The iPad has become a critical tool for both preflight planning and in-flight navigation, weather, traffic, and airspace. So making sure this all-in-one device is ready to perform when called upon is no trivial task. Follow these steps and you’ll increase the odds that your iPad (or other tablet computer) won’t let you down.
iPad legalities
Is paper required?
One of the most common questions about iPad usage is whether a full set of electronic charts can replace paper. Part 91 flying—be it training or flying for pleasure or business—has no requirement for paper charts. So, yes, it is legal to use an iPad exclusively for charting information. That said, it’s important to make sure those charts are reliable, starting with the steps outlined here. A similar situation arises with the checkride: Can it be used? That’s up to your examiner. Have your instructor check with him or her before the checkride.
1. Battery fully charged. Heat, cold, screen brightness, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connections can conspire to drain tablet batteries surprisingly fast. Make sure your tablet has a chance by letting it start with a full charge.
2. Accessories (such as ADS-B receiver) fully charged and properly mounted in the airplane. Tablets are of limited use without connections to a GDL-39, Stratus, Levil, or other devices that can provide real-time weather and traffic information. Some accessories can be powered by the aircraft electrical system, and some have separate batteries. But whether it’s hard-wired or uses a battery backup, avoid in-flight surprises by making sure your accessories are charged.
3. Confirm back-up power (such as a USB receptacle) is available in cockpit and working. Plug-in cigarette lighter adaptors with USB ports are widely available—but they are notorious for faulty connections. Make sure you have an adaptor, and that it works.
4. Keep databases and charts current. Enough said.
5. Route loaded. Go ahead and leisurely load your route before you get in the airplane. Doing so avoids the distractions (and likely errors) that come from trying to quickly load a flight plan in the cockpit.
6. Unneeded functions (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G) turned off to conserve battery power.
7. Background apps off. It makes a difference. To do this on an iPad press the home button twice and then swipe up to close.
8. Run the app to make sure updates haven’t crashed it. Sometimes downloads or new software versions go wrong. Try running it before you get in the airplane.
9. Screen protector in place (and screen clean). Screen protectors can reduce glare and protect your tablet.
10. Mounting hardware in place. A variety of cockpit mounts allow pilots to place their tablets exactly where they want them.
Related Articles
