A Perfect Pairing: The RAM Mount and the iPad Mini
Readers of this blog will recall my November post detailing a flight test with the iPad Mini. At that time, few mounting options were available for the new device. However, Dad recently received products from RAM Mounting Systems for use in the airplane. Upon their arrival, a trip to the airport was in order. Brief examination found the RAM Mounts to be very well suited for use in the plane, a Cessna 182.
The mounting system we used is a two-part unit with each piece sold separately, for a combined price of around $55. The suction cup mount is the RAM Twist Lock Suction Cup with Double Socket Arm and Round Base Adapter. The iPad Mini is enclosed in the RAM EZ-ROLL’R™ Model Specific Cradle for the Apple iPad mini WITHOUT CASE, SKIN OR SLEEVE, which attaches to the suction cup mount. Descriptions of these products are available here and here.
Initial impressions of the suction cup suggest that it will mount easily to an aircraft windshield. The mount can be used in either portrait or landscape orientation, but we found that the landscape orientation would cover parts of the airspeed indicator and other instruments. However, in portrait mode, the mount allowed the iPad Mini to be easily used and viewed, without covering any of the panel.
A view of the iPad Mini / RAM Mount, seen from the left seat of a Cessna 182. As you can see, the device is easy to see and use. It also doesn’t cover any instruments, or limit visibility.
Another view of the RAM Mount with an iPad Mini, viewed from the right seat. Here you can get a better idea of the device’s placement on the windshield in relation to the panel and the left side door.
This close-up view demonstrates the design of the two-piece mounting system and how it securely holds the iPad Mini. The round disc just below the iPad is not part of the RAM Mount…it is an old mount for a Garmin GPS unit.
This view from outside the airplane demonstrates the design of the mount, and how it secures the iPad Mini with multiple locking points.
The RAM Mount provides an excellent combination of security and flexibility. The suction cup mount seems to hold securely to proper surfaces, and accidentally prying the iPad Mini from its grip seems impossible. The overall construction, design, and quality seem to be top-notch. Although it holds devices securely, the mount offers numerous, easy-to-use adjustments. It is a simple matter to change the viewing angle of the device to one’s personal preference.
All in all, the RAM Mount seems to be the ideal companion for the iPad Mini in an airplane. It mounts perfectly on one side of the windshield, thus integrating itself with the instrument panel in a way yoke mounts and kneeboards never can. Simple adjustments allow users to modify its viewing angle to their personal liking, and the quality and durability seem to be first-rate.
A brief note…this mounting system was tested in a Cessna 182, so I cannot vouch for the best mounting locations in other types of aircraft. It is up to the user to determine the best mounting position in their particular aircraft.
Questions and feedback are welcome, via Twitter at @mdgjedde or the Comments section of this blog.
Thoughts from Aloft 
Reblogged this on jordanacosta28's Blog.
How do you think it would fit in a 172P?
Thanks for the comment! I can’t say for sure, but I would expect that this setup would work fine in a 172. I say this because of the very similar cockpit layout. It’s worth a try, I think, and if you set it up, please let me know!
Thanks for reading Thoughts from Aloft.
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How strong is the suction cup? Does it hold well for the mini?
Hey Mike, yes, the suction cup holds really well. I’ve personally never had an issue – the key is to clean the window with a cloth or handkerchief prior to attaching the mount, to clear away any trapped dirt or dust that may become trapped between the window and the mount.
Hope this helps! Thanks for reading.