Where oh Where am I gonna mount that thing?!!

Dec 2012 Where oh Where am I gonna mount that thing?!!

Taildragger cockpits vary tremendously in size and panel configuration. Before GPSs I don’t remember panel space ever being a problem; the only “space” issue was figuring out how to get your body in and out of some of them. Once buckled in, if you could reach the rudder pedals you were good to go.

Then along came the iPad and suddenly we’re all looking around trying to figure out where in the heck to stick this new, must have, gizmo. Only problem is, the iPad 3 is 7.3″ wide x 9.5″ long, and who has that kind of space on their panel?

Do you really want to block other instruments?

It’s possible to yoke mount it sometimes but what if you don’t have a yoke? You can literally stick mount it away from your panel but it can block other instruments from your view, a real problem. I’ve got a fairly new iPad3 and am using WingX Pro Skyradar-L, ADS-B by Radenna. The Skyradar-L gives GPS and ADS-B information via Wifi to the iPad which is running WingXPro. Its a moving map with up-to-date chart information and weather radar overlay updated every 5 minutes. All METARS available by touching the screen along the flight path. Should a TFR come into effect during your flight, it will automatically display it on the chart. I’m hooked on it already but have struggled with where best to mount it.

Knee pad mounting can be a good option as you’ll see in this short video, especially if you’re doing aerobatics. If you happen to know who the gal is flying this Super Decathlon, tell her we need her on LadiesLoveTaildraggers!

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In my Rans S7 with NO space to spare, the absolute best option for me is to mount it on my knee. Not perfect, I will say, but way better than big paper charts or mounting it somewhere that restricts my visability, radio or instruments. I have a different mount than the MyClip shown in this video but it appears to be a top-of-the-line product that’ll keep your iPad firmly fixed – and that’s just what you want!