Flight Gear BiFold Kneeboard for iPad - Hands-on Pilot Review from Sporty's Doug Ranly

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Kneeboards have changed drastically over the last 30 years. Once used for charts and flight plan forms, kneeboards are now used to hold the most trusted navigational tool: an iPad, tablet, or phone. (A mere 15 years ago, Sporty’s best selling kneeboard still had a pencil sharpener on it!) While our chart-specific kneeboards are still available, most pilots have switched over to a kneeboard designed around holding an iPad or tablet.
Sporty’s Flight Gear iPad Bi-fold kneeboard has quickly become a favorite at Sporty’s flight school. The design incorporates two movable brackets that allow you to fit almost any iPad or tablet with almost any case. The vinyl-coated metal brackets are extra strong and are held in place by hook and loop fasteners. This allows them to expand and contract to work with different sizes and thicknesses of tablets. The brackets and mounting surface can be orientated for portrait or landscape viewing.
The back side of the mounting surface has an integrated kickstand. We’ve found that an iPad laying flat on your lap has a lot of glare coming in through the front windows. By using the kickstand and angling the tablet towards you, not only does it provide a better viewing angle, it also eliminates much of the glare. The kickstand is adjustable in height, and can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. Flip it down for takeoff and up for cruise.
The side flap of the kneeboard has two flat pockets for storing charging cables and screen cleaning cloths. These flat pockets are constructed with extra soft, velvet style material to accept Sporty’s Gear Mods. Gear Mods allow you to further customize your kneeboard with additional pockets and organizers. A zipper pocket is perfect for backup batteries or small Bluetooth GPS units. The zipper has a protective flap so you don’t have to worry about damaging your tablet screen when it is closed. The center of the kneeboard has two loops for holding a stylus, pen, or even a small flashlight. There is even a hole that allows you to fold the side flap underneath the board when not in use while still utilizing the elastic knee strap-a low profile option for tight cockpits.
Closing the kneeboard reveals a well designed front flap with an ID holder for a business card or photo ID. A flat pocket provides just enough space for a chart, checklist, or small notepad. The side of the kneeboard that sits on your leg features two extra-thick padded strips. This provides comfort and increased stability while the kneeboard is strapped to your leg.
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[@ralphstrahm4429]

Thanks for the video. I received my kneeboard, and then watched the video. The kneeboard and the video exceeded my expectations.

[@lancomedic]

Would have liked to see what it looked like with your seat moved forward and your feet on the pedals. When my IPad is on my knee turning the yoke left or right strikes the IPad. Would have to tilt it up 90 degrees to clear the yoke.

[@aeroengguy448]

I just used mine for the first time yesterday. I use a fingerprint to unlock my iPad and the clip interferes with this. Maybe put a dimple in the middle? I'll try the "side" mode next time.

[@HellbenderSTL]

Just got mine and agree 100%, a dimple in the middle of one of the clips would be great to have.

[@josie9295]

Thanks for the video! Ordering now.

[@ibrahimaldhaibani494]

Just ordered this kneeboard for the new iPad mini 6th generation, I will use it and get back to give a proper review, but based on the video, it looks like the kneeboard is a solid product with multiple features 👍

[@dojnohp1524]

Well, what's your update?

[@ibrahimaldhaibani494]

It is extremely efficient and effective when flying. Having the pockets for checklists/cross country plans/ airport diagrams/ and or a power bank for some extra charging. I highly recommend this product 👌

[@GaryCapital]

You got the mini bi fold right?

[@909busa]

Pull the yoke back with that on your leg like that.

[@sportyspilotshop]

That's we he suggests you use the kickstand in cruise, but leave it down for takeoff and landing. It's easy to change back and forth.

[@909busa]

@@sportyspilotshop There must be something wrong with my plane because it won't cruise with yoke full forward like yours here.

[@Ipadderx]

I prefer my iPad on my Yolk and not bouncing around on my knee...

[@HoundDogMech]

Looks like if the IPAD isn't flat it will interfere with the Yoke. better on the Yoke anyway.

[@sportyspilotshop]

The kickstand can be moved.

[@rafborrero]

Lol. I ordered this about 10 min before this video posted!!

[@eldrugoalex]

Are you happy about it? Do you take notes in a clipboard? I fear that even the small one would be problem when pulling back the yoke during takeoff or landing.

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

Flight controls not free and but correct. Hmm. I am smaller and have the seat moved up vertically and horizontally. so the Ipad is going to get in the way of the yoke.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Paired this with the Velcro plate from Pivot and it’s the perfect system.

[@leonaru242]

Should I need ipad case to fix on kneeboard? My ipad slips toward every direction when I move my knees.

[@sportyspilotshop]

Are the two brackets stretched tight? In our experience if they are holding the iPad under tension it shouldn't slip, even without a case.

[@leonaru242]

@@sportyspilotshop I see, one of my bracket is too loose. I solved it, thanks!

[@thibault3604]

So, can an 11 inch iPad fit in the iPad mini case? I want to buy one and the smaller design gets my attention.

[@sportyspilotshop]

No unfortunately that’ll be too tight. Go with the larger model for the 11” iPads.

[@thibault3604]

@@sportyspilotshop Cool, thanks!