iPad Mini 6 Review // Aviators Will Love This

[@TimoBirnschein]

It is absolutely essential to mention that only the cell version has the built in GPS! Many ppl have said that an external GPS is recommended for Foreflight but having the internal GPS handy is definitely a plus even if you don’t use cell service at all.

[@cerowline]

Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@josepina2146]

Yeah that’s why I bought it with the cellular im glad i read the comments lmao

[@mauricioamado5975]

That means that you don't have to insert a sim card for use a flight app?

[@TimoBirnschein]

@@mauricioamado5975 That’s right. You only want to have the internal GPS. You don’t need to use the cell network for it to work.

[@mauricioamado5975]

@@TimoBirnschein Thanks!

[@Nathan-jk4nr]

Love the exact duration of the video.

[@avYhz]

7:48

[@Patrickmahomie15]

Haha it’s his favorite airplane too!!

[@chrishoss7833]

Got this ipad the day it came out and am absolutely in love with it. FYI Step, the V6 has 4gb not 3

[@LordBagdanoff]

Wifi or cellular?

[@chrishoss7833]

@@LordBagdanoff just the WiFi version. If I need cellular when flying I will just hotspot the ipad from my phone

[@LordBagdanoff]

But the cellular model has GPS.. felt it might be useful

[@istevecomau]

Hey Stef, I’ve recently updated to a mini 5 with Cellular, importantly GPS is built in on cellular versions. I alternate between GP and OZRUNWAYS, and have a GDL90 FOR GP and Ping for OZ for ADSB In. It also adds messaging with my Garmin Inreach and I will add a flightstream 510 to my GTN650 for updates It’s on a RAM mount on my yoke I previously had a IPad Pro. And am really happy with the new setup.

Does the external Ping + OzRunways give all ADSB traffic, or just the OzRunways users? Cheers

[@mattc8831]

I came here to know if I should go with 64gb or 256gb. I would’ve preferred 128, but I plan to strictly use this for flying. Looks like I’m going to save some money and go with the mini 64gb! Thanks!

[@elpiloto100]

I've been looking for an iPad mini review from a pilot's perspective, and this was it! I've never used an iPad as an EFB before, what apps (preferably free) would you suggest?

[@e.j.addler1287]

Garmin pilot and foreflight are essentials for me

[@carsonberget1592]

I am so glad that I am not just a crazy person! Put a smile on my face when he checked flight radar to see what the plane was!

[@ScottWoodland]

Thanks for the review. Debating the upgrade path for my iPad Air2 :) I link with Stratux for GPS and ADS-B weather.

[@yummypugs]

Just wanted to point out, if the iPads screen is off, all you have to do is start writing. You don’t need to swipe from the edge. The edge swipe with the pen is for the quick note when you’re already using the iPad and want to take a quick note. 👍🏽

[@FranksMSFlightSimulator]

As others have said, you need the cellular version to get the in-built GPS. Also, you must have a back-up, either another device or paper back-up. Cheers.

[@PilotBusaKaine]

For private flying (in Australia), the iPad alone is sufficient. The requirement is to carry maps & charts applicable to the route being flown (plus alternates) and readily accessible. This means your iPad must be charged, within reach and everything downloaded into Settings → Downloads before flight. If you are flying under a company AOC, then additional legislation applies which includes backups etc.

[@Giorgio_Rutto]

do you need the cellular version if you have an ADS-B?

[@PilotBusaKaine]

@@Giorgio_Rutto not if the ADS-B connects to the ipad via Bluetooth or wifi. Such as the Stratus 3 (I have one of these and they are awesome)

[@FranksMSFlightSimulator]

@@PilotBusaKaine maybe we need to be country-specific because in Australia you must have a back-up. Cheers.

[@PilotBusaKaine]

@@FranksMSFlightSimulator that not correct, my comment was for Australia, we don’t need a backup, people misread / misunderstand that requirement for AOC requirements.

[@chetcampbell]

I got back into aviation this summer after a multi-year layoff. Knowing that a new mini was coming I've just been using my iPhone 8 and Foreflight. It's not as bad as you might think. But my mini 6 is on order and I should have it in a couple of weeks. Went for the bigger memory and with gps/cellular but not with the pencil. I figured I'd wait and see if I really need the pencil first.

[@LordBagdanoff]

How has the setup been? Do you use a extra Sim for the GPS?

[@tinothepilot]

Thank you so much for continuing to do what you can during your lockdown. You keep it fun. I use the generation five mini that I bought about three months back. I couldn’t wait for the six because I started flying and needed the EFB. I have an iPad Pro, but it was just too big for the cockpit. I’m going to keep the Generation five for now to let software catch up, like you recommended, as well as let the case manufacturers make the case for it. I spent a good investment in the generation five case, so I got to get my money’s worth before I sell/trade it. I use the Pivot system cases and will wait for the new iPad mini case.

[@sergpryimachuk]

Thanks for the video. I'm working on a project to adopt iPads for agricultural use. I'd be a nice replacement for old-fashioned tractor screens farmers use now. Your video gives me a bit of evidence that farmers will love that too.

[@vsznry]

Love this review!

[@PaweUrban]

Bare mini6 doesn't have the GPS on it, does it? In the cockpit of most GA airplanes it may be pointless to have it. Cellular is a must.

[@b744hammerstan7]

Yes I understand GPS only comes with the cellular iPad models. Important to know.

[@papics]

Affirmative, any pilot who wants GPS should get the cellular version.

[@alllfav]

Agreed. For pilots the Cellular is a must for the GPS. In my opinion an EFB without GPS doesn't make sense and I don't want to deal with an external GPS Receiver in the plane.

[@korolev23]

This.

[@ModernClassic]

There's no need to have built-in GPS if you have an external ADS-B receiver like a Stratus or Stratux. In fact, I would never rely solely on the iPad's GPS over an external ADS-B receiver because you're not going to get traffic with it, which is really the most important thing.

[@minecraftwtihclay]

iPad mini 4 cellular for gps has worked great for my experience. Definitely feeling a little sluggish and could use a little more speed but my skills over the years have out passed the iPad. I recommend the iPad 4 for new students. Lower cost the entry and the speed won’t effect them yet.

[@marcel-koks]

indeed, sticking with my 5 for a while, it still runs great with all my EFB stuff.

[@dimitrygordon2208]

I am using the M1 iPad Pro 12.9 & it is perfect! Great size & wouldn’t consider going any smaller. Hopefully Apple launches that new iPad Pro 16” model soon.

[@jamieh4x4]

You always want the cellular version. The wi-fi only version of ipads don't have a GPS. You always want a GPS.

[@vincentleow6315]

If you have the WiFi version, will an EFB just not show your position?

[@chadpollman7970]

@@vincentleow6315 Yeah, I believe it basically degrades to an electronic paper map. You’ll need an external GPS source for position info on a WiFi iPad. Something like a Stratus or Sentry ADS-B receiver can do it. You’ll probably want one of those anyway for ADS-B traffic and weather info. That said, redundancy is nice. If the external GPS fails/dies, at least the cellular iPad still has its internal GPS for position info; the WiFi iPad is left completely blind. Cellular service is not required to use the GPS functionality of the cellular-capable iPad.

[@DavidBiro]

Agreed, although you can't rely on your iPad based EFB for GPS-based navigation anyway. (the hardware needs to be certified). But it is good for situational awareness (and a tethered iPhone can supply GPS position to the wifi only version, but that is one more point of failure).

[@patrickco833]

if the screen if off you can just tap on it with the apple pencil to take a note I think, no need to swipe from the corner

[@adityadash5808]

3:20 absolutely right!!

[@spiro5327]

Nice review Stef, though i wonder how the equivalent in opposition would do against this one ?? Hope to see you flying soon. Thanks mate

[@zachjones6944]

Paper charts will still get the job done. Always keep a paper chart.

[@JustJack327]

I have been waiting for this video since the announcement

[@BrianAnim]

Ipad mini 4 + FlightPlanGO with an ipad mini 2 as backup. Both the WIFI+Cellular versions. Stratux for ADSB in.

[@sawyerbeals5105]

I’ve got the 11 inch iPad Pro as I didn’t want the outdated mini design. It’s not too bad in the cockpit but now that the mini 6 is out I will probably get it as my dedicated EFB once pivot makes a case for it. I don’t really need 2 iPads but this will allow me to get a keyboard case for the 11 inch pro and use it as more of a laptop

[@thomasl7932]

bought a normal ipad 6 months ago, then found out they dont have gps, so bought the mini 5+cellular as well and gave the other one to the wife, everybody happy :) will stick with the old mini for now, although the notes with pencil look great, lets first get my pilots license before splurging on that.

[@scottjessett3072]

Another great video Stef! Next video you’ll have to rock the man bun!😂

[@StefanDrury]

Ha, give it a couple of weeks and the bun will be back.

[@Justin-ny8df]

I am curious if the cellular is worth adding on if you have a decent hotspot.

[@patriciairasupan1163]

Thank you so much for this :D. I didn't know about the GPS being available only with the cellular, glad I watched your video. BTW, do you have a recommended mount for iPad mini 6?

[@spc98075c]

what other accessories you are getting? like which kneestrap/kneeboard and screen protector?

[@PilotBusaKaine]

I have the current iPad Pro 11, and have been finding it a bit big, even in the Seneca, its great to sit in the side pocket, but taking notes etc can get a bit over the top, so last week I got the iPad Mini 6 wifi+cellular 256gb as well as the pencil. It’s perfect size. So I am going to do all my planning in AvPlan on the iPad Pro, then use the mini in flight.

[@RTSchramm]

DO you have a video of what apps you prefer to use?

[@flatule1]

Where do we find an aviation mount? Suction mounts etc. don't seem to be available for the 6

[@ModernClassic]

I've been using a Mini 5 with a Pencil 1 and it's been pretty great compared to paper, but yeah, the limitations of the Pencil 1 are really annoying. My big thing is that often my Pencil just isn't charged at all unless I remember to specifically charge it, something the Pencil 2 solves definitively. I ordered the 256GB Mini 6 (my Mini 5 is also 256GB) because it is my personal tablet and I use it for other things, along with a Pencil 2. I don't need the cellular version because I have a Stratux; there's not much a cellular iPad can do for me in the cockpit that the Stratux can't, especially because I don't need another service to subscribe to (meaning all I'd get from the cellular iPad is GPS... which the Stratux gives me, along with traffic and weather).

[@LordBagdanoff]

How do you connect the stratux with your ipad?

[@charlescoleman2307]

Stef, first hate that you all are still on lock down..needless to say for the greater good so we can get through and past all this…..will. Not start that conversation….Keep the Faith. So I currently utilize the mini 5 while completing my check in the SR20 and have my new to me 2006 SR22 coming in about a month and have already ordered the iPad mini 6 256gb WiFi/cellar version and can’t wait …so there u go….keep staying creative till u can get back in the air…

[@glennwatson]

The swipe up feature seems way better than the scratch pad in OzRunways since it seems to perform much better. Like that the pencil charges using the magnetic clip.

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah the QuickNote function is going to be really useful I reckon for quick note taking in the air.

[@cm7botekar]

What about a normal 9th or 10th gen iPad, cheaper but larger, apple pencil CANNOT stick to the side though.

[@Maviation]

Skydemon with an Android tablet - looking to get forflight on a Mini in the future. But it´s soooo expeeeensive!

[@scottallen2190]

Waiting for the RAM mount that fits V6 to come out.

[@diegoesquivel3020]

So I got the Ipad Mini 6 but what kneeboard do you guys use for it since there's not any out there?

[@saucywings]

Should I get a mini if I have a 15 pro max?

[@Cat-kg2rw]

It looks so compact and fast

[@matijajesenko4195]

I just find it annoying that apple pencil version 1 is not magnetic and it takes ages to get yourself ready to write something down when ATC suddenly starts giving orders. Otherwise it’s a must have when flying x-country.

[@marsgal42]

iPad Mini 4 with ForeFlight. I use an external GPS (Bad Elf) but find cellular data useful for flight planning. After nearly six years the Mini 4's battery life sucks and Apple won't support it for much longer. I'm planning to get a Mini 6 in the new year.

[@matt_ranch598]

Hello I am a student pilot quick question do you absolutely need to get the cellular version or is the standard WiFi version the Way to go?

[@LordBagdanoff]

Wifi or cellular for flying?

[@zenzeleni]

I guess RAM mounts won’t fit the mini 6. I have my mini 5 mounted.

[@adambarbour4659]

IPad Air 4 AvPlan EFB

[@simonbussey7530]

Let's talk Knee Boards! Do you use one? The normal designs tuck in on the four corners. It looks to be like the slightly smaller size of the 6 will mean it won't fit snugly?

[@craig7l277]

Nice video. Does that mean your going to give away the mini 5 now you have upgraded??

[@StefanDrury]

Ha, sorry Craig, The V5 is now my backup. The V4 I had as the previous backup is slowly dying so not worth giving that away.

[@derekroulston1977]

Going for the luxury yacht version

[@bray8949]

The outro lmaoo

[@Fixingthingz4u]

Apple have nothing else left its the same same they are so predictable .... PS Fortnite is no longer available for iOS great vid champ.

[@mjotd8670]

*lock-down..even

[@wesbaeder]

749 dollars? I’m guessing that’s not US dollars?

[@calvinspiff4348]

If you're not putting a bunch of stuff onto it, then why are you spending that much on it?

[@pesto12601]

Lol nearly $800 for an ipad... LOL... Apple suckers... I'm still rocking my ipad mini 3 which I paid $195 used/mint.

[@macdudeuk]

Interested to know if anyone is using / has tried xavion.com? Obviously more functional in the US than elsewhere but still a useful addition to the flight bag?

[@AndrewMick97]

Length of the video 7:47 🤔

[@jannikweichert]

One additional thing to consider: only cellular version offers GPS currently, so one need to add external GPS via Bluetooth. Which then is as expensive as buying cellular directly. Only advantage is that modern external devices also support Glonass & Galileo which leads to even more precise positions (Might not be necessary even in the pattern though… 😃)

[@MichaelVanBladel]

Indeed, I actually wouldn't even consider or recommend a wifi only model for it's lack of gps. Even if you do happen to have an external unit, it's alwasy nice to have the redundancy and ease of use of a built in gps

[@fumo7887]

I believe even the internal GPS is multi-constellation.

[@EdwardHefter]

The nice thing about an external GPS, if you get a Stratux or Stratus or similar, is the ADS-B in. That’s how you’ll see where the other planes are that you can’t literally see, get the weather inflight, etc. Of course, having an internal GPS is a nice backup, but the external with ADS-B In is critical (IMHO).

[@festusokanta2225]

@Jannik Weichert please how do you add external GPS via Bluetooth because I find it difficult using Air navigation pro app on my mini 5 wifi model and I happen to have a 12 pro max do I just connect my Bluetooth just asking please

[@yesitasnow]

Hi, could you please help me with something? Does this iPad need the SIM or the network to use the GPS or is it independent?

[@dmitry6342]

The best review ever. Short and straight to the point! Well done!

[@TheGarlicMan]

Dude I really hope you’re ok and doing well. Hope lockdown ends soon and I hope to see you back in the air! Great video and best wishes from me over in the UK. John I use the IPad 5 and love it for my flying. I use it connected to the cockpit dashboard.

[@lorendjones]

I made the mistake of getting 64GB on my mini5. Regretted it from day one. I couldn’t update my ForeFlight charts before the expiration date because it didn’t have enough space. Went 256 on my mini6. The Mini6 battery life is not quite as good as 5. My theory is the constant charging of the pencil2 is a factor, which I’ve experienced on my Pro with the pencil2. Definitely get cellular version.

[@taffy1622]

Thank you so much for this! I’m a private pilot, studying IFR ground. I don’t have an ipad but have always been curious about flying with one. My friend recommended the mini wifi only because he recommends an external gps, apple pencil and a yoke mount. I was worried it would be too small and the charts would be hard to read but it looked pretty clear to me when you showed them in the video. I think I’ll buy this one. Thank you!

[@liftcreator]

Great overview Stef! Mine came yesterday after upgrading from a mini 1 (yes 1..) and already loving it, can’t wait to see how it goes in the cockpit (and your videos when we’re able to fly again). I agree about the software, hopefully Apple can iron the bugs out soon and maybe stretch out the UI to better fit the mini. Quick tip for quick notes, if the screen is off then you can just tap and hold the pencil anywhere on the screen to start writing, not just from the corner (but the corner will work in apps too) in case it is a bit turbulent. Hopefully you can get back up in EYZ soon :)

[@tom9571]

Yes, the device I have been waiting for and the video I have been waiting for! I can't wait to get one been holding out for it.

[@AndrewMick97]

I've been using the iPad mini 5 since I got out of flight school (not allowed to use EFBs) and I think it just makes flying simpler and safer in many respects. Already ordered the mini 6 (will keep 2 ipads one for backup) and now I'm just waiting for us to be allowed flying again!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah as a Private Pilot I can't imagine flying without the iPad now to be honest. Having access to every map and chart I could possibly need on one device rather than carrying stacks of paper is not only convenient it's a safety benefit in my opinion.

[@StjepanNikolic]

Regulations are changing as of 2nd December regarding paper charts and efb's

[@AndrewMick97]

@@StjepanNikolic Just briefly looking at the index of the Part 91 Plain English Guide there isn't much on the topic, could you give a reference? Trying to not read too much of the new stuff just yet before sitting ATPL Air Law and getting new and old regs mixed up😂

[@yesitasnow]

Hi, could you please help me with something? Does this iPad need the SIM or the network to use the GPS or is it independent?

[@AndrewMick97]

@@yesitasnow it doesn't need the sim for GPS but I believe it can acquire a signal more quickly if it has network access. I have a backup iPad mini 5 with no SIM (but SIM model) and no issues with GPS

[@kevinbarry71]

Actually the new one has 4 GB of RAM, the old one had three

[@flsal27]

10.6oz, 10.5oz ….! Wait you’re not using the metric system (anymore)?

[@kpeecee]

3:17 Hahaha, that’s me, plane goes over, grab the phone, Flightradar to find out what it is…… it’s an addiction.

[@svdm007]

Thanks for the video! I currently use a regular iPad and wondered how readable PDFs (navlogs, POH, etc) are on the new Mini without having to zoom in?

[@kenting33185]

Having the same thoughts here.

[@Anonymous99997]

Haha. You do the Flightradar24 thing too?

[@enochsharma5506]

When you are in the locked screen, you can just tap on the screen with the pencil to open the notes app. Swipe from the bottom right is actually meant for using notes while you are on another app.

[@GamblerBE]

Thanks for this awesome review! I was wondering, with everything flying related installed, how much storage do you have left on the 64GB version? I'm thinking of using this ipad for flying as well as work/studying, and am trying to figure out if the extra storage would be worth it or not.

[@andrewfarniok9354]

I am in the same boat!

[@Lightning-rs7yz]

I am now in the same situation, got any advice?

[@bencalhoun8216]

Unfortunately I needed an iPad mini this summer before the 6 released so I got the mini 5.

[@aviatewithmahrad6796]

Is 64GB really good enough if you just have aviation apps downloaded? Foreflight recommends the highest storage but 256GB sounds a lot and it's way more expensive. I just want to make sure that 64GB is good enough for Foreflight in U.S.

[@eraghomne4016]

I like the fact that the video is 7:47 minutes long ; )

[@jordanwyder6292]

I’m from the states and I’m on my PPL cert at the moment and recently got a knee strap for my 10.2 inch iPad. It was so bulky that i bought a different case and decided to not use the strap anymore as it interfered with the controls. I’ve definitely been looking at the mini ever since that happened

[@luigicriscuolo3561]

I went for an M1 11 inch iPad Pro since I use it also for studying and working, so I would benefit from the extra inches. It fits nice on my leg in a DA40.

[@paullindwall8591]

Stef I use the new iPad Pro 11 inch which I mount on my Bonanza’s yoke - it works perfectly. I find the mini too small so I’ll keep my old mini as a second iPad but hardly use it now. The advantage of the 11 inch is that in portrait mode (which is how I have it mounted) it displays the approach plate in a good size and you don’t need to zoom in

[@cmteamaralsim1451]

Hi ?! If you compare iPad Air M1 and iPad mini, do you still go with the mini version? Thank you

[@PureGlide]

It's a pretty perfect size in the gliders too!

[@Flywithhamdan]

Watched this video on my iPad mini5 256gb WiFi+cellular+pencil+luxury yacht😜

[@GlensHangar]

I'm about to make the leap from paper charts, steam gauges, and a paper note pad - to a full Dynon glass cockpit and electronic flight bag... I resisted for a long time because I was comfortable with the 'old way', the way I learned to fly way back when. But the time has come to make that change, and I've been trying to figure out which iPad was going to be the one. No clue why it took me so long, since I embrace new tech in every other aspect of my life? Maybe I just wanted to keep something in my life old school?

[@TheMotorcycleBoss]

PLEASE REVIEW THE SAMSUNG TAB ACTIVE 3 AS AN EFB.

[@PilotJan]

What about reading it in a sunny cockpit? 500 Nits is not that much brightness???

[@eyesupaviation]

I use the iPad mini 6 when I fly and love it. I got the cellular after dealing with a 3rd party gps on a previous iPad. One less thing to make sure is charged and ready to go in the flight bag makes life easy.

[@yesitasnow]

Hi, could you please help me with something? Does this iPad need the SIM or the network to use the GPS or is it independent?

[@Jack-ub8kc]

Pretty sweet new iPad! Hopefully we'll be able to see you back in EYZ sometime soon. Hope you're okay! Love your content as well man. I just finished a Cirrus SR22 Australian outback trip in MSFS 2020 lol, of course registered as VH-EYZ! EDIT: Stefan said "ass"? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Jack, I'm keen to get back in the air and get travelling again soon too. Thanks for watching.

[@andreswong1889]

Is it deliberate that the length of this video is at 7:47?

[@BrianGrinter]

iPad Air 4th gen with OzRunways

[@chrismerk7236]

well... you MUST get the Wifi PLUS CELL version. Why? *Only* the CELL version has a GPS module build in !!!!!!

[@alvinzichan]

ozrunway and ipad pro 2020

[@matflies4650]

Big mistake, only cell version offers GPS capabilities! When doing this type of ad, better know the product. Very disappointing.

[@mauricioamado5975]

Hi to everyone, I am a private pilot building up time for the commercial license. I don't have any electronic device to fly and I'm looking forward to buy this Ipad? the size is good? or is it too small?

[@chrisstr33tkng61]

I like Garmin pilot mainly because I'm not stuck to using only one platform for my EFB like with ForeFlight.

[@JohnVK5JAK]

Was the weight difference due to the number of apps installed???? ;-))

[@jeuno.]

Woah you managed to get it early!

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah I ordered on the day of release. I wanted to share what it's like with everyone early as I know there will be a lot of interest in the travel community.

[@AV8R767]

Which colour is best for cockpit, space grey or silver? Thinking reflection of heat here...

[@yesitasnow]

Hi, could you please help me with something? Does this iPad need the SIM or the network to use the GPS or is it independent?