iPad Mini 6 Review // Aviators Will Love This

The BRAND NEW iPad Mini 2021 is here - the ultimate iPad for pilots? Unboxing, testing, and comparing to the iPad Mini 5. Should you buy it? Should you get an Apple Pencil? All the stats, tests, closeups and of information if you're thinking of upgrading.
As MKBHD said about the iPad Mini 2021 Review: Pocketable Power! It features the new A15 chip. If you're wondering whether You SHOULD BUY the iPad Mini 6 Today this video should help. Featuring Unboxing and first impressions for the all new iPad Mini. So, Should YOU Buy the New iPad Mini 6?!
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[@Nathan-jk4nr]

Love the exact duration of the video.

[@avYhz]

7:48

[@Patrickmahomie15]

Haha it’s his favorite airplane too!!

[@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!

[@dmitry6342]

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

[@TheGanmonMan]

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.

[@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.

[@tropicalvideoproductions]

Absolutely awesome review, entertaining and informative - thanks heaps!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@AndrewMick97]

Length of the video 7:47 🤔

[@AdityaJayaprasad]

Thanks for the review Stef. I did search yesterday for a pilot review of the new iPad mini to no avail.

[@StefanDrury]

Hopefully now this video comes top of that search result :)

[@joshsaffin880]

Great stuff Steph, always keen to watch your content! What case are you thinking for your mini 6?

[@nickanderson7588]

Thanks tones for the review👍, I was thinking about buying one to upgrade from pen and paper.

[@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!

[@sactu1]

Oh SNAP!! Mine arrived last week too. Agree!!!

[@ScottWoodland]

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

[@briggsahoy1]

Thank you for this.

[@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.

[@lachlanmcmahon6070]

Love the vid stef keep up the great work

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Lachlan.

[@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?

[@JustJack327]

I have been waiting for this video since the announcement

[@2503Erik]

Ouch! I just bought an iPad 5 mini (cell) this summer. Like it a lot and I did need it for my schooling in an open gyrocopter. Thanks for your videos - keep them coming.

[@PureGlide]

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

[@marcel-koks]

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

[@joebroker547]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@michaelmartin8331]

Great video!

[@scottb_]

Early video this week! I guess the long weekend in Melbourne may have had something to do with that? 😁 Thanks for sharing as always and I hope you're doing alright in this lockdown!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Scott, I thought better to get this out soon as I know a lot of us are considering the iPad Mini 6 so I hope the video helps. Thanks for watching.

[@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.

[@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?

[@brokentissuebox]

currently using this for my flight training. Definitely recommend! ^_^

[@Dhrruvv]

I've just ordered it and your video popped...😀

[@StefanDrury]

Awesome, hope the review helped. Enjoy your new iPad.

[@bendav]

Thanks for not subjecting us to the top-knot! I've got the mini 5 cellular - would love to upgrade, but I think I'll wait a bit.

[@adityadash5808]

3:20 absolutely right!!

[@Cat-kg2rw]

It looks so compact and fast

[@Wabs11]

Nicely done, Steph

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Will.

[@kpeecee]

Good info Stef

[@rosasfamilyentertainment4999]

Thanks for ur recommendation it’s really helpful question what are the best apps that u recommend to fly or which one u use

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@dadetato]

+ luxury yacht....id like to go for this last option!

[@jimmymc10021]

IPAD MINI and AVPLANefb. I've been meaning to try the pencil after seeing this I will. It should be handy for writing a clearance or any notes for engineers etc. Great review, thank you.

[@bencalhoun8216]

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

[@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

[@PracticalGadgets]

Looking forward to trying out the Mini 6 to replace my Mini 4. I regretted not opting for the the cellular + GPS on my current Mini 4, so I'm ordering the 6 with it. When my Stratus ADS-B + GPS receiver shuts down due to heat or interference, it's back to good old fashioned pilotage and my iPhone Xs as backup. My Mini 1 and Mini 4 were dedicated to flying, but now I find iPadOS improved enough that I'm using it for more than aviation. Great to load up some movies on it when stuck at a hotel due to weather. Thanks for the review! Also check out the X-Naut iPad mounts with integrated cooling fans. They are RAM-mount compatible. I found the additional cooling to be crucial in a low-wing when flying in the desert southwest (Arizona, US).

[@luddekudde5501]

Love your videos (and your long hair!)

[@lilcracky111]

I got it the day it came out in the US and used it on my IFR checkride a couple days later!! I used the MyClip Kneeboard and I still have great access to the Apple Pencil for writing things down

[@zararsattar9557]

Currently I have the iPad Pro 11 in and I use ForeFlight. It’s frickin massive in the cockpit and I’ve been resisting the urge to buy a mini till it got the refresh and now I’m really excited haha

[@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

[@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.

[@60frederick]

What are you going to do with your old iPad mini?? Thank you very much for sharing your great video with us.

[@EdwardHefter]

Thanks for the video. Yeah, I pull out FlightAware when a plane flies by, then go to the registration to see what kind it is and if I know the pilot. I am using a Mini 5 WiFi only for FlyQ (I’m in the U.S.) and have a Mini 4 with cellular as a backup. I use a DIY Stratux for GPS and, more importantly, ADS-B In information. I figure I can use my phone or the backup Mini 4 or my eyes if the Stratux goes out and I need to navigate.

[@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.

[@nicholasmosley9311]

I can’t wait until I can get my plane

[@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

[@mjotd8670]

Great vid for pilots Stef, I'm sure that in another video, a long time ago, you said " I always carry a notepad and pencil, just in case the ipads fail", maybe I'm wrong? - Hope you guy's get out of look-down soon, take care.!

[@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.

[@adamelcheikh7633]

Can you please do an update on which apps are the best and accessories

[@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.

[@nicolasbilal8769]

Since I’m still early in my training I haven’t had to use an EFB but since I own the latest iPad Air, I’ll definitely be using ForeFlight on that. I don’t know how I’ll manage with Roth’s large size in the cockpit but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. And I have an Apple Pencil and it’s fantastic. I’ve used it for school and it works like a charm. I don’t know if the iPad mini is different but on my iPad you only have to tap the screen with the pencil for quick note

[@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.

[@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

[@GolfonFlying]

Hi Stefan, I am currently using an IPAD Pro 11inch version with Oz runways as my EFB. I find that setup is working really well. I was interested to see your comments about the Apple Pencil, I like the idea of the convenience & note taking. I shall look into that now. Thanks for another great video. Cheers Tony

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Tony, enjoy your flying.

[@Justin-ny8df]

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

[@DavidBrown30]

So I'm interested in this iPad Mini and would like to use the pencil with it also. What would be a good yoke mount that won't interfere with the pencil connected to the side?

[@spc98075c]

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

[@chrisstr33tkng61]

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

[@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

[@user-dw8ud2hw5d]

where I don't like the scratch pad style note taking is you don't have a record of all the notes you made during the flight. I feel it is good airmanship to keep all flight notes, clearances, frequencies etc - just in case they are needed post flight, for what ever reason... Great videos Stefan - keep them rolling....

[@Maviation]

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

[@yrguitar1]

Wow those are so nice just wish they were just a little cheaper!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@cmteamaralsim1451]

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

[@AV8R767]

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

[@andyburrows2788]

I've got a mini 4 and mini 2 as backup, both cellular. The 4 actually works fine with AvPlan so I wasn't planning to upgrade but you've tempted me! I would go for the 64G cellular, then relegate the 4 as backup.

[@julianturecek2373]

Was thinking about buying one, now I’m definitely sold on it!

[@StefanDrury]

Enjoy it, thanks fpr watching Julian.

[@julianturecek2373]

@@StefanDrury do you think you could design up a template on Notes for ATIS, like what RTP have on their notepads (INFO, RWY, WIND, CLD, VIS, TEMP, QNH etc)?

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

iPad mini 6 Thankyou for explaining the device. I still like a keyboard, or an Olympic type writer and ribbon. 🌏🇦🇺

[@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?

[@cirrusflyerh2843]

Use an Ipad Pro 10.5” with Avplan EFB. for flight planning before flight. During flight i only reference the ERC or VTC on the Ipad for area frequencies. Everything else i need is already in my SR22G5 Garmin Perspective avionics package. Still use a conventional pen and pre-printed A5 page to capture ATIS, IFR Clearances, Etc.. Would consider using the Ipad and apple pencil with notes feature if i could replicate my printed A5 page layout in Notes.

[@PilotAZ]

I'm soon to be a private pilot I am wondering should I get the pen with the iPad mini aswell. Is it more helpful?

[@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?

[@JonMcG]

Stef , how accurate would you say the iPad is to the standard Flight instruments . Is it possible ( not recommended ) to fly using Just an iPad ?

[@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

[@Anonymous99997]

Haha. You do the Flightradar24 thing too?

[@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.

[@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.

[@derekroulston1977]

Going for the luxury yacht version

[@scottallen2190]

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

[@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?

[@MauricioFernandezGarcia]

a question stefan the iPad has to be Wi-Fi + Cellular or only wifi which one do you recommend for pilot 👨🏻‍✈️

[@darthmoomoo]

I use the iPad Air 4 which has the same Apple Pencil 2. And I had no idea I could swipe up to get the note app to open!

[@Farhan.a78]

I don’t want to be a pilot but your vid are very interesting

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Farhan, glad you're here in the community.

[@alexrcastillo1977]

Do you recommend Wi-Fi only or one with cell

[@diegoesquivel3020]

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

[@christophjuvan900]

you might want to keep some distance to the magnetic compass..

[@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?

[@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?

[@flatule1]

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

[@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.