Yoke-Mounted Tablets Supporting General Aviation Cockpit Organization
The Modern Cockpit and the Need for Order
When taking to the skies, whether you're a commercial pilot or a weekend wingsmaster, the humble tablet has become an increasingly useful tool in the cockpit. Some use it just for weather updates. Others rely on a tablet as an EFB (electronic flight bag) for everything, using apps like ForeFlight for flight planning, charts and maps, weather, airport information, and more.
Having your tablet safely placed in the cockpit, so it's easily accessible for operation and viewing without distracting or blocking your forward view, is essential. On yoke-equipped airplanes, a yoke-mounted tablet is a practical, pilot-focused solution that keeps the focus on flying.
The Evolution of Cockpit Tools
From Analog to Digital
The shift from paper to digital began around 2010, when major airlines started using the iPad, ditching paper charts and entering a more digital era of flight. This changed the cockpit's internal dynamics, offering cleaner, less cluttered spaces for the pilots to think, plan, and fly.
Since 2015, many global airlines and smaller commercial pilots have fully adopted the reliable iPad, paving the way for a complete digital shift in the cockpit. Utilizing digital tablets offers advantages over paper, such as real-time updates, reduced weight, and improved efficiency.
The New Challenge: Device Management
Aviation tablet mounts introduce an initial problem of device placement. You have to make sure it's secure and safe, easy to operate, and doesn’t distract you or obscure your view. This is especially important because a broken or poorly mounted tablet can pose a high risk to a pilot.
Tablets aren’t always left in the aircraft cockpit, as pilots often carry them about their person for flight planning and other duties. As a result, they need to be easy to install and remove from the tablet holder. ARKON Mounts offers a range of tablet and other device mounting systems suitable for everyday and commercial use, including aviation applications. They have a range of iPad-specific tablet mounts for pilots who favor iPads over other tablet types.
Understanding Yoke-Mounted Tablet Systems
What Is a Yoke Mount?
Aircraft such as the Cessna 182 and the Piper PA-28 Warrior are equipped with yoke controls rather than a central control stick design. A yoke tablet mount, such as the SkyHold iPad Yoke Mount, securely attaches to the plane's cockpit yoke. It usually uses a clamp-type mounting system to securely attach to the yoke's center. It features a C-clamp for mounting to the yoke, an adjustable shaft for customizing the position, and a tablet holder for stabilizing the tablet.
The shaft can be different lengths to match the pilot's preferences and is adjustable at both ends using a ball adapter system. This gives the pilot full control over the tablet's position. Adjustability at every inch of the aviation tablet holder allows the pilot to fine-tune the positioning for perfect in-flight navigation.
Why Pilots Choose Yoke Tablet Mounts
Pilots often prefer yoke-mounted devices over airplane windshield tablet mounts, such as the SkyHoldâ„¢ Windshield Dual Suction Tablet Mount, because they are central and do not obscure the horizon as much. They're easily viewed, central to the pilot, and allow pilots to make quick adjustments and operational updates.
ARKON Mounts offers a range of yoke mounting systems and other aviation mounts that fit and work with airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Their SkyHoldâ„¢ systems offer various mounting options, including yoke mounting, for both tablets and smartphones.
Cockpit Organization Benefits
Having a decluttered cockpit is every pilot's dream. Removing loose items from a pilot's lap or seat can make the difference between a good flight and a great flight, allowing the pilot to fully concentrate on the task ahead rather than spending valuable minutes looking for charts, maps, or even a loose smartphone or tablet.
Having a tablet in a fixed position, whether attached to the yoke or to the windshield, has many advantages. These include:
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Improved cockpit organization: A securely mounted tablet eliminates loose cockpit items, such as charts, maps, and devices, which opens up a cleaner and more structured flying environment.
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Professional setup: Using a functional tablet mount creates a professional flying environment, especially important for training and shared aircraft.
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Workflow efficiency: Faster access to flight plans, weather, charts and maps, connectivity, checklists, and more without having to search around the cockpit.
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Consistent instrument scanning: Integrating the tablet into the cockpit helps maintain a fluid, distraction-free instrument scan.
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Better device protection: In addition to rugged tablet cases, keeping your tablet in a fixed position reduces the risk of damage from knocks, drops, or other mishaps during flight.
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Quicker access to critical data: Navigation apps, airport information, weather, flight plans, and checklists are always located in the same place, reducing the time repositioning or searching for devices.
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Reduced pilot workload: Pilots can focus more on flying than on managing equipment.
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Enhanced situational awareness: When the tablet is properly positioned in the pilot's line of sight, it enables quick glances without leaning or excessive head movement.
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Improved ergonomics: Having the tablet in front and in the pilot's eyeline reduces neck strain from looking down or holding the device on a lap.
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Minimized risk of interference: A cockpit tablet mount keeps the device away from the aircraft's controls and instruments.
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Turbulence safety: A secured iPad or other device in a professional tablet holder is less likely to shift, fall, or become a distraction during turbulence or other unexpected movement.
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Supporting single-pilot operations: For lone pilots who often operate on their own, an uncluttered cockpit is essential for a smooth workflow.
Safety with Aircraft Tablet Holders
Stable tablet mounting is critical for in-flight safety and security. It keeps the tablet from being accidentally dropped or fumbled, and having it yoked or windshield-mounted allows the pilot to glance at and operate the device easily.
It keeps the pilot's attention fully focused on flying, reducing distractions and increasing flying comfort. It keeps the tablet in a solid position during turbulence or poor weather, preventing it from bouncing around the cockpit.
For added security, ARKON Mounts offers lockable tablet holders. LockVise™ tablet holders, such as RoadVise® Clamp Mount with LockVise™ Tablet Holder, feature a metal locking tablet to keep the device safe and protected while flying. For a less cumbersome solution, they're also available in a tough, yet lighter, reinforced composite, such as the LockVise™ Locking Tablet Holder.
Choosing the Right Yoke-Mounted Setup
There are several factors to consider when you choose a yoke tablet mount setup.Â
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Check device fit and compatibility: Make sure your tablet fits the holder. ARKON Mounts offers yoke systems for tablets of various sizes. Be sure the holder accommodates the tablet and its case.Â
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Check the yoke movement range: To ensure safety while flying, move the yoke through its full range of motion (full forward, aft, left, and right) to ensure the tablet in its holder does not strike your legs, the instrument panel, or any other controls.
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Portrait vs landscape: Can the tablet holder be swiveled 360° to match the aircraft's layout, or for pilots who prefer landscape over portrait?
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Build quality and materials: If you're regularly flying, consider using hardwearing, durable metal for the tablet holder and shaft, for a long-lasting yoke device mount.
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Durability, vibration resistance, and long-term reliability: Factor in the fittings and stability options during turbulence or poor weather conditions.
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Ecosystem thinking: If you use multiple tablets, consider adding an additional windshield tablet-mounting system, such as the SkyHoldâ„¢ Windshield Tablet Mount.
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Alternative device types: If the pilot uses a smartphone instead of a tablet, or as a secondary device, ARKON Mount's SkyHoldâ„¢ series has you covered with the SkyHoldâ„¢ Yoke Phone Mount and SkyHoldâ„¢ Yoke Locking Phone Mount systems.
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Different mounting types: If yoke tablet mounting doesn't fit the cockpit's aesthetic or setup, consider windshield suction mounting systems, like the SkyHoldâ„¢ Windshield Dual Suction Tablet Mount, which uses a pair of suction cups for a solid grip.Â
Practical Tips for Better Cockpit Organization
A tidy cockpit is a safe cockpit, so keeping only the necessary equipment at hand and keeping it clutter-free is a plus for any pilot. This involves keeping charging cables and charging blocks securely stored to prevent tangles. Test that all the apps are working and fully updated; you don't want to be 10,000 feet up to find out your weather app needs updating.
Make the tablet installation and positioning part of your pre-flight setup routine, and ensure the tablet mount is securely fastened in the correct position before engine start. Test the tablet holder for movement, then tighten all tightening knobs to ensure the yoke tablet mount is fixed in place. Thoroughly check clearance and visibility, and that none of the aircraft's instruments is obscured by the tablet or its mount.
Alternative Airplane Device Mounting
Not all pilots want the tablet on the yoke; sometimes, they opt for positioning their smartphone there instead. Yoke phone mounts, such as the SkyHoldâ„¢ Yoke Phone Mount, make it easy to attach your phone to the yoke.
If your aircraft doesn't have a yoke and is stick-controlled, then a yoke tablet mount won't work. ARKON Mounts offers a range of cockpit windshield suction-mount options, including the SkyHoldâ„¢ Windshield Dual Suction Tablet Mount, which features a pair of powerful suction cups to keep your tablet safe, even during turbulence and poor weather.
Future Trends in Cockpit Organization
As more technology enters the cockpit, pilots will need robust mounting and specialized solutions. Whether you're a commercial pilot flying every day or a weekend aviator flying for fun, having a solid yoke tablet mounting system is a valuable flying companion that keeps your cockpit organized, your workflow efficient, and your focus exactly where it should be.
ARKON Mounts' SkyHoldâ„¢ Aviation Mounting Systems are specifically designed for pilots and flying duties, offering a range of aircraft-specific device mounting solutions. And if you find a mount that doesn't quite fit your aircraft, you can easily swap in or out other tablet holders, arms, and mounting systems to meet your personal flying requirements.
Ready to upgrade your aircraft tablet mount? Explore ARKON Mounts' range and experience the difference of a secure, professional tablet mounting system that supports you in every flying adventure.
