Paper or iPad. What's best for PILOTS?

What's best in the cockpit? An iPad, or pen and paper? In-flight testing taking notes on an iPad with a stylus, writing with your finger, and pen and paper to see which is fastest and which works best. Can you go completely paperless in a plane? Flying a Cirrus SR22 VH-EYZ from Moorabbin Airport to try taking notes digitally or using paper.
Plus what's happened to KJN? And more action at the airport in today's vlog.
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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[@marsgal42]

I'm much the same as you: iPad/ForeFlight for charts and navigation, paper for clearances/notes/etc. Paper charts as my navigation backup. An E6B as well. Just in case. This is not subject to negotiation.

[@aCodingMonkey]

I use a combination of the two, iPad mounted on the yoke for maps, then paper for writing clearances and quick calculations when needed

[@pilot_evan]

If you get a chance, give it a try with the Apple Pencil. This knows to reject the screen touches by the blade of your hand and you can write naturally was if on paper. 😎👍

[@chrisbowpiloto]

I really want to try that, but it does not work with my ipad (or his)

[@OrionFH]

The Apple Pen is amazing. Can totally recommend it. Total paper replacement

[@StefanDrury]

I'm trying to delay upgrading to the iPad Mini 4 from a cost perspective, but I know it's the next step for me. And yeah that probably means I'll try the Apple Pencil as well... I'll see if I can get Blue Demon to put a USB-C charging port in EYZ where I can store the pencil.

[@OrionFH]

Stefan Drury It‘s really crazy, that a normal iPad costs less than the mini. Oh and although you probably know already, the Apple Pencil has a Lightning plug for charging, USB-C would require an adapter. Keep up the great videos! :)

[@marcel-koks]

If getting a mini5, make sure you get the 1st gen pencil. Second gen pencil only works on a ipad pro.

[@coryjeacocke]

1:56 dude, is that a tie down strap under your prop??

[@breizhou999]

Came here for this question! :o

[@boostmedown]

Also spotted this

[@marcel-koks]

Well spotted!

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

I noticed that as well

[@eurlan4942]

@@Jonnydeerhunter your notice has been noticed

[@TheRenBaron]

I like paper and kneeboard for all inflight instructions and info! To keep things organized I created a custom Flight Info form broken down into specific sections for key info like airport info, ATIS, clearances, in flight instructions and approach info. For flight charts I use the Garmin Perspective + and Foreflight on the Ipad. As for ipad placement I attach it to the pilot side window left and above the side yolk.

[@davidbonnici1118]

Paper. A good tip an instructor gave was to tie the pen or pencil to the kneeboard with string in case you drop it.

[@atli126]

What an idea!

[@officialusmanqureshi]

my friend dropped his pen on a supervisory/ check flight or something, and he only had one pen lol, so they had to do some gymnastics to pick it up (6'+ in a DA20 lmao). I fly with two pens now

[@OptimusSubPr1me]

Jeus, I dind't know the S in ATIS stood for 'speedy' That was a very fast ATIS report...

[@markschlegel1036]

Stepan, I agree with you, I've tried both ways but the paper for notes and clearances is my go to that's the way I learned years ago before the Ipad was thought of and it works for me. I enjoy your programs very much so down to earth so to speak, common sense.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate the feedback,

[@FlightTales]

I also wanted to go paperless and use only the iPad. But no matter how much I practiced on the ground with the iPad, I was running into the same issues as you explained in this video. I now use one of the iPad knee boards that had a clipboard on the outside cover for taking my notes on paper, and the iPad on the inside.

[@h0udinl]

I know this is very late but have you heard of paper like screen protectors

[@jackvisser]

Being a Very Old School Pilot I always use paper as that has never let me down!

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

Don't the really old school pilots use a piece of chalk and write underneath the window on the frame? :P

[@samtiley7856]

Same combo. I use paper for clearances and ATIS and an iPad for maps and charts.

[@Mike_Costello]

Have you tried a chinagraph pencil straight onto the side window? Wipes off with a soft cloth and the window never gets covered in maps or your lunch. The pencil sits on a clip on the dash. Easy!!!

[@HalloumiFlies]

I’d be interested to see an updated version of this.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

Couldn't agree more! The other thing I found was that I couldn't use my Ipad on the kneeboard. I had to mount it to my side window in a DA40 because I didn't like looking down or getting the sun glare. Same when I move to the 172's. All my ATIS and common frequencies are on a clipboard, but not on my knee.

[@bendav]

I go w/ paper on a kneeboard for ATIS/clearance/taxi instructions, iPad yoke mounted running EFB.

[@ShaneFleming]

Holy exploitive. I made the opening scene. Class! Not quite the same argument but you wouldn’t probably go VFR without backup paper maps either. Pen and paper won’t fail you. Unless you run out of paper of course!

[@Windtee]

I always use paper/pen. Tablet is for charts/procedures/manuals.

[@grantchristensen]

IPad Pro with pencil 2. After a while it doesn’t seem too large.

[@Peterpeterpumpkineater1000]

lol that first shot is too relatable haha. I mean i always bring pen and paper but thinking of it as a back up more recently

[@wagnertenor]

Anything I need to write down is on paper. IPad for planning and filling.

[@yokp2006]

I resisted the iPad for notes...until I got the Apple Pencil with my Mini 5. Total game changer. The precision, ease of use, colors, erase options, and being able to mark up charts and plates is superb. I still keep a pen and paper within reach, but haven’t had to revert for any reason.

[@rcbif101]

Have you tried the "paperlike" screen protectors?

[@chibinwosu5261]

Stef, I’m with you mate. Paper all day long🤟

[@gbadredein]

Well done!.. also I still do papers

[@BoB4jjjjs]

All good points, a bit of paper never needs a charge or run out of power. A pen can run dry, but it is easy to get another, like you have two.

[@midlifeflyer]

Funny how many of us have had the same experience. I've been using an iPad for more than 8 years. Went through finger and stylus and back to pen and paper for notes about 2 years ago. Perhaps the Apple Pencil would make a difference but, at least for those who had been doing it for decades, there is the feel of pen on paper - I find I have to look at the iPad to write on it; I don't with paper.

[@sactu1]

I have a medical degree, so I could read your iPad scrawl perfectly!! :) Seriously though - iPad mini for EFB and paper for ATIS and clearances for me.

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, timely comment as I return from my Aviation Medical! Thanks mate.

[@chrisbjohannsen]

I've tried the same experiment and gone back to paper for the same reasons. I'm sure its something one can get used to but then again, old habits die hard

[@hammybegg]

Great video. Came across your channel a few weeks ago, and love your work! Keep it up.

[@StefanDrury]

Hey Hammy Begg, welcome to the channel, thanks for subscribing.

[@hammybegg]

@@StefanDrury If you're ever in London, let me know, would love to go flying with you.

[@elik1491]

Just getting started in my private pilot training. What’s your most recommended kneeboard and why do you like it?

[@jijojohn5168]

Eli K kneeboard for sure

[@mykelyin2913]

ASA TriFold Kneeboarding personally

[@bluereaper88]

ASA trifold. Use left inner pocket to hold e6b for quick use and return. Hold important notes on the right. And center for backup chart and stable platform for writing.

[@lou2737]

Great video Stef! Loved it.

[@AndyRRR0791]

Papyrus and quill. I think it's the best for turbulent conditions and allows for illuminating the ATIS...

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

that's too advanced. clay block and stylus, fewer sources of error

[@marvinsmith2389]

Using a combination of both, IPad for maps and airport info, kneeboard with paper for writing down radio messages as required. Maintain a plog on the iPad and have a printed version on kneeboard.

[@hugelavalava]

Another awesome video Stef, champion.

[@justbob588]

Paper for me. I've tried iPad at home as if I was writing out notes in the cockpit and just found paper easier. Even with the Apple Pencil.

[@CryptoQuest1]

I am researching this topic for my own and I am looking at the Supernote X series e-ink note device, which is a cross between a tablet and a pad of paper.

[@rjason182]

i have a g1000 panel. simple notepad for writing flight info, notes, clearance, weather, etc. ipad with foreflight and stratus for everything else. no paper charts. almost all of my flights are IFR with 3-4 hour legs.

[@fsodn]

Thanks so much for making this video. I've always been a paper person for my own flying. However, since I've been informed by airline pilots that paper Just Isn't Done; big-iron pilots write clearances down on iPads, so I'm investigating the possibilities of capacitive syluses. I have an iPad mini4 for my charts like yours. As you say, the official Apple Pencil won't work with it. I bought a generic capacitive stylus (from Amazon; specifically advertised to go with the iPad Mini 4) with a sharp metal point and I'm trying it out now. It's definitely much better than the squishy styluses I'd used before.

[@flyinggamer9661]

What about typing in a notepad on the device

[@HWingsAviation]

I'm using paper for notes, Tab S2 for maps and charts, my phone for backup maps and charts, and paper backups for maps and charts, just in case

[@ManveerSingh-zi2vi]

all your videos are very informative sir, thanks

[@TheMicroPilot]

I’ve just started to learn to fly helicopters and I’m watching this because I’m seriously on the edge of buying an iPad. My phone is too small and I do all my briefing off my laptop. The paper knee board is great but with different charts and plates they can get a little in the way, especially when in flight all I can use is my (non dominant) left hand as my right has to stay on the cyclic. I like the idea of having an iPad mini in my flight bag and EVERYTHING I need is on it. Briefing, weather, plates, charts, operating handbook and note making inflight, I presume it will be easier for me to quickly write airfield info with my left index finger than trying to get a pen out and writing smaller. I think I’m partly trying to convince myself to get one but I’m just not sure?

[@MrJames_1]

I wonder if one day ATC might communicate direct with a pilot's (aircraft's) tablet and the confirmation of understanding is a readback by the pilot. I know, out there, but you never know.

[@DUBaviator]

I fly the same as you Stef can't do without my trusty kneeboard and pen, watch out for leaky pens when flying at higher altitudes :)

[@ashleylawson5131]

IPAD for Charts/EFB, pen and paper for notes and clearance! I don't think I'll ever change. It's not just the ease and speed the pen and paper but more the fact that you don't have to switch the scree away from your nav software to take notes. Also for me it goes back to redundancy: you fly with a paper chart incase the iPad fails, but you'll loose your notes if they're all on the iPad and it overheats!

[@gap9992]

I'm with you Ashley. Also I find that the paper on my "leg" pad is at a more natural angle to write than my yoke mounted mini 4. Easier to steady your hand when it's bumpy. Must be harder for left handers in P1 seat in small GA SEP?

[@davidweisbrod5771]

just tried now the apple pen (v1) on ipad 2021 with Skydemon.. trained to write some ATIS clearances in real time. It works perfectly. I will try it in flight and keep paper as backup in case (like ICAO Charts for nav)

[@the_troponaut]

Give Apple Pencil a try. Palm rejection works well.

[@the_troponaut]

elmin It does! Apple pencil and ipad mini 5 works great!

[@miketurner_aus]

@@elmin2323 Correct for the old Minis, but the new Mini Version 5 has pencil support. In fact all new iPads now support Apple Pencil either Gen 1 or Gen 2 depending on the model.

[@rowleywalsh]

What is that in front of the prop at 1:57?

[@georgepolley4552]

I always use paper for clearances and the iPad for IFR SID / STAR plates.

[@XCougar85X]

Nice video. I just fly sims every now and then, and i draw the same conclusion. Paper is just much, much more userfriendly. Quicker, detailed, doesn't need charging, no reflections (unless super white paper, big no-no for me). for now, no competition really.

[@internat85]

Same as a lot of people here.. IPad Mini + OzRunways for Charts / Maps / EFB Paper on kneeboard for clearance/atis/anything of importannce Generally a set of paper maps in my bag, although i admit they arent always current

[@spiro5327]

Pen and paper, ALWAYS BETTER. Thank you Stef

[@jimiemick]

You plank pilots are so lucky. You can have a spare hand to write clearances down. Heli.... we just have to hope our minds are sharp. Good video. Nice n clear. I’d go paper over iPad for sure.

[@StefanDrury]

Firstly, “plank pilots” is excellent, not heard that one before! Also respect to chopper pilots, that’s some serious coordination and yeah I can imagine writing at the same time would be a bit of a juggling act. Thanks for watching.

[@jimiemick]

Stefan Drury just joshing you. Most of my mates fly planks, I normally just get called Jesus nutt 🤣 Aviation is aviation. I love all types.

[@leoferrari1051]

Hey Stef, Great contact as always. While I’m not a pilot this video makes perfect sense on the pros and cons of both. I use my iPad gen 3 12.9 for everything. I have been doing pretty well going paperless with it. The thing that works for me best is a screen protector from a company called paperlike. It make the screen feel like writing on paper thanks to its Matte feel hence the name paperlike. Coupled with the Apple Pencil and it’s amazing. I believe they have recently released and iPad mini 5 screen protector. Something to consider in the future if you decide to upgrade to the iPad Mini 5 and go paperless. Cheers

[@jms1958]

I agree paper is so much easier for taking notes. I do use my iPad mini with foreflight for a ton of other things while flying, but paper is my go to for notes.

[@Boeing_Luke]

Great video Stef, another risk with the iPad is loosing the data on the screen by accidentally closing the screen or iPad failure. This could mean asking atc for instructions again or potentially having nothing to use if the iPad fails. As a electronic flight bag for the nav apps and planning they are great, but good ol pen and paper for clearances and atis is the way to go.

[@Drews54]

Not to advertise one over the other, but unlike ForeFlight, in Garmin Pilot there is a dedicated page called Scratch Pad for taking notes, and besides two blank pages it also has templates for writing down ATIS, as well as CRAFT clearance and PIREP. I find that it saves you some time when you don't have to organise your notes manually too much, and only write down the important info. By the way, using iPad Pro 11" with Apple Pencil 2. It's awesome!

[@ethanoost7936]

I use iPad with the Apple Pencil. Works great. Completely paperless. Even clearances and traffic info.

[@petersmith8435]

Combo of both, paper for clearances and ATIS though....

[@myflight448]

Ipad pro with the pencil is the way to go , Avplan are planning to release a scratchpad with multiple versions and template ability for atis etc. , the pencil on the pro is much more like writing on paper - you can write small and without the thick glass screen it feels like the tip of the pencil is on the paper.

[@SteveMiddleton]

I’m using iPad mini 4 for nav software (Sky Demon with Pilot Aware) and I’ve always stuck to paper for ATIS & clearances. I’d be interested to see what shorthand you use for writing down ATC clearances quickly... I’ve made up my own, but is there a standard? You’ll remember in the UK, we get a lot of zone clearances “route to X via Y not above N,000 feet, squawk 1234, QNH 998 hectopascals, cleared to enter controlled airspace at Z” etc What’s your secret for getting it all down quickly and accurately?

[@mikewilson8265]

Is there anything in the pipeline for an app to transmit and pick up the AWIS or maybe this is something a clever IT guy could develop? Loved the Tassie flight. Will have to do that myself one day.

[@captgrant]

Tiedown straps left on the ramp?

[@Michaluis84]

Great video as always 👍

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching Michael.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

I got a type of pencil that works with the older ipads and writes better than those rubber things or fingers, but not as good with the apple pencil. The next problem that I had was that I always was on the map screen when I wanted to reference something

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah another good point here, if you are looking at a map or chart but want to reference a note (like wind direction when picking a runway) it means you have to flick between screens rather than just glancing at paper. Again, personal preference, but I agree with you here.

[@Plopdoc]

I have a combo knee board iPad with a clipboard panel that flips out of the way

[@haydenblades9349]

sorry I'm late to the party here. Would you consider a ReMarkable/ReMarkable 2 for this instead?

[@mikeanddawn2757]

Great video Stef. I have been using a Remarkable 2 for all of my study notes and it's small and light and could possibly be a replacement for having a not pad. Also the charge on one of them last for weeks. What do you think. - BTW on another note how do you train your ear to be able to take in all the instructions from ATC. I'm just starting out and it seems really challenging - Mike

[@stevengarner4596]

Tablet (Android with FltPlan Go) and pen and paper for the same reasons as you note. I would like to ditch paper but it still really works.

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Same as you ! iPad mini for charts and gps stuff and paper on the other leg for notes ....my fat fingers ain’t ever working well on an iPad 😂

[@D0539]

Apple Pencil will help you heaps! I learned flying on paper maps and paper everything. I'm VFR only so my clearances are a lot simpler, but I still think I prefer the iPad even for note taking nowadays.

[@stevenhayden9572]

Paper for notes and clearances. Ipad for charts, approach plates and other info.

[@chrisbowpiloto]

Same. But I am really eyeing up the ipad pro with the split screen and apple pencil...

[@rfriesen1644]

Agree completely.

[@JoseRivera-lt2cc]

Combo paper iPad as you for all same reasons.

[@Liam-gv6ld]

Wow stef, you are almost at 45 k subs, I remember when you hit 15k. And it seems like yesterday, keep up the good work.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Liam, the growth has been amazing. Very humbling to be part of a community like this, thanks for being there from the early days.

[@Mike_Costello]

and 8 months later it's 65.4K The plane will pay for itself in no time!! 😁

[@Clayw21]

Why not use foreflight ATIS chart? It lays it out all there

[@Tommychenjr]

always bring backup charts

[@andrewchace1194]

Which app did he use on the iPad to take the notes?

[@TheKingFlyer04]

Paper all the way!! ✅✈️

[@yan4174]

Definitely pencil and paper for me. iPad will make it hard to write stuff while flying in the bumpy air because hard and smooth screen surface often lack the butter and friction, which makes it harder to control the styler and always write bigger characters and thus taking up more space on the screen.

[@ashsmitty2244]

Another Quick question. Ru going to Narromine?

[@MilanDisljenkovic]

Hello Stefan, what knee board are you using? Thanks

[@g8rdozer1]

Good review. I’m looking to get an iPad for flying as well as personal. Personal use aside from flying, size doesn’t matter much. So the deciding factor for my purchase, “Which ipad is best for flying?” What is most preferred by experienced pilots and why? A mini or a larger one like the new iPad Pro 11? My former CFI told me he likes the smaller ones like a mini because it’s less to get in the way in the tight cockpits. Thanks!!

[@gersongerson92]

Which one did you end up getting

[@marcel-koks]

I started using the apple pencil on an iPad mini5. The writing experience is awesome.

[@StefanDrury]

Quite a few comments suggesting this, I think I have to bite the bullet and give it a try.

[@marcel-koks]

It was my nr1 reason for getting it. But the performance increase serves AVplan quite well too. And you’ll have a great backup with the 4. 😉

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah all good reasons, dammit Marcel now I have to go to the shops...

[@marcel-koks]

My sincere apologies. NOT. 😬 New gadget+weekend=+1

[@mwilliams2101]

Hey Stef, i tend to agree. I like a printed copy of my flight plan/log which I use to copy ATIS and clearances, however the iPad really is helpful when ATC spring you unexpectedly with a clearance requirement or limit etc which I often find I tap to the scribble pad on the iPad as that’s quicker than finding my pen- for that though, agree with the comments below- Apple Pencil changed my entire iPad experience.

[@topofthegreen]

Paper and an E6B are better, they don’t overheat and shut down.

[@regsice1478]

Do you actually own EYZ

[@seanmcerlean]

paper everytime Stefan for exactly the resaons you give.Tablets/ipads are fine for an efb and other manuals etc but for writing the ATIS and clearances,you cannot beat pen & paper

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

What was that green FOD at 0.57 could it have posed a danger.........obviously it didn't. Still in training and only use paper, probably will continue in near future, I guess one isn't wrong and the other not right, go with what works for you.

[@AustNRail]

Ozrunways for my electric flight books and paper for notes.

[@donjohnston3776]

Get an Aviation 101 paper pad. Curious as to why your Ipad isn't mounted like your peer KZbin aviators with Foreflight. Lastly, surprised to see a guy of your size, stature & strength needing motorized assistance to get the plane out of the hanger?

[@Harryt27a]

I currently use paper, but I would certainly like to try an active stylus for use on an iPad, just to test it out if nothing else. The overheating doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem here in the UK... 😀 good video!

[@StefanDrury]

Haha, one of the benefits of flying in the UK :) Don't worry, we get some pretty cold mornings here in SE Australia too. Thanks for watching Harry.

[@kcpstudio]

Apple Pencil is just as precise as a pen. I use it foreflight and I love it. I’m surprised Stylus pens are still around.

[@TheAviationChannel]

Awesome video

[@Simon-wc2ne]

Hi Stefan, thx for your great vids! I saw you upgraded to two GTN650s in EYZ... Would be fantastic to see what kind of benefits that brings comparing to the old 430s and how they interact with the Avidyne Flightdeck and the Autopilot... I only know to the G1000 ;) Thanks!

[@danielmills-thysen9807]

100% iPad VFR, paper for IFR when copying stuff. Just so much faster as you said.

[@welive2dive]

I use iPad Pro with Apple Pencil. Works just like paper. Hand is rejected, so you can rest your hand on the screen just like it was paper. You can write just as small and neat. Pencil is magnetic, so it is always there. Infinite paper and ink.

[@464RJ]

Clever !!

[@mjotd8670]

OK, so it basically boils down between eye-pad or knee-pad? right?

[@StefanDrury]

Legpad.

[@StefanDrury]

Legpad.

[@emilywellington6092]

Do you ever use for shoal ifr reporting going into morrabin?

[@StefanDrury]

Without a chart in front of me I'm not sure where that waypoint is, but if coming from the West over the bay I'll use Bay West VFR point if visual, or just give them X miles to the West, or in via MMBSA on the RNAV. Depends on the conditions.

[@emilywellington6092]

@@StefanDrury sorry Stefan, that I've reporting point is or was off point almond

[@cirruscapo]

Yeah... Stef... The iPad is only messy when you don't use the Apple Pen, instead of that, whatever... But with that said, I use both, but I do use the iPad more than the pencil and paper...