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Aviation Mounts: iPad, Kneeboard & Phone Guides

Aviation mounts serve two very different audiences. Pilots need secure mounting systems for iPads, electronic flight bags, and other cockpit equipment. Airline passengers need compact phone and tablet holders for watching movies, reading, or working during a flight. MountGuys covers both, with mounting guides focused on choosing compatible hardware and finding practical attachment locations.

Aviation mounts for pilots and airline passengers showing cockpit iPad and kneeboard mounts alongside an airplane seatback phone holder

From yoke-mounted iPads and aviation kneeboards to Starlink Mini installations and airline tray-table holders, the correct mounting method depends on the device and where it will be used. This hub brings our aviation mounting articles together so you can find the guide that matches your needs.

Start Here: Pilots should begin with the Aviation iPad Mounts or Aviation Kneeboards guides. Airline passengers can jump directly to our Airplane Phone and Tablet Mounts comparison. The links below take you to the individual guides.

Aviation Mount Guides at a Glance

Choose your mounting application below. Each guide covers the relevant products, device compatibility, and practical mounting considerations.

Application Best For Guide
Cockpit iPad mounts Private pilots using electronic flight bags Best Aviation iPad Mounts
Aviation kneeboards iPad Mini, full-size tablets, paper charts Best Aviation Kneeboards
Starlink Mini in airplanes General aviation satellite internet Starlink Mini Airplane Guide
Passenger phone and tablet mounts Airline tray tables and seatbacks Airplane Phone and Tablet Mounts
Flight Flap travel holder Hands-free in-flight entertainment Flight Flap Review

Pilot and Cockpit Mounts

Small aircraft have limited room for additional electronics. A mounting system needs to keep equipment accessible without interfering with flight controls, blocking instruments, or obstructing the pilot’s outside view. Our pilot mounting guides cover portable equipment and explain the fitment considerations associated with different cockpit layouts.

Aviation iPad Mounts

An iPad running ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or another electronic flight bag application needs a secure, accessible position. Yoke mounts can place the display near the pilot’s instrument scan, while suction systems offer different positioning possibilities when a suitable window or mounting surface is available.

Our guide compares RAM and FlightPro mounting systems, including options for iPad Mini, compatible full-size iPads, and smartphones. It also explains clamp sizing, adjustable arms, tablet retention, cockpit cooling, and control clearance.

Read the Aviation iPad Mount Guide

Aviation Kneeboards for Pilots

A kneeboard keeps notes, charts, or a tablet on the pilot’s leg instead of attaching equipment to the aircraft. Traditional aluminum clipboards remain useful for written clearances and flight logs, while newer versions offer dedicated iPad Mini holders, rotating tablet folios, and folding organizers.

Our aviation kneeboard guide compares six products from ASA, Flight Outfitters, MYGOFLIGHT, and FlightPro. It covers traditional VFR kneeboards, tri-fold designs, full-size tablet holders, and hybrid mounting systems, along with leg strap comfort and tablet retention.

Read the Aviation Kneeboard Guide

Starlink Mini in an Airplane

Starlink Mini introduces a different mounting problem. Its satellite antenna needs a usable view of the sky while remaining securely positioned inside the aircraft. Window construction, fuselage obstructions, electrical power, and cable routing all affect the setup.

Our Starlink airplane guide examines the FlightPro dual-suction Mini mount, the Ennzia E100 portable battery, interior cabin window locations, and aviation service requirements. It also explains Starlink’s portable equipment guidance and the distinction between cabin-mounted equipment and certified aircraft installations.

As of October 2026, Starlink’s guidance describes portable Mini use inside certain smaller general aviation aircraft, subject to applicable requirements. This arrangement is not FAA-certified or approved, and aircraft operators remain responsible for determining whether it is appropriate for their operation.

Read the Starlink Airplane Guide

Airline Passenger Phone and Tablet Mounts

Airline passengers generally want a compact holder for entertainment, reading, or working during a flight. Tray-table stands, adjustable clips, and folding holders are common choices. Unlike cockpit mounting equipment, these accessories are designed for temporary use with airline seating and should be easy to pack in a carry-on bag.

Best Airplane Phone and Tablet Mounts

Our passenger mounting guide compares compact travel holders, including Flight Flap, LISEN, iOttie Treker, and flexible Lamicall options. It explains the differences between folding stands, adjustable clamps, and other mounting designs for phones and tablets.

The right choice depends on the device’s size and the available support surface. Some holders sit directly on a tray table, while others attach to compatible seat components. Airline seat designs vary, and passengers must follow crew instructions regarding equipment placement and stowage.

Read the Passenger Mount Guide

Flight Flap Phone and Tablet Holder Review

Flight Flap is a folding travel holder with a bendable aluminum core and foam exterior. Instead of using suction cups or mechanical clamps, it can be shaped into a stand that supports a compatible phone or tablet on an airline tray table.

Our dedicated review explains the original Flight Flap and larger XL version, including the types of devices they accommodate and how the folding design compares with conventional travel mounts. It’s a useful companion to the broader airplane passenger mount guide for travelers considering Flight Flap specifically.

Read the Flight Flap Review

How to Choose the Right Aviation Mount

Start by identifying the intended application. A passenger tray-table holder is designed for a different environment than a cockpit yoke mount, and a kneeboard solves a different problem from a suction-mounted iPad cradle.

Device compatibility: Match the holder to the actual phone, tablet, or equipment dimensions, including any protective case. Larger devices require more space and may place greater loads on adjustable arms and attachment points.

Mounting location: Yoke clamps attach to compatible control shafts, suction mounts require appropriate smooth surfaces, and kneeboards rely on leg straps. Airline travel holders typically use tray tables or other permitted support surfaces. Select the location before choosing the hardware.

Clearance and retention: Pilot equipment must remain clear of flight controls, instruments, and required outside visibility. Passenger equipment should not interfere with seat operation, safety equipment, or crew instructions.

Power and cables: Electronic flight bags and satellite equipment may need external power. Portable batteries and cables should be positioned securely and kept away from aircraft controls.

Aviation Safety Note: MountGuys provides product compatibility and mounting hardware information, not aircraft installation approval or aviation compliance certification. Pilots should follow applicable aircraft documentation and consult qualified aviation personnel when a mounting arrangement could affect aircraft systems or operation.