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Safest Tablet Mounts for Securing Devices in the Cockpit

Holding a phone, looking at the GPS, and driving a car can be dangerous. It may also mean that you will miss something important. 

The same holds true for a pilot flying an aircraft.  

In the cockpit, a pilot needs to have easy access to navigational tools and manuals on iPads that can remain visible for the duration of the flight. The pilot also needs to have the confidence there will be no mishaps with the mounts mid-air. 

Because there are a few different types and styles available, we can take a moment to discover some of the safest and most secure tablet mounts for your digital device in the cockpit. 

 

The Importance of Securing Digital Devices in the Cockpit

Securing digital devices in the cockpit can provide you with a hands-free flight experience – and there are a variety of ways to do this. 

There are kneeboards, yoke mounts, and leg mounts available to help you visibly see your iPad, tablet, or phone while flying. Keep in mind that these may involve looking down a lot during the flight, which is something not everyone can get used to despite how beneficial they may be.

In the cockpit, pilots want a comfortable and effective solution for being able to see their digital devices at eye level without crowding their person. 

Cockpit tablet mounts are the go-to solution. 

 

What to Look For in a Cockpit Tablet Mount

Tablet mounts can come in all different shapes, sizes, and designs. One tablet mount may not look like another. Though, this varying appearance does not mean one is less effective than another. 

What you should be looking for in a cockpit tablet mount is its strength to hold your device in place regardless of any turbulence you may experience as well as its level of flexibility. For instance, how easily can it be adjusted so that you can see it when you need to? 

There are different parts of tablet mounts that come together to create a functional unit. 

The Base

The base of the mount is what attaches to the aircraft itself. It does so securely so that it can keep your device in place. The base usually has an attached arm. 

 

The Arm

The arm of the tablet mount attaches to the base, usually using a ball-style mechanism. This allows it to move about freely, swiveling and pivoting as needed to obtain the right position. 

 

A Universal Cradle

The majority of cockpit tablet mounts will come with a universal cradle. That means it will hold devices of any type, i.e. phones, tablets, etc. The important part is to check its limits in size to ensure that your device will fit within its range. You are just looking at measurements here, not the make or model of your device. 

 

Types of Tablet Mounts

As mentioned, there are various types of tablet mounts available for use in the cockpit. Three of the most popular mounts include suction mounts, clamp mounts, and fixed mounts. 

Generally speaking, each of these mounts gets the job done. Which one you choose usually comes down to a personal preference. 

 

Suction Mounts

Suction mounts are very versatile as they can suction just about anywhere you can find a smooth surface that it can easily grip. In a cockpit, the surfaces where you can place a suction mount are often glass, metal, plastic, or acrylic. 

For the most part, suction mounts hold a grip well and keep tablets and phones securely in place. However, it should be noted that loss of suction is often the biggest complaint by those who use them. If you choose a suction mount, be sure to choose one from a manufacturer that has been tested with incredible holding strength. 

 

Clamp Mounts

As their name suggests, clamp mounts have to be attached to something. They clamp onto a surface in order to secure it. This surface needs to be secured in order to hold the mount securely. Unfortunately, these cannot be placed on windscreens or just any flat surface within the cockpit – unless it has a surface with the right diameter for clamping. 

 

Fixed/Bolted Mounts

Fixed mounts are permanent mounts. They are put in place and are not meant to be removed. This can be a perfect solution for jet owners. Otherwise, they are not an option that you, as a pilot, can take with you into whatever aircraft you are flying. 

 

MyGoFlight Mount Products

MyGoFlight (MGF) offers a plethora of mounting products, including those that are suctioned, bolted, and clamped. They are built with strength and durability in mind so that pilots can feel confident in their ability to securely hold devices. 

MGF understands the importance of these devices, such as having flexibility – and getting the perfect adjustment every time. Their flex arm system not only moves into the right spot, but it stays there, too.

Each pilot is different from the next. In other words, the mount that is preferred by one pilot may not be the first choice of another. Having options can ensure that every pilot is as comfortable as possible while in the cockpit – and that is exactly what MGF provides.

They also have mountable cradles, mountable adapters, mountable cases, kneeboards, anti-glare screen protectors, and more. 

Whether you are a flight student or a seasoned pilot, it is time to take advantage of what MGF has to offer the industry. 

 

CAU and MGF: A New Partnership

In January, it was announced that CAU has a new partnership with MGF. Students will be provided premium-grade aviator equipment to maintain safety within the cockpit while making the use of the digital mounts a standard practice in their future careers.  

Both CAU and MGF are dedicated to the next generation of pilots and strive to create a safe training and growth experience. The use of digital devices in the cockpit is only going to become more normalized going forward and using them should be second nature. For those at CAU, it will be – thanks to MGF. 

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