Hey all, I’m about to start the ACPP program and I wanted to ask you all about your opinions on the optimal EFB setup for the cockpit.
I dropped top dollar for a top-of-the-line Bose A30 headset, but as for my iPad I’m planning on using an old 1st generation iPad pro with cellular. It’s still supported by ipad OS updates, but the thing is pretty massive and the battery is a little worse for wear.
I’ve noticed that most pilots prefer the mini due to its size, but my budget is pretty tight, especially after dropping 1200 for a headset. Do you guys think I’ll need to upgrade my ipad or will I be fine with the older mondo-sized version?
My iPad Mini 5th has lasted me since I purchased it almost 3 years ago… however, it has significantly gotten slower over the last year. ForeFlight does require some decent power along with the GPS chip. There are ways to help performance, like airplane mode, turning off background refresh apps, etc. Is there any way you could maybe see if a trade-in would help lower some costs for a newer iPad? All these new iOS updates really do drain your battery after some time.
I have come to love my A30’s, I use both the A20’s and A30’s now in the jet, since the EMB-145 has a louder flightdeck. The A30’s in my piston seem to work really well, have not had any complaints with them.
I would not use an iPad that did not have good battery life. Not to sound overly dramatic, but there are charts on the iPad that could be the difference between life and death if you find yourself in some adverse weather. I would want to make darn sure that it could work and not have a dead battery at any time.
Here’s a link to Apple’s Trade In webpage, I would recommend seeing what your old iPad would be worth and upgrading to a newer one. Depending on your start date, the new iPads should be announced here come late August, September during the next Keynotes presentation.
Not sure where you are with financing but you can also add the cost of a new iPad to your loan. That way you can get an iPad with a good battery life and save yourself the worry. Plus you’lll need that same iPad not only for training but as a CFI through 1500 hours. It’s just an investment in your career.