1)  Apparently new users of iPads in commercial/military applications have to carry paper charts for six months when they start using an iPad.  Once they go six months without breaking the seal on the paper charts, then they no longer have to carry them.  I may have those details a little fuzzy as it was not the topic of our discussion -- just a side question asked in passing.  What this tells me is that there are teething pains for each application and the iPad, while really cool and offering a lot, is not robust for all applications "right out of the box".  The next comment might show how you get it more reliable in a new aircraft.

 

2)  The more important thing for Lancair and RV pilots, or basically any "bubble canopy" airplane, is that you should position the iPad so the sun doesn't shine directly on it.  In this context, "directly" means with the sun rays normal to (perpendicular to) the screen.  Angle the screen so the sun reflects off (rather than directly back) and the unit doesn't absorb as much heat, and will run longer.  I was told they have an internal thermal shutoff at 120 F.  I'm not sure I believe that, though.  Bottom line, keep it in the shade if possible, and if not, angle it so the sun is not directly on the screen, and you should have pretty good results.  At least, that's Jeppesen's story. 

 

3)  As Skip says, and Jeppesen confirmed, a lot of operators use this every day.  Based on the above comments, an airliner or biz-jet environment should be way more benign for an iPad, which may be why their adoption has been so widespread in those circles.  Jeppesen has a lot of money tied up in supporting these puppies.  They wouldn't do that if the iPad was too flaky for aeronautical use.

 

What did I learn?  Keep it out of the sun as much as possible.

 

- Rob Wolf