use FlyQ with ads-b in and it works great.
 
I used to use a mini but once it started slowing down I got a 9.7” pro. It works really well, but it is a bit large.

It works great for solo flying as I can suction cup it to the pax side of the plane, but if I were to be buying a new one today I would get the new mini.

I’ve found myself using my iPhone more and more instead of the iPad unless I’m flying ifr or on a longer trip.
 
Make sure u get cellular equipped so you get location services. U can cancel the subscription later and still have your little blue plane show up on chart.
 
I use an I Pad air 128 gb ,with a ram mount suction mount on the side of the windscreen.
 
I would suggest you get the newest iPad unlocked with cellular. You do not have to activate the cellular portion, but it gives you the GPS and baro sensor. I happen to dislike the small mini screen myself. I yoke mount mine.
 
Somedudeintn said:
I used to use a mini but once it started slowing down I got a 9.7” pro. It works really well, but it is a bit large.

It works great for solo flying as I can suction cup it to the pax side of the plane, but if I were to be buying a new one today I would get the new mini.

I’ve found myself using my iPhone more and more instead of the iPad unless I’m flying ifr or on a longer trip.
Click to expand...


Same here. But now that there is a new ipad mini, i'm swapping out the 9.7 pro for it.

Anyone want a 9.7 pro?
 
I've had a mini (2) for a few years. I always wanted to yoke mount it but in rental club planes I never did. It's gotten very slow. I was holding off updating so I could use it as a reward for my IR, but my wife bought me a new one for my birthday. After looking at the ForeFlight advice page, I went with the 11" cellular iPad Pro with 512GB (they recommend 256GB but for $200 more I went up).

I've done one flight with it but didn't really use it. It did lay on the passenger seat docilely for the entire flight so I guess that's something...

The screen size is nice as my eyes are aging and approach charts are nice and legible on it. And it's stinkin' fast. For now. I know how this game is played.

John
 
I have the 10.5 inch ipad pro (idk what year), and personally think its too big for what i fly (172s). It honestly just gets in the way a lot and is a hassel when landing or manuvering. Also if you can afford it would definitely recommend the ipad with gps built in (its just the celleular). You dont have to have any cellular plan at all for the gps to still work and show your location. Super helpful for either navigating in ****ty planes or ifr approaches.
 
The only way a 9.7 or larger works for me is using a knee mount, the bad thing about that is you are looking down and up. Mini on the yoke, that’s easier to scan is better for IFR work.
A mini 4 has enough horsepower if you want to save some $.


Tom
 
I didn't consult anybody before I bought one so I bought a ipad pro 12.9 and it is awesome. That said, it works well for resting drinks, playing cards and works pretty good for foreflight. Actually is really nice with the apple pencil for copying down information and notes that you can easily read, also its so big it can rest on my lap and not slide around or worry about it falling on the floor. The smaller 11"? I think would have been a better choice if I could do it over again. With the garmin in the plane i'm not doing a lot of looking at it, mostly just for VFR references, or frequencies in flight.
 
PlasticCigar said:
A new mini came out this year. That’s what I use and it’s great at running foreflight.
Click to expand...

Same here. I have a pro 10" also but never did mount it. I have a suction cup mount and a yoke mount for the mini.

This isn't mine but how I have it mounted and works great:

R4QFj55.jpg
 
Will you be copying down clearances w the Apple Pencil? If yes, mini is pretty small
 
IPad Pro 10" with LTE, cause Apple refuse to put GPS in the Wi-Fi only and cause Jep won't make charts for Android (also, Garmin was poorly supporting the Android app for a while). I use GP, not FF, because I refuse to own an iPhone. I window mount, but I know a guy with the same who yoke mounts in the Tiger and is fine with it.
 
N1120A said:
IPad Pro 10" with LTE, cause Apple refuse to put GPS in the Wi-Fi only and cause Jep won't make charts for Android (also, Garmin was poorly supporting the Android app for a while). I use GP, not FF, because I refuse to own an iPhone. I window mount, but I know a guy with the same who yoke mounts in the Tiger and is fine with it.
Click to expand...
Its not that Apple refuses to put GPS in the WiFi version. GPS is part of the LTE (cellular) chip set.
 
dell30rb said:
Well I see them going for about $250 online. I think i’ll Keep it
Click to expand...
No problem, I am new and just looking for first tablet, was just hoping for something inexpensive. Never owned any kind of tablet, and still using old cell phones, I'm trying to learn to get a new phone, and a cheap good tablet
 
jsstevens said:
Its not that Apple refuses to put GPS in the WiFi version. GPS is part of the LTE (cellular) chip set.
Click to expand...

Funny how Samsung has no issue putting GPS in their Wi-Fi only product.

This is Apple's doing
 
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