With the rapid advancement of technology in the aviation industry, a pilot kneeboard is one of the cockpit essentials that every pilot from a first-time student to a seasoned ATP needs for each flight.
At its most basic, a kneeboard is an organizational system that straps onto your thigh and serves as a readily accessible and highly visible place to organize charts, documents, paperwork and digital devices. Styles vary and your choice of kneeboard will depend on what tools you will be using most in your cockpit.
Today we’ll go over the types of kneeboards on the market and help you narrow down your options so you can feel confident in choosing the best fit for you.
Styles of Pilot Kneeboards
There are two main categories of kneeboards to choose from: standard kneeboards and those that are designed to hold iPads or tablets of various sizes.
Standard Kneeboards
A standard kneeboard is a good basic choice if you are a pilot who mainly flies using charts and doesn’t use an electronic flight bag (EFB). This type of kneeboard usually consists of a rigid clipboard type of device in a fabric sleeve which is secured around your thigh with a Velcro strap. More deluxe models have extra pockets and flaps for storage.
Kneeboards for Electronic Devices
The modern cockpit includes more electronics than ever. To accommodate and integrate these devices, manufacturers now design kneeboards that are made to hold your iPad, tablet, or even your phone. Some of these kneeboards are designed specifically for certain devices while others are adjustable and work with any device within a given size range.
10 Best Pilot Kneeboards
1. MyGoFlight iPad Pro 12.9 Kneeboard Folio C
You can trust the iPad Pro 12.9” Universal Kneeboard Folio C when you take to the sky. This rugged rotating aviation kneeboard and lapboard is crafted with high-quality leather and keeps your 12-13” tablets securely in place. Perfect for student pilots and professional pilots, the four adjustable clips attach to a rotating cradle so your iPad/Tablet can be charged, synced, and controlled in the folio without ever having to leave the cockpit. Bring this folio along for peace of mind wherever you go.
2. ASA VFR Kneeboard
These durable, attractive kneeboards from ASA make cockpit organization a snap. Fabricated from brushed aluminum for impressive strength, these attractive boards feature must-know VFR information silkscreened directly onto the boards. Each kneeboard comes with a 1½" wide elastic leg band with Velcro closure that provides a secure, comfortable fit to any size leg. Its 4¾" metal clip securely fastens papers, charts, and other must-have documents for easy, front-and-center viewing. Also includes a pen/pencil holder. Each kneeboard measures 6½" x 9½". A proven, affordable organizational tool that pilots at all levels will love.
3. Battleboard Kneeboard - Tech Edition - iPad and Tablets
Designed specifically for the modern aviator, the Battleboard Kneeboard Tech Edition is a must-have tool for anyone using an iPad or tablet during flights. Meticulously crafted and expertly tailored, this kneeboard allows for easy access to all buttons, cameras, and charging points thanks to its precise cutouts and ports. Plus, with an integrated kickstand offering multiple viewing angles, you can find the perfect position for optimal visibility.
4. ASA VFR Tri-Fold Kneeboard
You don’t need your IFR rating to benefit from a tri-fold style basic kneeboard. The ASA makes a VFR tri-fold model as well. It has the same organization-friendly design with fabric pockets on the left panel and a clear plastic pouch on the right. The center kneeboard portion has a silkscreen printed clipboard with all your most relevant VFR info in an easy-to-reference cheat sheet format.
5. Flyboys F-16 Viper IFR/VFR Pilot Reversible Kneeboard
Looking for a low-profile, streamlined kneeboard that won’t get in your way? Lucky for you, an F-16 pilot wanted the same thing, so he designed his own kneeboard. This style is narrower than most and fits close to your leg. A row of removable eyelets along the side of the board offer you a way to secure your checklists and in-flight guides.
All the lefties out there know what a struggle it is dealing with gear that is built by and for those who are right handed. Well, prepare to be delighted, because this kneeboard is reversible. That’s right – the clipboard is removable and can be fitted on either side, so no matter how you want to wear your kneeboard, you can adjust it to the right fit.
6. Lift Aviation Navigator T-1 iPad Mini Nylon Kneeboard
Lift Aviation's performance in-flight knee board is made from high strength ballistic nylon that includes a FIDLOCK™ buckle system. Features a removable EVA leg pad and an integrated support system for digital tablets up to the size of an iPad mini.
7. Lift Aviation Navigator L-1 Kneeboard
Lift Aviation's performance in-flight kneeboard is made from premium grade leather and includes a FIDLOCK™ buckle system. Features a removable EVA leg pad and an integrated support system for digital tablets up to the size of an iPad mini.
8. Flight Outfitters iDeck Kneeboard
Pilots deserve a kneeboard that adapts to their needs, not the other way around. That's why Flight Outfitters is proud to introduce the iDeck Kneeboard, the culmination of generations of pilot feedback and our commitment to continuous improvement.
The iDeck Kneeboard represents the fifth iteration of our popular kneeboard design. Flight Outfitters has taken everything pilots loved about previous versions and combined it with the features you requested most. Available in small or large sizes.
9. iPad Universal Kneeboard Folio C by MyGoFlight
Could you see yourself using both the standard and the digital device versions of the kneeboard? Are you torn between them and unsure which one to get? If you plan to use your kneeboard with a full-size iPad or other 9”-11” tablet, you’re in luck. You don’t have to choose.
MyGoFlight has designed a well-thought-out kneeboard that marries the best qualities of both the standard and the digital device styles. Like standard kneeboards, the MyGoFlight Folio C comes with a clipboard which is printed with commonly referenced VFR flight information. However, unlike standard models, the clipboard can be repositioned to the inside cover and used with the built-in stand to convert the kneeboard into a lap desk for your iPad.
The rotating cradle allows you to adjust the viewing angle in 5 degree increments so you can find just the perfect setting.
The Folio C is compatible with all full-size iPads as well as 9”-11” tablets.
10. MyClip Kneeboard for iPad and Tablets
Despite all the most elaborate of devices, sometimes there is something to be said for simplicity of form and function. If you are looking for an easy way to attach just about any electronic device to a kneeboard, then the MyClip is it.
This affordable, adjustable kneeboard consists of clips mounted to a 2” Velcro strap. Instead of being a proprietary choice that only works with a specific model, the clips on the MyClip can be adjusted and sized to fit devices with widths ranging from 3” to 12”.
This gives you the freedom to use the same kneeboard for your phone, your tablet or your iPad.
Final Thoughts
A kneeboard is an invaluable cockpit tool for pilots with all levels of experience. It offers a means of keeping important charts, sheets and information easily accessible throughout the flight.
The sophistication level of your kneeboard is completely scalable. If you aren’t using an electronic device with your kneeboard, you can select a basic minimalist strap-on clipboard style or a tri-fold style with extra storage pouches and pockets.
If you use your iPad, tablet or even a phone as a replacement or supplement to printed sectionals, you will benefit from a kneeboard that is designed to hold your device. Some of these digital device kneeboards are designed for a specific device while others are adjustable and can fit any device within a given diameter range. Consider one of these multi-device options if you have more than one digital device that you would like the ability to use with your kneeboard.
Whichever kneeboard you choose, it will make your flights smoother and will soon be added to your list of essential cockpit accessories.
1 comment
Mark Jones
I was very interested in the Harper Aviation Ultimate Kneeboard. Unfortunately when I click on the link it only went to a list of knee boards for me to have to search thru again. I was never able to find this knee board on your site.