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Apple specifically mentioned pilots when it released the 2021 iPad mini, so we interviewed 35 year aviator Scott Oglesby to learn more about its usefulness in the cockpit.
Scott Oglesby has been flying planes since 1985, and after a multi-year hiatus returned to a new technology-driven form of flying in 2013. Prior to the ubiquity of internet connectivity and the introduction of iPad, pilots were required to plot routes on physical maps with pencils and call airports for a weather forecast.
Today, most of the information needed for a flight can be found in a single app. From wind speed at varying altitudes to visibility conditions at any airport, pilots can now safely rely on iPad for a majority of their workflow.
Scott has been using iPad mini for years, utilizing the app ForeFlight for all his journeys, especially when flying older aircraft with minimal modern technology.
In some planes, like Scott’s new 1940’s Piper, space inside the cockpit is very limited. While the larger 12.9-inch iPad is visually appealing, iPad mini is easier to mount and use inside these confined spaces.
Every few years Scott upgrades his iPad mini, and the new 2021 model is an attractive upgrade. The larger 8.3-inch screen would improve data visibility on flight maps, plus the A15 Bionic is noticeably faster than his current iPad mini.
Overall, iPad mini truly is an ideal device for certain pilots, and this redesigned version is a welcome improvement. You can read our full review of iPad mini and find the latest deals in our iPad mini 2021 Price Guide, with instant savings and exclusive discounts at your fingertips.
