IPad in Cockpit?

[Pete P]

I'm seeking some guidance of having an IPad in the cockpit of a 7A-I havent made the purchase as yet but I guess an Ipad (compared to an IPad Mini) would be easier to read with its larger screen but see some comments on RV discussions about finding them hard to read due to its lack of screen brightness-has anyone had success with either a fixed RAM mounting or suction cup say onto instrument panel or onto inside canopy?? All comments would be appreciated


Cheers


Pete P

VH-PVA

[tkatc]

The problem is glare. Mounting doesn't really matter....any angle can have glare. The trick is to angle the iPad so that glare is at a minimum/acceptable level. On a bright sunny day, you have to be creative to find the least amount of glare. On cloudy days....the iPad is easily viewed at most angles.

I also think that the major background color of whatever app you want to use contributes greatly as to wether or not the iPad is viewable. I found that light/white background colors are more easily viewed.

[Jimboscr]

Thought I would throw in my 2 cents. With regard to size, here in Australia CASA (our regulator) is legislating the size that is acceptable, and they are saying nothing smaller than A5. Their view seems to be that it needs to easily readable, at its standard magnification, like a map. So the mini is out.

Cheers

Jim

[Phantomflyboy]

Can anyone comment on whether the 4th Generation I-pad with Retina display has improved the glare issue?

[ArVeeNiner]

I've tried the iPad 1 and iPad Mini in my plane. The Mini wins hands down. The regular iPad is just too big. I found the Mini to be adequately readable in flight for me. I added an anti glare screen to it which helps.

I have a slider and I've mounted the mini to the center bar via Ram Mounts. I use a Ram mount ball on the bar, a standard sized arm, then finally another ball attached to the iPad universal mount. The iPad ends up in front of the panel below the level of the dash. It works for me.

[erich weaver]

The iPad works best for me loose in the seat beside me or held by my passenger. I just grab it and get it at the best viewing angle, get the info I need and put it back on the seat. Use a spot of velcro on it if you are worried about turbulence.
Erich

[ArlingtonRV]

I used a fixed Ram ball mount on the panel of the RV-12 and I liked it that way very much. As others have said, glare can be an issue on sunny days, fortunately we don't get many of those here in the Northwet. Also, the way I had it mounted may have interfered with a passenger.

The only thing that caused some trouble is that an iPad screen doesn't work with gloves on.

[cyrus]

I use a 3rd gen iPad with retina display on a ram mount. I also use an anti-glare cover which I think is mandatory in my 6. Most of the time I can read it easily enough. It's probably less than half the brightness of a SkyView or Horizon system but I'm pretty happy with it for LA airspace.

[BHunt]

I've used my iPad 2. No issue with brightness but it was overcast. I would recommend the mini because it is kneeboard size. The full size iPad is a bit too big.

[RFazio]

If you have room, get the full sized iPad. Yes it could be brighter, yes there is glare, but it is a great source of information in the cockpit.