iPad Pros

First impressions after flying with the iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″

9 min read

Apple introduced two new iPad Pro models last week, available in 11″ and 12.9″ sizes, which are now available for sale. The new Pro models join the existing 10.5″ iPad and 9.7″ iPad models in the lineup and add powerful new processors and an edge-to-edge screen. Like with the iPhone X series, they also no longer have a home button and use FaceID as the primary form of unlocking the device. We’ve been using them here in the office and took them up on a few flights in a Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR22 – here are our initial thoughts.

Getting started on the ground

Apple has made the transition process from an old device to a new one easier than ever. First, verify that you have a recent iCloud backup on your older devices (it will automatically back up each time it’s plugged into the charger and connected to WiFi). Then, set the 2 devices side by side and the new iPad will automatically recognize the old one and begin the migration process. Once that begins you can walk away and let the new iPad download all your apps and preferences.

The physical size of the 11″ iPad is very close to the 10.5″, but the display itself is noticeably larger since it goes nearly edge-to-edge. It’s 3 mm wider, 4mm shorter and a hair (a noticeable hair) thinner. But none of those specs really matter as all you’ll see when you first power it up is the large, immersive screen. Without a home button to worry about, the surrounding bezel is a fraction of what it used to be, providing a lot more real estate for Apple’s liquid retina display.

The upgrade from the original 12.9″ Pro is good news for pilots too, as the bezel has been significantly reduced allowing for a much smaller footprint. It’s about the same size as a standard sheet of paper and 1 mm thinner than the previous 12.9″ model. This makes for a 25% reduction in total volume. We took it flying in a Cirrus SR22 and it worked out very well – more on that later.

Since TouchID is no longer an option with the removal of the home button, the new iPad Pro uses Apple’s high-tech FaceID facial recognition system to effortlessly, and securely, unlock the device. This uses small cameras and sensors located at the top of the screen to instantly analyze your face and unlock the screen. We’ve been using FaceID on the iPhone X for nearly a year now, and this technology works great. It takes less than 5 seconds for the device to scan your face, and then it’s just a matter of tapping the screen while your face is in relative proximity to unlock it. There are few new gestures to learn to interact with the screen and apps without the home button, but they quickly become second nature after some use.

FaceID on the iPad Pro worked great in the airplane, even while wearing sunglasses and a headset – and it’s noticeably faster than FaceID on the original iPhone X. While the camera is located at the top of the screen when in portrait orientation, it will also recognize your face and unlock when in the landscape orientation (something the iPhones can’t do). Just make sure that your kneeboard or mount doesn’t cover the sensors at the top of the screen when using this feature. It’s worth noting that you’re not required to use FaceID and can still use the traditional passcode method if you’d prefer.

Flying with the new iPad Pro 

Since the new iPad 11″ has nearly the same footprint as the iPad Pro 10.5″ and iPad 9.7″, it’s naturally a great fit in the airplane. The biggest benefit from the upgrade is the larger, edge-to-edge screen, which looks and feels really good in the cockpit. The processor is also noticeably faster at rendering charts and other graphics in aviation apps, but that’s more of a luxury at this point. The less-expensive iPad models that Apple currently offers are more than powerful enough to run all the features found in common aviation apps.

The 12.9″ iPad Pro is now a viable option for pilots to use in most GA cockpits.

In addition to the new 11″ iPad Pro, Apple is also shipping a new 12.9″ iPad Pro. This size has been available for a few years now and while it made a great laptop replacement, it was simply too big for most GA cockpits. That has changed with the latest version – it’s a solid option for pilots who want the biggest possible screen.

Like the 11″ model, the screen goes almost edge-to-edge with no home button, so while the screen is still quite large, the overall size is noticeably smaller: a full one inch less in width, 1/4 inch less in height, and about 15% thinner than the previous model. That’s a lot, and we had no trouble flying with it in a Cirrus using the MyClip Kneeboard.

The screen is the product here, and it’s gorgeous. Apple uses lots of catchphrases like ProMotion and True Tone but the result is a bright, high-resolution screen that looks great in the cockpit. In the Cirrus, with direct sun, we found the screen to be completely readable. There is some glare, but it’s far less than earlier iPad models.

We also tried out the new Apple Pencil 2 (don’t call it a stylus!). This turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and might actually be a useful tool for pilots. While the first generation Pencil was easy to write with, charging it was a pain and there was no place to store it – we’ve lost count of how many times we lost ours in the cockpit. The new Pencil 2 attaches to the side of the new iPad Pro via magnets, and it charges while it’s attached. It just makes sense: attach the pencil to the side when not in use and when you need it you’ll have a full battery. For copying ATIS or a long IFR clearance, it’s a handy tool.

We’ve heard some concerns from some pilots over the potential for 90+ magnets in the new iPads interfering with the airplane compass. These are used for the smart cover, pencil, keyboard connector, and other accessories. The reality is they are very small (remember, the iPad 11″ weighs less than the iPad Air), and we experienced no side effects or interference in flight with the compass or other avionics.

One thing you may notice though is that most apps will need an update to display full screen on both new iPad Pro models, otherwise you’ll see black bars at the top and bottom. ForeFlight and Sporty’s Pilot Training app were recently updated to provide full iPad Pro support and they look very nice on the larger screens.

iPad Pro Accessories

The next the thing to consider after upgrading to the new iPad Pro is how you will secure it in the airplane. If you prefer to use a kneeboard and go with the 11″ iPad Pro, there’s both good and bad news. On the plus side, it will fit perfectly in most kneeboards designed for the 10.5″ iPad Pro, like Sporty’s Flight Gear iPad Kneeboard, Flight Outfitters iPad Kneeboard, MyGoFlight’s Folio C kneeboard or the slimline iPad Rotating Kneeboard.

The caveat here is that because the new screen extends further towards the bezel, the clips or bands used to secure it in place end up covering the corners of the screen. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. As an alternative, you could use the MyClip iPad Kneeboard strap to secure either the 11″ or 12.9″ model to your leg, which uses two side clips that do not interfere with the screen.

There are also existing RAM mount options that work with new iPad Pro 11″, including the RAM 10″ X-grip and the RAM 10″ universal cradle. These can then be used with any of RAM’s attachment fixtures, like a suction cup or yoke mount. The small updates to the exterior dimensions of the iPad Pro 11″ model are just different enough though that the form-fitting cradles for the 10.5″ and 9.7″ models from RAM, MyGoFlight and Pivot will not work with the iPad 11″.

Another big change with the new iPad Pro models has to do with charging. Apple switched the port on these from the traditional Lightning connector to the more capable and widely-adopted USB-C type (the same charging port used by Stratus ADS-B receivers). Apple includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and 18W charger in the box, meaning you won’t be able to use the traditional USB-A wall plugs that came with previous iPad and iPhone models. There is an option here though if you’d prefer to charge using your existing wall-plugs – purchase a USB-C to USB-A cable, which will allow you to charge the iPad Pro from traditional USB ports or cigarette lighter adapters.

Many pilots like to carry spare battery packs for extra power insurance in the airplane, and the Flight Gear Battery Pack works great with the iPad Pro. This 20,000 mAh battery includes the same USB-C charging port as the iPad Pro (in addition to 3 USB-A ports), allowing you to directly plug your iPad Pro right into this battery pack with the included USB-C cable for fast charging.

Should I upgrade?

Both iPad Pro models are available with 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. The 11″ model starts at $799 ($150 more than the 10.5″ iPad Pro) for the WiFi only option and goes up to $1,699 for the 1TB model with cellular data. The 12.9″ model starts at $999 and can reach a jaw-dropping price of $1,899 with 1TB and cellular data. Like all previous iPads, you’ll need to buy the model with cellular data to get the internal GPS.

These new iPad Pro models join Apple’s entry-level “iPad” that was updated earlier this year. This basic model retains the familiar 9.7″ size and features Apple’s modestly-powerful A10 Fusion processor. Best of all it starts at a fraction of the price of the new iPad Pros at only $329. Apple is still selling the same iPad 10.5″ iPad Pro too, starting at $649.

So which model is best for pilots? For those on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the less-expensive iPad model. You can upgrade to the larger 128GB model and still keep the price under $430. This features a bright retina screen and a processor that will effortlessly run all the high-end features in today’s aviation apps.

For those who want the latest and greatest and a truly incredible screen, it’s worth considering the new 11″ Pro. This iPad will provide the best user experience available today with a noticeably larger display, high-performance processor and FaceID, all while maintaining a form factor that is easily manageable in the cockpit.

And for the ultimate big-screen experience on the flight deck, we can now recommend the new 12.9″ iPad Pro thanks to its 25% smaller size. It’s not cheap, but for those who like the big display and unsuccessfully tried to shoehorn the original 12.9″ model in the cockpit, the new one is worth a second look.

 

40 replies
  1. Alan Gideon
    Alan Gideon says:

    Like every other pilot, I always have my cell phone with me in the air. Instead of buying an iPad with cellular service to get a GPS, can I Bluetooth that signal from my phone to a non-cellular iPad instead? Or have I missed some critical variable in the equation?

    • Dave Penney
      Dave Penney says:

      I have a non-GPS iPad. I don’t know the answer to your question but I would recommend getting an external GPS source like a Stratus (or similar) because you’ll also get ADS-B data as well as GPS. The Stratus 1 would one of the more economical way to do it and with newer models out there, you may be able to find a good deal on a used one.

    • Rick G
      Rick G says:

      Yes, it will work. However the GPS signal in the phone is not really a ‘real GPS’. The phone uses cell towers for location. You need an external GPS source like Bad Elf, Stratus, Garmin, etc… some aircraft permit pairing with the aircrafts avionics, like the Cirrus Garmin Perspective equipment. If you are just using older aircraft you will need an accurate external GPS source paired with either blue tooth or WiFi if you want more than charts.

      I would not recommend buying a new iPad without the button for aviation use due to the problem I listed in my other post.

      • Loren D. Jones
        Loren D. Jones says:

        This is factually incorrect. You can completely disable the cellular connection and the GPS chip in the iPhone will still deliver up to 3 meter accuracy. It’s a fully functional GPS receiver.

        • Brandon Adams
          Brandon Adams says:

          Correct! While they can triangulate more accurately with cell towers in the area, they certainly can use GPS without any cellular connection.

          That being said you’re still better off using a Bad Elf or Stratus for a more accurate GPS signal.

      • Rudi
        Rudi says:

        It is a ‚real‘ GPS and the statement is wrong. Apple uses added assists to the original GPS to speed first fix when the device is switched on. Due to the design decision Apple only offers GPSonCellular chips, though.

  2. Rick G
    Rick G says:

    I have some apps that require using the button to make them clear the screen. also if your screen locks, looking at the screen to unlock it, while on a bumpy approach could cause vertigo. This face ID unlock is an extremely bad idea and could be dangerous for pilots.
    If you have an iPhone X try opening it with sun glasses on. Your problems compound with these new iPads.

    Developers for aviation apps need to move to a new platform if this is where Apple is going.

    • John W
      John W says:

      I have a simple solution to the problem. Keep your iPad unlocked. One may say “but then someone could use or steal my iPad”, and while that may be true, why are you leaving your iPad laying around? My iPad is strictly for aviation or it stays at home. If I want to go somewhere and have an iPad, I will either take my 9.7” Pro or just have my laptop. I also use my iPhone in the aircraft with a MGF phone holder, and keep my phone unlocked until the flight is over, and turn Face ID or passcode back on. Another solution to keeping your device locked is to keep the screen off to “Never” and dim your display.

  3. John Calk
    John Calk says:

    I dont agree that the facial recognition technology works on the iphone X with headsets on. Not a big deal to type in the password but thought i should respond since the article says the opposite of my experience

    • Rick G
      Rick G says:

      I agree, with you. The Micro Soft had the face ID on it and it was terrible. I really didn’t want it on my iPhone but they removed the finger print ID from the iPhone X. It will not open if you are wearing sun glasses, or foggles…
      Try to get your charts wearing foggles.
      I think the face ID is fun for kids… dangerous for pilots.

    • Tom Mangione
      Tom Mangione says:

      Apple has added the ability to add a second Face ID profile to help address this issue. Put on your headset, glasses, etc. and add another scan under the setup an alternate appearance setting. It has made this a non issue for me.

      • Walt Rud
        Walt Rud says:

        FaceID is the only thing I really don‘t like on my new iPad! It is unreliable, clumsy and a new dimension of electronic waste into our environment. I wished they never took the road from TouchID to FaceID.

  4. Eric Trehus
    Eric Trehus says:

    The new iPad Pro FaceID feature is supposed to work in multiple orientations. That is not true of the iPhone X. FaceID uses machine learning, and will likely learn to recognize you with headset and sun glasses over time if not immediately. I have to believe that Apple has made FaceID better in this revision. I’ll be getting one soon. I can say this, we are all speculating on this device in the cockpit except the author.

    I have the sporty mount that uses straps and rotates. I do not like the straps, even with the 9.7. So I bought a cheap iPad cover, and Velcro that to the sporty kneeboard. This works very well. I will buy a cheap case for the 11” and match the Velcro layout. I buy additional cheap cases so I can use the iPad in a case without Velcro on the bottom.

    I don’t miss the built in GPS as any compatible ADSB in solution that works with ForeFlight or Garmin Pro is good enough.

  5. Gregg B
    Gregg B says:

    I can’t tell you how many times I have used my IPad’s connectivity to my advantage on the ground after leaving the FBO. Having the georeferenced charts is worth the $150 difference in price the first time your external GPS battery dies just before an approach in actual. You dont even have to buy the monthly cell service to use the advantages of the built in GPS in the enabled models.

    On Verizon, I keep a 1GB plan on my IPad for $15 per month. Rarely go over if I use wireless on the ground or teather to my unlimited phone when expecting to use significant data when away from wireless, (Which is rare)

    We’re flying machines that cost at a minimum or $120/hour to fly and cheaping out on a $15/month cellular capable IPad? “Inconceivable” Unless your flying VFR only low and slow. Then just look outside and enjoy the view.

  6. Ali
    Ali says:

    Rick the GPS in the iPhone is a true GPS. However it also uses cell towers so it is in fact at times more accurate than a GPS only unit. I have used my phone many times for GPS when I am nowhere near cell towers.

  7. David Baldwin
    David Baldwin says:

    I want the new 12.9 iPad, BUT I want to use the Appareo Stratus Horizon Pro’s Radio Transcript upcoming feature, which requires the Stratus Audio Cable. The Radio Playback feature captures Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications and saves them for easy one-touch playback, (and will be coming out with transcription), but the new iPads have eliminated the 3.5mm earphone jack… Will Appareo make a cable (or bluetooth?) to still have this feature??

    • Walt Rud
      Walt Rud says:

      Couple of years ago, I would have agreed. Now, as many aircraft and also mine are equipped with BT capable audio panels, the issue is a non.

  8. Stephen Leonard
    Stephen Leonard says:

    Are these new iPad models as prone to overheating and shutting down when you need them most as the older models were? I switched from a lovely kneepad to a MyClip iPad strap to leave the metal back of the iPad exposed to cooling air, and it helped some, but if the sun is shining on the iPad I still cover it with a piece of paper when I’m not looking at it. Otherwise, if you’re cruising in sunshine above an undercast, it will invariably pick the moment you start to descend into the clag to overheat and shut down.

  9. Kenny
    Kenny says:

    I read all this info and I see nothing about how these compare to an IPad mini which I have. I like the size of the IPad mini for use in the cockpit.

    • Brandon Adams
      Brandon Adams says:

      That’s because they are all significantly larger and they know Apple isn’t going to give us an updated mini so they don’t bother trying to compare. It sucks, but it is what it is. Just make sure to close all other apps other than FF to help your mini out.

  10. Bret Koebbe
    Bret Koebbe says:

    I wanted to add some additional observations to the iPad Pro article I wrote here after reading some of the comments and flying 2 hours yesterday with the iPad Pro 11” in a Mooney M20R. First, don’t let the new FaceID feature make or break your decision on moving to this new model. The big display and lightning-fast processor are really what make it the best iPad ever.

    If you have any concern about FaceID usability or reliability, simply disable that feature in the main iPad settings and go back to using a 4-digit passcode (or none at all). This worked well in the cockpit for the first 4 or 5 generations of iPads and works equally as well on the new models.

    With that being said, I’ve been flying with an iPhone X since last December and use the FaceID all the time in the cockpit to unlock it, while wearing a Bose A20 headset and sunglasses. The plane I fly has Garmin GTN 650/750 and a Bendix/King MFD, and there has never been an issue with the infrared FaceID cameras “flooding” or adversely affecting the avionics.

    What I found interesting during yesterday’s flight in the Mooney is that FaceID on the new iPad is so fast and accurate, it makes the unlock time on the iPhone X now feel slow. I had the iPad 11” strapped to my knee, and all you have to do is tap the screen to wake it up, and it instantly recognizes your face and unlocks. During this flight I was wearing a Bose A20 and sunglasses, and didn’t have to make any intentional head movements or bend my neck to look down – it just works.

    And yes we’re really hoping Apple revisits the iPad Mini in 2019. An upgrade is desperately needed, and an edge-to-edge screen on a 7” tablet would be a home run in the cockpit. Feel free to write us at [email protected] if you have additional questions on flying with these new iPads.

    Bret

    • Dave Bry
      Dave Bry says:

      Yes. USB C is a standard configuration that will work on the new iPad Pro as well as your Samsung. The charge time may be very long if you’re using a low amperage charger.

  11. Jeff Rhodes
    Jeff Rhodes says:

    I fly a Premier 1 and love the mini Ipad 4.
    Have it mounted on the yoke with a MyGoFlight mount and it works great.
    I use a iPad Pro for backup.
    Both are great tools.

  12. Walt Rud
    Walt Rud says:

    Thank you for the impressions article! As my iPad was due to change anyways, I took it into my buying decision and finally went 12.9, had a first 172 FF IFR flight and am happy with it.

    Nothin’ beats displacement,
    nothin’ beats screen estate!

    • Scott Porter
      Scott Porter says:

      Did you use a yoke mount? I’d love to go 12.9 but worry about it being too big in the C172. Your post is encouraging.

      • Walt Rud
        Walt Rud says:

        No, I did not. I had a Mini mounted on the yoke long time ago, but found the maps movement irritating in IFR flight. For VFR it was kind of ok, until I fitted an autopilot. The weight of the iPad as a moving mass interferes with the autopilot, which may be only stupid in VFR, but dangerous in IMC.

        Remember the time you used a paper chart and use the large iPad as you did the old charts and you‘ll be fine! 🙂

  13. Brian Anderson
    Brian Anderson says:

    I will not be buying the new models mainly because Apple chosebto eliminate the headphone jack. They sell a headphone adapter but it uses the same receptacle as the charger, and I need both. I have a Stratus Power port to power iPad in flight, and the headphone jack provides traffic alerts and other audible annunciations thru my intercom with ForeFlight and Stratus ADD-B in.

  14. Shaun Flannery
    Shaun Flannery says:

    Hey guys…I’ve been flying in a Oremier 1a and a B200….between cruise altitudes of 16500 and FL220. I can’t get a reliable built in GPS signal with the new iPad Pro. It drops out and doesn’t come back until we reach the ground. I think this is a problem because my co-pilots prior generation works and so does my iPhone 7. We never relied on a third party ads-b device in the years prior. Anyone else?

  15. Shaun Flannery
    Shaun Flannery says:

    Still happening….unreliable GPS reception in my new 12.9 IPad Pro. I don’t currently have a cellular plan. But neither did the two iPad minis in the aircraft. They were receiving fine. Please chime in if you are also having this problem.

  16. Boris Vasilev
    Boris Vasilev says:

    Had the new pro 11 the day it came out. Logged maybe 40 hours with it so far as a CFII. Pencil works great for taking notes. Love the bigger screen size. Internal GPS stinks. On my first generation iPads and even my first generation iPad Pro I could use the gps without a stratus and it would work well but with reduced accuracy. I did not need the stratus all the time if I wanted a quick position fix unless I was up high and going very fast say above 10k. Now with this new one unless you are running a stratus or connected to an external gps forge
    about it. Only time I have seen it just work without a stratus is low and slow. Not a huge deal as I carry one in my flight bag all the time.

  17. Feroze Abbas
    Feroze Abbas says:

    My iPad Pro 11” looses geo reference after FL320 while iPad Air 2 and iPhone X continue to show plane on charts. Decending below FL320 brings back geo reference. Other pilot’s pro 11” shows similar behavior. I might go back to older model if this does not resolved soon.

  18. Pedro
    Pedro says:

    I have been using the iPad Pro 11 on and off depending on type of flight since the day it came out. I was using the myclip strap which works well, but isn’t the best. Are there any new knee board solutions for the iPad Pro 11 inch? I can’t seem to find any online. Flying primarily in a 172 for now until I finish all my ratings.

  19. Ricardo Ferreira
    Ricardo Ferreira says:

    Hello, change my ipad pro first generation by the ipad pro 11 inch with cellular plan. in the new the gps does not work in flight, only on land. I already went to Apple and they changed it, but the problem persists.
    I use Jeppesen, Winx and Garmin applications and in no one does the GPS work in flight.
    I have changed the settings of each of them, without result.
    Does anyone have a suggestion?

  20. Erich
    Erich says:

    Same GPS problem here. I use it in an A330 with Jepp. GPS reception in direct comparison with th 9.7 pro is very bad…

  21. Ross Taylor
    Ross Taylor says:

    I just got an iPad Pro 11 to use with my Garmin Pilot subscription and was disappointed to see that the display doesn’t look like that shown in the photos above, which goes all the way to the bezel… is that ForeFlight? I hadn’t seen mention of this anywhere, so I contacted Garmin. Garmin says it’s a known issue and, for now, the display will have black bars top/bottom (or side/side) that reduce the actual screen display area.

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