My Favorite Cockpit iPad Case Just Got BETTER (iPad Mini 6 Case Full Review)

[@CobyPachmayr]

I bought this case for my mini 6 and while I like the ruggedness of it, I am really disappointed with how difficult (at least my clear-blue model) it is to operate. Separating the back/cover is difficult to do so I almost never use the cover defeating that feature/benefit… even the kickstand is difficult to open when closed flush, so I rarely use that either. So I’m stuck with a case that’s rugged but feels like wasted money… and left hoping the case gets better (easier) as it “wears in” … but also hoping it doesn’t get “looser” and less effective… but since I’m not really using those difficult features it should last a long time… all the negatives aside, I’m not sure there’s a better case since I chose this one over others I looked at.

[@JoseMedina-gf4cu]

I literally just got mine yesterday, and I have the exact same problem! I'm hoping that it will get better with use?

[@assenmacher]

If you want to get rid of it let me know! I’d love to buy it off of you since the clear model isn’t available on their site. Thanks! :)

[@jrock836]

A few months ago I bought the first case you recommended. I too live in the DFW area. One thing I have noticed is the new case seriously insulates the Mini, so it only takes a few short minutes to overheat if the sun is allowed to shine on the iPad during summer months. Hopefully it will be less of an issue during cooler months.

[@BANDAIist]

I live in Austin and suffered same overheating problem especially in afternoon. Hope they could add some kind of fan accessory that could attach the current case.

[@b00kem22]

See, I upgraded to the new mini because it supported the new pencil. But I am disappointed in the case for the 6gen. It is more difficult to separate the pieces to cover the screen, it was much easier with the fold over case. I never close up the new case, and I’m worried about busting the screen

[@TheEclectic]

Glad you and your family are doing well. Glad to have you back and posting!

[@mmccarth67]

Missed you and your videos! Glad things are going well. I, agree, I like the new case and the more "integrated" nature of the case/cover. However, I almost never put the cover on. The iPad mostly lives with the screen exposed these days.

[@jeremywright3]

I upgraded to a mini6 and the new case as soon as it became available. I use it for every flight and the only (minor) criticism is the fingerprint sensor is not really accessible and I have to unlock it using my PIN which is sometimes a bit inconvenient especially in high workload situations.

[@benc1103]

I have the same setup. Since my mini 6 is only used for flying, I simply don't use the passcode feature (setup without passcode). There's nothing on it that requires security anyway.

[@davidkim4819]

Helpful review! (just got a Mini 6 and was wondering whether to use something other than Pivot, which I'd used on a larger iPad). Also, congrats on your new daughter!

[@benc1103]

I have the same setup (mini 6 and Pivot case). Love it. Wishlist? Pivot case with a fan. Really dreaming? Pivot case with fan an and a clip-on plastic foldable (detach and fold flat when not in use) glareshield. My C195 has a big windshield and skylight, so the sun is usually on the iPad when suction cup mounted on the left. So glare (I have an anti-glare screen protector which helps) and heat are a consideration. The iPad has shut down before due to heat. I have an iPad Pro in my bag that I take along anyway, so no big deal. It's usually fine, even of hot days. But it has happened. Tip: drape a small white towel over it when you think it might be getting hot. That'll reflect the sun. The worst time is if you happen to have the navigation app (ForeFlight) turned off and the iPad is in sleep mode with a black screen. That black screen soaks up the sunlight and get hot. Black screen is the time to throw the towel ever it (or detach it from the mount and keep it in the shade. With the nav app (say, ForeFlight) running, it's not as bad. I have ForeFlight setup to always stay on (sleep mode turned off). BC

[@ChristopherYounger]

+1 on PIVOT with fan. I've had my Mini 5, Mini 6, and iPad Pro 11", and iPhone 12 Pro shutdown on the flightdeck (knee mount, window, and yoke--I tried all positions) due to excessive heat. If you keep them connected to a charger they will heat up faster as well.

[@nathanhyland]

I've got the complete opposite experience. Exact same case/ipad and I can't seem to be able to get the cover off, so I just always leave it on the back. Like it literally will never come off unless I pry it. Hard. I've emailed them and they didn't respond. The pencil falls off if you grab it from the top, when you squish the cover a bit -- which happens any time you grip it. I've come to terms with the fact that I'll lose it at some point.

[@ChristopherYounger]

IMHO, the mag pencil is a mixed bag. The iPad mini mag charger isn't super strong, but the "lip" of the PIVOT case gives it some protection from falling out. The iPad PIVOT case has an alternative more secure pencil holder on the back, but the mini is too small for them to add that. I found a sweet spot and added a rubber grip to my pencil--this tends to keep it more secure whether mag attached on the PIVOT case or in a pen sleeve on my kneeboard or shirt.

[@nathanhyland]

@@ChristopherYounger How about getting the cover off? I've given it to three or four people and nobody can get it off like the video. We all end up having to pry a corner off, then tearing it off pretty violently.

[@BANDAIist]

@@nathanhyland Mine is also super tight when I first got it. It is a bit better now after about 3-4 month usage.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I'd reach out to them and see if they will send you a replacement one. It shouldn't be that tight.

[@ChristopherYounger]

@@nathanhyland Yeah, the cover does fit tight initially and prying up from a corner is the same way I start mine. Gets better with usage.

[@WalterBoring]

Doesn't look like the pencil can be placed on the ipad to charge with this case, which is a major issue. This is a deal breaker.

[@marksill8020]

Question. Why did you go with the 6? Other than more storage ir speed, was the 4 that different? Thanks

[@AirplaneAcademy]

My 4 was slowing down and getting laggy... been flying more IFR lately and I figured I wanted the latest and greatest when I'm in the soup.

[@kirkbymr]

Congrats on the daughter. My boys are both in their late 20s but I still remember falling asleep and waking up in the lazy boy (aka Dads PIC chair) after burping them in the middle of the night. Our rule was if momma had to nurse, I could do the rest. Cherish these times bro! While most of us live to fly, remember what's important.

[@maciejm3896]

Samsung active pad5 is better than ipad for flying

[@RoscoeMcGillicuddy]

Welcome back! Glad your family is well, and congrats on the new addition! :)

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much!

[@TheRenegadeAV8R]

Great video Charlie, I will keep that in mind when I start flying.

[@rickwiggins283]

I bought this case for my mini 6 and it is certainly beefy and protects the i-pad. I agree with Charlie that it has a bunch of non-symmetric quirky corners. Also, the cover takes a lot of force to pop off and I feel like I'm torquing the mini quite when I do, but so far no cracked screens or anything. It's on the bulky and heavy side and I use it with a yoke mount so I found that if you have to position it a little off-center on the yoke like I do it slowly rolls your plane if you don't keep a hand on it or use an auto-pilot. For a window or dash mount of course this would be a non-issue. I do appreciate the quick connect and the engineering work that went into it.

[@fhesiwojedbdks]

Good to see you back man!

[@livelyaviationtx]

Pumped to have you back! Pivot Case is the absolute best ✈️✈️

[@_planejoe_]

These cases are amazing, I personally use the suction cup and knee board attachments. Game changer

[@SorenHume]

Also, do you experience VFR visibility issues with it mounted on the window? I know there’s flight control issues with some people with the yoke mount, but that’s the only drawback I see with the window mount

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Good question but no I haven't had any issues.

[@andypetzold]

Welcome back man! Thanks for the tip.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Glad to be back!

[@Matt-rt9ws]

What do you need in an ipad as features go cause some ipads are like 300 and the 6th gen is like 600. do you want wifi and cellular( 5g LT), Bluetooth for music maybe, how many GBs to run foreflight and the weather apps? Thanks for all the great videos you put out!

[@nickmyatt]

What's the best budget option

[@subsoar5734]

Charlie, ole buddy ole pal, I think you’re fixin to get me to spend 200 bucks I really shouldn’t be spending 🤣

[@60beats44]

Thank you very much for this informative production. I am torn between deciding on the grey and the black version. What might be your thoughts on this topic?

[@Av8err]

Uggg, I lost my apple pen somewhere due to the lack of security for the pen on this new case. This was my first outing with the case. I’m now 250 bucks into this case because of that. My previous $15 eBay case had no issues securing the pen and was much easier to hang on to. I’ll give the case some more time but very disappointed in its design. It’s not comfortable to hold at all. I agrees the mount does connect and disconnect easily from the window mount but that’s all this case has going for it. :(

[@markcopenhaver5256]

Already bought the T21A. Wish I would have waited to get the 10% off. Getting the "6" this week.

[@hartlandaerialsolutions2567]

That is a MUCH BETTER DESIGN than the 5.. Sad I want one for 5!

[@back2basics668]

Charlie, I have to ask, if they are not a sponsor , how are you getting them to give us a 10% discount with your name? There has to be somewhat of a kickback?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I am an affiliate for them but they aren't paying me to make content. Disclaimer in description: Affiliate disclaimer: The above link is an affiliate link, meaning I might earn a commission if you purchase the product, at no extra cost to you. I use and trust this product myself, and am not just recommending it solely for the affiliate opportunity. I only recommend a very small number of products so that I can provide an honest recommendation based on my own experience.

[@back2basics668]

THANKS BROTHER, YOU should get sponsors :) I would, you got to pay the bills and you do it honestly!! @@AirplaneAcademy

[@aggibson74]

It would be nice for the case to have a way to hold onto the pen. The magnets of the ipad are just not strong enough to keep me from knocking it off.

[@jefftaylor4087]

Thanks Charlie, I ordered a case and mount for my iPad 9th gen.

[@jonathanmcphail5254]

Look at you….posting KZbin videos and stuff!

[@WolfPilot]

Hey Charlie! Good to see you pumping out some content!!! Congrats again on the new kiddo! I guess that just ruined any chance of the G3X upgrade you wanted to do to the airplane though.. :( I still really want to fly with you sometime since we are both in the same Delta airspace. I looked at the pivot for my mini4 and as a few other commenters have stated, heat and shutdown are an issue. I want to see a solution with a fan. I have had a substantial number of heat shutdowns and crashes this summer. I saw some cool mounts at OSH this year.. I may have to do a video on mounting solutions, pro and con...

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you - personally I haven't had that issue with the overheating.

[@FunPlacesToFly]

Alright!!! Heeee's back... Looking forward to your videos.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Haha, thank you!! Me too!

[@matthewphilip2043]

Welcome back Charlie. We have missed your videos. Congratulations, and good to hear that your family is well! Hope the prices on airplanes come down soon so that we can find a 206 or a 182 just like yours.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you, really appreciate it!

[@glennwatson]

I am looking for a decent iPad Mini 6 case, will use your affiliate link to buy. Thanks Charlie. Nice to see you back around.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks! Glad to be back!

[@sagecleveland3953]

Also if you are looking to sell your mini4 and the iPad OS is still compatible with fore flight I’m looking to buy a used iPad

[@FamilyManMoving]

Ha. He's got young kids and a wife. No way that old iPad leaves their family unless it dies covered in baby goo and Cocoa Puffs.

[@Useless-information]

Hey welcome back congratulations on the new baby glad everything is going great. I love your videos I started watching them early last year and you have a great way of finding material to talk about and relaying it. I love the fact that you show the little mistakes and make it entertaining while you’re sharing the great information. I started my aviation journey old and late but your videos helped me stay interested Thru the studying and finally conquered my lifelong dream when I passed my check ride in February. Can’t wait for the new videos to I’ve already started towards getting my next endorsement

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the kind words, Clint! Glad you've found the channel helpful, and a huge CONGRATS to you for getting your license! Celebrating over here from afar. Good stuff.

[@jamesmutters8741]

Great information for when I get to that point. I'm taking my discovery flight next week, so exciting.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Congrats!! Very exciting, keep me posted!

[@PilotDaveAviation]

I love my case, love the new pivot and mini 6

[@danboone8499]

Charlie. Great to see you back online. Congratulations on the new daughter. Thanks for all that you do.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Glad to be back.

[@seanlehmann4235]

I really enjoy your videos. You’re great on camera and do a great job editing.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to let me know.

[@brettdodge8699]

Welcome Back! And congrats on your baby girl!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!!

[@SorenHume]

Small clamp or LG clamp on the yoke mount for your 180?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Neither, the single suction mount.

[@randalldevalcourt4000]

Glad to see u back and all is well with the new addition to the family! thanks for the video.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!

[@karlmiller8411]

Congratulations on the beautiful new daughter.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!

[@bcfreedomfighterbcff167]

Excellent cases

[@user-tp9gt6lw3r]

Is there and Android version similar to iOS?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

They have ones for the Microsoft Surface Pro

[@sagecleveland3953]

I’ve been wanting to get an iPad for the 172 I use for training but I can’t find the answer to one of my questions. If I get an iPad with cellular and fore flight is that all I need to use GPS for navigation while flying or do I need something else to connect it to? If I buy an iPad and pay for fore flight and then try to use it for a multi day cross country and it doesn’t give me GPS it will be a little sad.

[@jeremywright3]

I use an iPad Mini6 with cellular and it works great for me for GPS navigation and track logging with Foreflight. I also have a Sentry when flying in areas where cellular coverage is spotty or when I need better ADS-B weather and traffic support.

[@sagecleveland3953]

@@jeremywright3 thanks! Also one more question, the Sentry that I see online says it provides ADS-B in but the place I rent from doesn’t have ADS-B out on any of their rentals, does the sentry do both? I’m planning a flight from Texas to California in November and don’t want any altitude or airspace restrictions.

[@jeremywright3]

The Sentry does not provide ADS-B OUT. But having a Sentry with Foreflight is really great to help improve situational awareness.

[@FamilyManMoving]

@@sagecleveland3953 ADS-B OUT is required flying into any Class B/C airspace, or pretty much anywhere with decent population centers. Large portions of Texas may not require it, but - being a former resident of CA - much of anything West of 15 is likely going to need it. My advice is to do some careful trip planning before you commit to flying a non ADS-B rental outside of your home turf. Don't feel bad. Right now I live within "the circle of doom", otherwise known as the DC Special Flight Regulation area. Background checks, secret PINs, special training, first born, and helpful Air Force escorts if you get off track more than 15 feet; you know they are bored and constantly planning to shoot you down, right? So don't sweat ADS-B. ;)

[@stevefitzherbert]

what app are you using there?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Foreflight!

[@chuckfergerson1183]

Congratulations!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much!

[@MrDavid8784]

Welcome back!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad to be back!