Absolutely Ikarus61 and nje. I can use an iPad when in the passenger seat (including airliners) and comfortably on the ground. I am yet to devise a practical and safe way of placing it in my cockpit so that it is comfortably visible, within reach yet out of the way of controls & instruments. Is it fair to relegate a Co-Pilot to minding it? I am no so sure. Perhaps after their approval, Apple may decide to contribute towards solving this cockpit ergonomic problem. As you stated nje, I find the optimal screen size of a Pilot-added GPS in the cockpit ranges between 5"-7".

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I have a Robin DR400. I fixed the iPad using a RAM Mount stand to instrument panel, on the right of ammeter. It's the only position I find without covering any instrument. It's not comfortable but it works. I use AirNav Pro as secondary navigation software (the first one it's an Aera). I tested also the Ram Mount fixed as knee-board but I prefer the first option.


Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

Thanks ikarus61. Good to know youcan accomodate itsomehow.I note fixing it in thefar end ofmy instrument pannel in a reasonably spacious cockpit renders it almost unreadable, distracting, andvirtually useless. A smaller version from Apple, perhaps would do.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

This is about choice. No-one is expecting you to throw away your 5" device.

I have a kneepad case for the iPad, it works well but does get a bit uncomfortable on long trips.

Of course it is Stevelup & the more the merrier. But the context of my point is the trio of =(SD+iPAD+Cockpit) as a whole, and how useful such a combination in flight. Cheers

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

I give my opinion on SD+Ipad in the cockpit.



Dimensions may be a problem. The iPad is big and is not easy the find the place to fix it. I agree the kneepad option is not comfortable. In my case I find a good position and usually I have no problem about screen readability. I have much more with my Area (which is over my instrument panel). Readability changes also according with map colors and layout. I think SD team may works on this achieving a good result.

Another problem may be system (iOS and software) reliability. I use AirNav Pro and sometime I had crashes while software was running (application restart was needed). With Aera and previous a Garmin 96C I never had any kind of problems. I don't know how is SD Mobile (I use only desktop software). I hope SD team will release a reliable software (there are several issues about). There are some tricks to reduce this risk: shutdown and restart the iPad before flight; close all other running applications; update iOS after other pilot feedbacks.

Another possible big problem is iPad over heating protection (over 35° C). I had, in some sunny days, this kind of lock and there is nothing to do other than waiting for cooling. With the current position of iPad, in front of air vent (using RAM Mount), I have had no problem, but I am not sure to be solved definitively this risk.



P.S. (sorry for english)

Massimo Mangia

I-PPL

I do not recall SD crashing on any platforms I used ever since maps were optimised last year. Even then for me it only occurred while crossing international borders @ 500 Kts.



It would be nice If Apple brought out a slightly smaller tablet version that is not prone to overheating, as a lot of their products are.

Very Newbytheway

DurhamTeaseAirport

Perfect for me would be planning on iPad, with sync to iPhone and then in-flight navigation on iPhone. But I guess that's just asking for a little bit too much.....

It's certainly a logical scenario. Fingers crossed!



I've had a play with the iPad version and am delighted to say that it does not disappoint.