IPAD MOUNTS AND TABLET HOLDERS are popular accessories for pilots who use tablets as Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) or for navigation, weather, and chart access. Here’s a rundown of common types and features:
1. Suction Cup Mounts
- Windshield and Window Suction Mounts: Attach directly to the windshield or side windows with a suction cup, keeping the iPad in easy reach without obstructing the pilot’s view. Adjustable arms allow for flexible positioning.
- Rotating and Tilt Adjustment: Many suction mounts offer 360-degree rotation and tilting, enabling portrait or landscape orientation and minimizing glare by adjusting angles.
- Heavy-Duty Suction Cups: Aviation-grade suction cups designed to withstand vibrations and movements, ensuring the tablet remains secure.
2. Yoke Mounts
- Control Column Mounts: Attach directly to the aircraft’s yoke, allowing the iPad to move with the control column for easy reference. Yoke mounts are popular for smaller iPads and work well in light aircraft.
- Adjustable Clamps: Equipped with secure clamps to fit various yoke diameters, with padding to protect the yoke from damage.
- Compact Design: Typically slim to avoid interference with controls, ideal for pilots who need their iPads close without taking up too much space.
3. Kneeboard Mounts
- Strap-On Kneeboards: Strap securely to the pilot’s thigh, keeping the iPad in an easy-to-read position. Ideal for tight cockpits with limited mounting options.
- Rotating Kneeboards: Some kneeboards allow the iPad to rotate between portrait and landscape modes, with anti-slip surfaces for secure hold.
- Additional Pockets and Holders: Many kneeboards include pockets for pens, notes, and other essentials, combining the functionality of a traditional kneeboard with an iPad holder.
4. Panel Mounts
- Flush Panel Mounts: Integrate the iPad directly into the aircraft’s instrument panel, giving the cockpit a more professional appearance. Ideal for pilots who use an iPad as a primary navigation display.
- Quick-Release Mounts: Allow the iPad to snap into place and release quickly, useful for pilots who need to remove the tablet after flight.
- Custom Fit for Larger iPads: Designed to hold full-sized tablets and ideal for more permanent installations, but often require specific compatibility with the aircraft.
5. Seat Rail and Clamp Mounts
- Seat Rail Mounts: Attach to the aircraft’s seat rail, positioning the iPad at the side or between the seats for easy reach. These mounts are especially useful for co-pilots or passengers using tablets for navigation or entertainment.
- Adjustable Clamp Mounts: Attach to fixed surfaces like seat frames, door handles, or armrests. They use a strong clamp to hold the mount in place and typically allow for flexible positioning of the tablet.
6. Dashboard and Console Mounts
- Adhesive Base Mounts: Attach to the aircraft’s dashboard or console with a strong adhesive pad. They are compact and can hold smaller tablets without obstructing the main panel.
- Weighted Dash Mounts: Use a weighted, anti-slip base to secure the mount on top of the dashboard without adhesives. These are easy to install and remove, making them a popular choice for temporary setups.
7. Flexible Arm and Gooseneck Mounts
- Gooseneck Arm Mounts: Feature a flexible, bendable arm that can be shaped to fit the pilot’s preference, keeping the iPad close at hand and easily adjustable. These mounts work well for tablets of all sizes.
- Spring-Loaded Tablet Holders: Equipped with spring-loaded clamps to securely grip the iPad on a flexible arm, which can adjust in multiple directions to reduce glare.
8. Case-Compatible Mounts
- Universal Tablet Holders: Designed to hold tablets with or without protective cases, allowing pilots to mount their iPads without removing their protective cover.
- Custom-Fit Options: Many mounts are adjustable to fit different tablet sizes or cases, ensuring compatibility with most tablet brands and models, including various iPad generations and sizes.
9. Additional Accessories for iPad Mounts
- Anti-Glare Screen Protectors: Reduce reflections and glare for better screen visibility in direct sunlight, especially helpful in open cockpits.
- Power Cables and Charging Mounts: Some mounts include built-in charging capabilities, allowing the iPad to remain powered during long flights.
- Cooling Mounts and Fans: Certain mounts feature built-in fans or ventilation to help cool the iPad, preventing overheating during extended flights or in hot environments.
Each type of mount serves a specific purpose depending on the aircraft layout, iPad size, and pilot preference. These mounts provide versatility and functionality, helping pilots keep their tablets secure and accessible during flight.