Kick the Kneeboard - Something Missing?

[waynemcc999]

We’ve already shed reams and reams of paper from the cockpit… Why not complete the transition? I understand that getting rid of a paper notepad and a kneeboard is not for everyone… but for me, with a little perseverance, this transition has improved the accuracy of my ATC communications and, I believe, also improved overall safety. What do you see as pros/cons of a cockpit devoid of paper?

Thoughts, questions, and suggestions? I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for your insight and enjoy the video!
Wayne, the GeezerGeek Pilot

[blsewardjr]

Wayne- Nice video and interesting ideas. In my steam-gauge DA40 I have my Ipad Air 3rd gen on my right leg with clips. Tried Mini, just too small, especially for looking at Nexrad Radar, plus anywhere I put it with suction cups it seemed either in the way and/or vibrated too much. When I put it where you have it I had it plugged into ship's power and was forever yanking the power cord at the end of the flight when I forgot to disconnect before I lifted the canopy. Finally, I found it hard to write on it with my right hand when mounted on the left side.

I tried going paperless on my Ipad Air, including checklists, but found switching back and forth within FF to be clumsy . So now, like you, I enter ATC headings, altitudes and frequencies into the avionics, but I still copy clearances on a small notebook and use a custom one page (front and back) checklist (easier for it to become a "check" list instead of a "to do" list). I may give the clearances another try, though, especially if I have an Apple pencil. Bernie

[waynemcc999]

Bernie, from what I hear/read, the Apple pencil may be a big help for Clearances (I just "get by" with the stylus on clearances). But the Gen2 pencil isn't available for the iPad Mini. If you try the pencil, pls post a PIREP.
Oh, with the 6-pack DA40 I'd also want the bigger iPad.
Thanks for the solid feedback.
Wayne

[Boatguy]

I've used an iPad Mini and Apple Pencil gen 1 on a kneeboard for almost a year. I use the MyClip kneeboard because it allows the pad to cool more effectively. In normal use the battery is good for about 6hrs of flying, but I also have USB outlets if needed. The pencil goes the distance with no problem. The pencil is attached to the MyClip with velcro.

I use three apps:

- Foreflight: Primarily for approach plates, but at times for all the other goodies in FF. I don't normally use the moving map since I have the MFD and an inset/CDI map on the PFD.

- Good Notes: I have DEP/Enroute/ARR templates (multiple page document) where I write static data for reference, clearances, freqs, record hours, record ATC instructions as necessary, etc. I also have a few static reference documents such as gaits, PIREP form, etc.

- MiraCheck (without the voice): All of my checklists. MiraCheck makes it easy to modify and change my checklists as well as configure the checklists for different situations (e.g., departing a tie down versus departing my hangar for an overnight trip).

A swipe of three fingers moves me from one app to the next.

The only paper in my cockpit is the G1000 cockpit guide (it's got a great TOC), and a hardcopy of the emergency procedures checklist.

[waynemcc999]

Russ, as seems to often be the case... we're pretty much in sync! I'm going to give the Gen1 Apple Pencil a try.
Thanks!
Wayne

[CFIDave]

Wayne:
I only use a clipboard with pen and paper for clearances. When flying in the US northeast corridor it's not unusual to get IFR routes with 8-10 or more waypoints and airways. It's challenging to write everything down with shorthand on paper as quickly as the controller reads the clearance. And it's not just something you do before takeoff: We routinely get "New clearance, ready to copy?" from ATC while flying.

You also need a clipboard for those -- hopefully seldom -- occasions when ATC gives you a phone number to call when you're back on the ground!

[waynemcc999]

Dave, points well taken. Thx. For me, clearances (initial and major updates) are still a work-in-process with my e-scribbling (w stylus)... but it's getting better, and has worked well enough for the last two years. I'm hoping the Apple Pencil will make it close to as easy as a paper notepad... even for that phone number ).
Cheers,
Wayne

[Rich]

I had a thought I'll be trying out. Because it's somewhat inconvenient to jump to the scratchpad screen while enroute, just try writing the change right on the chart. For example, near CLARA, I got a clearance Direct JJETT. Just write "D" and an arrow to JJETT. After (or later in) the flight, I can just clear all annotations.

[Rich]

I had a thought I'll be trying out. Because it's somewhat inconvenient to jump to the scratchpad screen while enroute, just try writing the change right on the chart. For example, near CLARA, I got a clearance Direct JJETT. Just write "D" and an arrow to JJETT. After (or later in) the flight, I can just clear all annotations.

With this in mind, I just "adjusted" my EZ-roller iPad cradle to be Apple Pencil friendly. Love Dremel

[Rich]

I've done some experimenting with using the keyboard in the scratchpad. Given I use an 11" iPad in landscape and my questionable penmanship, this really looks promising for certain stuff, like frequency, altitude, and heading changes.