Size does matter...

Constructive topics of interest related to aviation that do not match the other section descriptions below (as long as it is somewhat related to aviation, flying, learning to fly, sport pilot, light sport aircraft, etc.). Please, advertisements for Viagra will be promptly deleted!"

Moderator: drseti

Post Reply
User avatar
FastEddieB
Posts: 2880
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm
Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA

Size does matter...

Post by FastEddieB »

...but so does viewing distance.

I recently have made about a dozen flights using just my iPhone 6+ as an EFB, instead of my iPad Mini.

What has made it more practical is mounting it on a longer RAM arm, putting it much closer to my face:

Image

At that distance, it’s not hard to zoom in on details when needed, or out to get the big picture. I still keep the Mini handy, and on a long cross country to unfamiliar territory I might still use it instead. But the iphone is quite usable as a navigator in its own right.
Fast Eddie B.
Sky Arrow 600 E-LSA • N467SA
CFI, CFII, CFIME
[email protected]
Wm.Ince
Posts: 1080
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2013 3:27 pm
Location: Clearwater, FL

Re: Size does matter...

Post by Wm.Ince »

Good report.
The 6+ is my 3rd nav backup. Even without GPS, the charting capability is awesome on these devices.
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
User avatar
Jim Hardin
Posts: 274
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2017 1:33 pm

Re: Size does matter...

Post by Jim Hardin »

I haven't tried it mounted. Keep mine in my shirt pocket and pull it out from time to time to see if I'm still in the same state :D

NICE picture!
TimTaylor
Posts: 1594
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 7:17 pm

Re: Size does matter...

Post by TimTaylor »

The main problem might be trying to tap on the desired screen location. Why not use your iPad?
Retired from flying.
User avatar
FastEddieB
Posts: 2880
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:33 pm
Location: Lenoir City, TN/Mineral Bluff, GA

Re: Size does matter...

Post by FastEddieB »

TimTaylor wrote:The main problem might be trying to tap on the desired screen location.
I usually hook my fingers around the back of the case, and tap with my thumb. It works.
Why not use your iPad?
As I said, I probably will for longer flights. It’s close to an ideal size, but it’s still a bit cumbersome in the Sky Arrow cockpit:

Image

My left hand feels a bit trapped by it, and I have to reach around it to get to the flaps. It would work in my lap, but I don’t like having to look down that much - I prefer it closer to eye level where I might spot traffic with my peripheral vision. Not a deal breaker, but my point was more about how adequate just the iPhone is in its own right.
Fast Eddie B.
Sky Arrow 600 E-LSA • N467SA
CFI, CFII, CFIME
[email protected]
TimTaylor
Posts: 1594
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 7:17 pm

Re: Size does matter...

Post by TimTaylor »

I agree, the iPhone is very adaquate. The iPad Mini is even more so. I can see, in your case, the iPad might get in the way at times.
Retired from flying.
User avatar
Jim Hardin
Posts: 274
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2017 1:33 pm

Re: Size does matter...

Post by Jim Hardin »

Makes you wonder what we did when paper charts were all we had :shock:

The iPhone does everything I need in flight for navigation. I even put up a little HSI on it to further simplify readout. I use the iFly program and their 720 stays at home most of the time these days. I also do my detail planning on my PC version so that in flight I only need to know if I am on course and how long to WP and Destination. I've been trying to convince them to put those items an Apple watch so I can leave the phone alone and just get what I need from the watch.
Post Reply