what's everyones thoughts on the iPad Mini for flying? I don't know, but I have used ozrunways on the normal iPad a few times and am looking to buy. The smaller size is obviously a drawcard for the mini, but will it be big enough to display the approach plates and be readable? Obviously nobody has used one yet, but it'd be good to hear from some current users what they think.

iPad Mini
 

I'd be interested in anybody's experiences with the iPad Mini and Ozrunways also?

Has anybody had a read of CAO 82.0 Amendment Instrument 2012 (No 2) 14th November 2012 re EFB - sorry I don't have a link

Well there you go...the NFRM has just been published:

Civil Aviation Safety Authority - NFRM 1211OS

Doncha Just lurve those CASA types for their propensity for stoopid acronyms.....

COTS = commercial off the shelf..?? DOH!!!

I couldn't keep up with them even when I was still working......and, as far as the intro goes, nil further mention of 'COTS'....


(Wot was TAAAAAATS...again..??)
:yuk:

Only have had a chance for a quick review but I'm getting the following gist (please feel free to correct)

Basically I can use my iPad with ozrunways for all of my DAPS needs (plus POH & checklists etc) and don't need to carry paper backup, PROVIDED I have a backup device. It would seem that my iPhone (with ozrunways installed etc) would cover this, provided I was satisfied that the screen size was acceptable.

Once we move into the realm of AOC ops, the above is true but I need to vary my AOC and implement training 'stuff' ( like an EFB administrator, and pilot traing etc) to ensure compliance with the new AOC section.

Equally, I can use my iPad on a knee-dock during ALL phases of flight, provided I am satisfied that it does not pose an interference risk.

Is this about right, or am I a terminally disfunctional legislation reader, who should have spent more time reading before posting?

Yer disfunctional! :O

Must admit I have not read all of it, but Annex A (Comments) page A7 at the bottom:

Now if you had a nice big 4.8 incher, you'd be OK!

The other issue is whether Baswell and gang is a "CASA approved provider" (CAAP section 6.4).

Yes (Comments, page A5, comment 5).

I think at a glance this is written for AOC holders.

Nothing for PVT ops I reckon.

Happy to be wrong.

Fair cop! More reading for me:oh:

My mission is to avoid paper updates - will get there (one of these fine days!)

You are, Bloggs! :}

:ok:

Owrighty. I think I'm getting closer to my paperless plan!

If I have two iPads with a CASA approved provider (if Baswell and co. don't cut it I can use jep charts). Primary iPad can be on my knee and secondary iPad in my flighty bag and ... VOILA! ... Paper-shredder time!!

What does amuse me though (why do I have this insidious feeling that Capn Bloggs is going to make me look like an idjit ... again!) is that I have an Avidyne EX500 with charts and it seems like the rules prohibit that from being the backup (or in reality the reverse) for my EFB.

Note to Baswell and co. Assuming ozrunways is, or can be, a CASA approved supplier; can we have a subscription service for 2 iPads, rather than 1 iPad & 1 iPhone?

Interesting response from CASA under the NFRM in response to one of the submitted comments:

The legal question is do AvPlan and OzRunways (and others) have the legal authority to distribute aviation information as directed under CAR 233 1(h). Until that point is clarified (and other contractual requirements satisfied between those parties and AsA) then the apps will continue to be placarded 'Not for use in air navigation', and cannot be used as a paper replacement.

Bevan..

And they wonder why we simple folk get confused....and love to blme them for our confused state :sad:

So Bloggs,

Where is the CAAP for PVT ops?

Yeah I am lazy, but today my excuse is bloody busy!:}

"Due to the cost-containment policies in place here, all requirements/guidance for use of EFBs are in the one document. Private operators may ignore all text beginning with "AOC holders must...".

:} :ok:

So back to the ipad mini..
Anyone used it in flight?
Will the wifi version only do the trick?

It works as good as any other iPad. :) With the WiFi only version, as usual, you will need a Bluetooth GPS like Garmin GLO.

Actually, I really like the size of the thing. Can wait for the iPad Mini 2 with retina display. :)

I saw in their FAQ that the iPhone doesn't meet the size requirements, but didn't see anything about the mini. I think it's a perfect size.

While it is not A5, this is only a "recommended minimum". If you can demonstrate to yourself it is suitable, it's fine. That's the way I read it.

I also questions their assessment the iPhone is not suitable as backup. IT'S A BACKUP! Used only if the main one fails, which is an extremely rare occurrence.

At the very least there should be a difference made between IFR and day VFR. Flying a plate from an iPhone on a stormy night probably isn't a good idea. For Day VFR, and iPhone plugged into ships power is all you need, especially as backup.