We have recently written about why pilots might not want to upgrade their iPad or iPhone just yet due to problems with their latest operating system but John Ewing of Aviation Mentor has just written about a whole list of problems that pilots are experiencing with iPads as electronic flight bags. Specifically, the list of problems noted by John included:
- Out-of-date/missing charts
- GPS reception
- Bluetooth issues
- Chart apps with incomplete data
- SIM cards rattling loose (which knocks out the GPS)
- Apps crashing
- Overheating
- Battery issues
John then went into considerable detail about all of these issues along with the solutions or partial solutions that can resolve or at least mitigate these problems. He also suggested investing in a USB charger solely for use in the aircraft (in case you forget to fully charge your iPad by leaving it plugged in all night), put your iPad into sleep mode when you aren’t using the display (to preserve its battery power), keep your iPad out of direct sunlight and to do a dry run a day or two before a flight (or before you file a flight plan) to make sure that all of your apps and charts are up-to-date and functioning properly.
In other words and if you use an iPad as an electronic flight bag, John’s entire post (plus our previous post about issues iPad owners experience with the latest upgrades) is a must read before you depart on your next flight.
