I'm installing one of these as part of a panel upgrade currently.

http://www.commitlift.com/usbchargers.html

I've been through probably half a dozen cig lighter USB port "chargers" some from big names others no name. Also a dedicated powered USB socket. None of them will "rapid" charge the latest ipad/iPhone. (Was never a problem with the ipad1....)
As Greg says, they need to fool the device into thinking it's being charged by a non standard high power USB port not a regular computer USB port.

I'll report back when I'm flying again
Cheers

This has been my experience. Will more or less hold the charge on my mini with screen on bright and gps active, but don't expect it to charge.

If you plan to mount hour Ipad as a fixed item in your cockpit you will have to consider it a backup information source only. It will be unreadable under many lighting conditions and if in direct sunlight may shut down due to heat.

George

This is my experience also so I am using the IPad only for preflight weather, notams, TFRs, etc. and not in the cockpit as a flight instrument. I keep hoping Apple would come out with a sunlight readable or glare-less screen. I have panel space dedicated for the IPad but not going to put it in if I can't read the screen.

Jim
RV9a
Flying since 9/2013

When I ferried my RV-8A back from Texas over the summer, it was far too bright in the cockpit to casually use my iPad 2 / Foreflight, which was bad because it held my flight plan... I ended up using the manual for the D100 to shade the display, and used the footwell to shade my iPhone 5 backup (which I used for frequencies.) I have since purchased a Nexus 7 which has much better screen brightness, but unfortunately doesn't support Foreflight. As for power, I used a SCOSCHE USBC242M usb adapter that claims to output 12w@5v / ~2.4a at each port. It worked as advertised - at least I never ran out of power. Having said that, I'm very interested to see the results of Stein's usB port testing.... I planning a new panel for the winter.

flying with ipads
 

On other previous threads... I maintained my position that ipads make poor cockpit devices. First of all, their brightness, followed by real estate problems.
I too, use Garmin Pilot for data on the ipad. I do it in a larger Cessna. In sun, it washes out and overheats. The big line to cross, in my opinion... is using the new GDL 39 for attitude. That would really be pushing it, to determine up from down on a portable pad.
For preflight, and GPS backup course lines... seems to work OK. Another thread mentioned difficulty with new firmware transfer on the GDL 39. In frustration, I had to do the upgrade via my iphone, as the ipad crashed repeatedly.
Using a GRT mini as a backup attitude is FAR better than any Android or Apple device. They are bright, power backed up with Batts, have GPS receivers built in and Pitot Static ports. For the under $1000 price tag at Spruce... you really should park the ipads in your preflight bag.

Test Fly first
 

Charles:

I can't improve on the responses to your original question on USB power sources.

That said, if you haven't flown in an RV, in your projected profile, with a tablet, I'd suggest you test fly before going down that road. You may find glare or heating issues, even with a reliable power source, outweigh perceived utility of a fixed iPad display.

I regularly fly day VFR with a V3 pad and like it, but I don't trust it. I always have (2) independent navigation systems on board... but don't ask me how to refold a sectional any more.

Overheating, even with aimed vents and an angled display, has occurred at very inopportune times, such as directly overhead KSAN, or a few miles out from KPRB.

Glare is another challenge, partially addressed by a ball mount, and partially by a glare-reducing screen protector. Of course that retina display is a fond memory now.

Good luck in your quest.

Thanks guys for the help! In regards to a fixed iPad, I may try and fix it for a flight or two to see how that works but it sounds like it's a bit impractical. If only Skyview's didn't end up costing 12K when all is said and done!!!

what about a portable power pack?

Lenmar Helix - 11000mAh Portable Power Pack with 3 USB Ports

http://www.lenmar.com/lenmar-helix-1...es-and-tablets

I use WingXpro on an Ipad Mini in my RV-8. I have it mounted to a RAM holder. I put a matte finish anti-glare screen over it and find it quite readable. It gets warm but doesn't overheat, even in sunny Florida.

Don