Gone are the days of wrestling with oversized paper charts that block half the windscreen while trying to fold them along creases that don't exist. The modern cockpit is digital. Whether you’re running ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or WingX Pro, your Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) - usually an iPad or Android tablet - is now mission-critical gear.
But this digital revolution brings a new physical challenge: Where do you put the thing?
A tablet sliding off your lap during turbulence isn't just annoying; it’s a safety hazard. "Heads-down" time spent retrieving a dropped device is time your eyes aren't scanning for traffic. Furthermore, an unsecured tablet is a potential projectile in an emergency situation.
For the modern pilot, situational awareness means having your data exactly where you need it, right when you need it. Let’s look at the mounting landscape and how to professionalize your cockpit setup.
The Mounting Challenge: Balancing View and Access
Every cockpit is different. A Cessna 172 presents different mounting challenges than a Cirrus SR22 or a Piper Cub. The goal is always the same: Find a spot that is easily viewable and reachable without obscuring critical flight instruments or impeding control inputs.
Generally, EFB mounts fall into four categories. Here are the pros and cons of each, and how FlightPro has engineered better solutions for them.
1. The Suction Cup Mount (Side Window)
This is the go-to for renters and pilots who fly multiple aircraft. It’s portable and keeps the tablet in your peripheral vision.
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The Common Problem: Cheap suction cups are notorious for failing at the worst possible moment - usually during climb-out or in choppy air. Many plastic arms also vibrate so intensely that reading the screen becomes impossible.
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The FlightPro Solution: We know that "suction failure" isn't an option at 5,000 feet. Our FlightPro suction bases use industrial-grade vacuum locking mechanisms designed to hold firm against temperature changes and vibration. Coupled with our rigid aluminum arms, your screen stays rock-steady.
2. The Yoke Mount
For many GA pilots, this is the preferred position. It puts the approach plate right in front of you, similar to the traditional instrument scan.
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The Common Problem: Poorly designed yoke mounts can block the view of lower instruments or, worse, restrict the full travel of the yoke during critical maneuvers.
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The FlightPro Solution: Our Yoke Mount series is designed with a low profile and maximum articulation. We use aircraft-grade anodized aluminum to ensure the mount clamps securely to the yoke shaft without slipping, yet can be angled precisely to offer a perfect view without hindering control movement.
3. The Kneeboard Mount
The traditionalist approach. It keeps the glare shield completely clear and is great for smaller cockpits where space is at a premium.
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The Common Problem: It requires significant "heads-down" posture, which can induce vertigo during IFR conditions and takes your eyes far from the window. It can also get in the way of the yoke in certain aircraft types.
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The FlightPro Solution: While we believe heads-up is generally better, we know some pilots prefer the knee pad. FlightPro’s modular system allows you to adapt our cradles to high-quality kneeboard straps, ensuring that if you choose this route, your expensive tablet is securely locked in, not just held by elastic corners.
4. Glare Shield/Dash Mounts
Often preferred by aircraft owners who can make semi-permanent installations, offering a "glass cockpit" feel.
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The Common Problem: Requires drilling or heavy-duty adhesive that can ruin dashboards. Furthermore, tablets mounted high on the dash are susceptible to overheating in direct sunlight, leading to the dreaded "iPad needs to cool down" thermal shutdown mid-flight.
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The FlightPro Solution: Our heavy-duty clamp bases can often be adapted to glare shield lips without drilling. More importantly, our cradles are designed with open backs to maximize airflow and keep your device operating cool.
The FlightPro Difference: Modular, Rugged, Reliable
When we looked at the market, we saw too much plastic that grew brittle in the sun and too many "universal" joints that slipped under G-force.
At FlightPro, we build gear for pilots who demand the same reliability from their accessories as they do from their aircraft engine.
Our ecosystem is built on three principles:
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Aircraft-Grade Materials: We use machined aluminum and stainless steel components, not cheap injection-molded plastic. Our mounts handle flight vibrations without transferring them to your screen.
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Total Modularity: You shouldn't have to buy a whole new system just because you switched planes. FlightPro uses a universal ball-and-socket system. Swap a suction base for a yoke clamp in seconds while using the same device cradle.
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Secure Cradles: Our spring-loaded cradles are designed to hold your tablet firmly - even with a protective case on it - ensuring it never pops out during turbulence.
Secure Your Cockpit Today
Your EFB is an incredible tool that enhances safety and situational awareness. Don't compromise its effectiveness with a sub-par mounting solution.
Stop fumbling with your tech and keep your head in the game.
Browse the full range of FlightPro Mounting Solutions here and find the perfect setup for your aircraft. Fly smart, fly safe, fly secured.
