New PIVOT case is the ultimate everyday case

2 min read

Whether it’s a kneeboard, a yoke mount or a suction cup mount, securing your iPad during flight is an important safety measure. We recently reviewed the options for in-cockpit mounting and found a lot of good products, but a new release is a worthy addition to the list.

The PIVOT Case was originally developed for airline use – in fact, it’s standard equipment on Southwest Airlines flight decks – which explains its sturdy construction and numerous protective features. In addition to these airline users, though, the case has become a popular option for general aviation pilots who are looking for an everyday case with a mount option. With the launch of Apple’s new iPad Pro 9.7″ model, PIVOT took the opportunity to completely reengineer their product, instead of just tweaking the specs to fit a new iPad. The resulting system was worth the wait.

The case itself is a form-fitting protective shell for the iPad Pro 9.7″ and Air 2. In particular, the corners are reinforced to absorb shock from falls without damaging the tablet. PIVOT even says the case passed MIL-STD 810G-516.6, meaning it was dropped over 20 times without breaking. The case also has vents throughout to prevent the iPad from overheating.

The new model has a number of nice touches, too. The back of the case features a business card holder, so your iPad can be identified if you misplace it. Rubber feet keep the case from sliding around on a table, and cutouts for the charging port and camera mean you never have to take your iPad out of the case. Each PIVOT includes a folding front cover, which protects the screen when closed, but also becomes a stand for extended viewing sessions. On this new model, the molded detents for choosing a tilt angle are much improved over previous models.

PIVOT also plays well with other accessories. A snap-in section on the back of the case is the perfect place to store your Apple Pencil, so it doesn’t go rolling around the cockpit after you copy a clearance. It also works with Apple’s magnetic keyboard – simply remove a small part of the case and attach the keyboard. This really does make it a good option for everyday use, going from office to cockpit with little modification.

For the complete cockpit solution, you can remove the front cover (a connector slides out from the back of the case) and attach a suction cup. This is perfect for mounting the iPad on a side window, and the adjustable ball joint makes it easy to position the screen just where you need it.

The new PIVOT Case fits the iPad Pro 9.7″ and iPad Air 2, and is available for $139.95. The complete kit, including a suction cup mount and arm, is available for $174.95. Previous models of the PIVOT Case fit the iPad Air 1, Mini 1-3 and Mini 4.

4 replies
  1. Eric Shawl
    Eric Shawl says:

    To date I have not seen a good way to mount an iPad 9.7 in the cock pit of a Cessna 172S which has the G1000 panel. The only solution is really to mount it on a knee board but then that isn’t really the best because it you always have to look down at the iPad. If someone has a better way please let me know. The best solution that I have found is to mount it in the corner of the windscreen just left of the left seat. That isn’t ideal because it can block your view while looking for traffic.

  2. Bruce webbon
    Bruce webbon says:

    I have a 1975 C182P. I use a yoke mount to attach to the shaft between the yoke and the panel. I then used RAM components and assembled an “arm” that comes under the yoke and ends in the center of the yoke pad with the fitting for a Pivot case. The ipad ends up in the center of the yoke right where I wanted it and it is easily removed. The only drawback is it uses a lot of RAM pieces.

  3. Greg
    Greg says:

    Mini ipad is best option mounted on the yoke. Normal ipad is closing all instrument panel.

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