Gear for Australian aviators

With so many different options available, what is the best fit for the ‘average’ pilot?

This month we’re reviewing the flagship iPad, the iPad Pro.

How much bang for your buck?

The iPad Pro 11″ improves on the discontinued iPad Pro 10.5″ design by including a large edge-to-edge display, high-performance processor, and FaceID to quickly unlock the device. It also includes a bright, high-resolution liquid retina display with an anti-reflective coating. It’s a handy size, easy to use in the cockpit and fits most of the same cockpit housings and fittings as the iPad Pro 10.5″ it replaces.

The iPad Pro 12.9″ differs from the preceding iPad Pro 12.9″ as it’s a smaller device by about 25 per cent. It retains the same size screen as its predecessor, however, thanks to the edge-to-edge design. In terms of size, the iPad Pro is slightly shorter than an A4 sheet of paper and roughly the same width. In other words, it’s reasonably easy to operate in a GA cockpit. The screen is also manufactured with non-reflective glass, making it easier to read in all weather conditions. Battery life is less than the advertised 10 hours because, in flight, the device operates at full display brightness. Power output is increased at altitude to assist with better network coverage.

There are four different sizes of internal memory to choose from: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Anything less than 256GB and you’ll max out your iPad, especially if you also use it for pictures, emails or other apps, aka as your day-to-day iPad.

When you’ve decided which of those you need, you then have to decide if you’re happy with WiFi connectivity or if you want cellular data, too. And, of course, the more spec you want, the more you pay. Pilots with the cellular model will be able to take advantage of the internal GPS receiver, which is essential for showing the aircraft’s position on the EFB applications. You’ll also need a cellular network to get the full potential out of your iPad in flight and to access all the EFB features “on the go”.

A great device, if you have a big budget, and room in the cockpit, is for a non-yoke mounted EFB.

About the GPS:The internal GPS receivers in an iPad don’t cut the mustard when compared to a dedicated aviation GPS unit, or any quality external navigation-only GPS. It’s recommended to purchase an external GPS receiver, or a combined GPS/ADS-B unit such as the Stratus 3 ADS-B GPS and AHRS Receiver or Dynon DRX ADS-B and GPS Receiver.

Conclusion

The 11″ iPad Pro, with 256GB of memory is the best option for its ease of use around the cockpit, slightly better battery life plus the advantage of being $200-$300 cheaper than it’s big brother.

For the ultimate big-screen experience on the flightdeck, we can now recommend the new 12.9″ iPad Pro with 256GB of memory. The 12.9 inch, with clip-on keyboard, is also an effective PC. So if you’re in the market for a new laptop AND your current iPad is ready for an upgrade, the 12.9” could just be the ticket.

‘The more spec you want, the more you pay’

iPad Pro 12.9″

WiFi: $1,529 – $2,649
WiFi + Cellular: $1,749
– $2,869

iPad Pro 11.0″

WiFi: $1,299 – $2,350
WiFi + Cellular: $1,449
– $2,569