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Cockpit power that keeps your devices flying with you

A dead iPad on an IFR approach is more than an annoyance, so reliable cockpit power has become standard kit alongside your tablet, GPS, and handheld radio. The right charger depends on whether you want a clean, certified panel install or a portable solution you can move between aircraft. Pilot Mall carries both, from FAA TSO-certified hardwired chargers to plug-in chargers and standalone power banks.

Stratus Power Pro vs Power Max at a glance

Model Ports Install Best for
Appareo Stratus Power Pro Dual USB-A Hardwired panel, FAA TSO-C71, radio-shielded Tablets, GPS units, and phones that charge over USB-A
Appareo Stratus Power Max Dual USB-C, 60W Hardwired panel, FAA TSO-C71, radio-shielded USB-C devices and faster simultaneous charging

Types of cockpit power

There are two ways to power devices in flight. A hardwired panel charger like the Stratus Power Pro or Stratus Power Max installs into the instrument panel and draws from ship's power, giving you permanent, clean charging with no batteries to manage. A plug-in or portable solution like the MyGoFlight Dual Digital USB Charger or the MyGoFlight Dual Digital Power Bank Backup Battery needs no installation and can move between rental aircraft, with the power bank serving as a self-contained backup when ship's power is not available.

Two brands, two approaches

Appareo Stratus builds the hardwired side. Both the Power Pro and Power Max are FAA TSO-C71 certified and shielded to avoid NAV and COM interference, making them the choice for a clean, permanent panel install in an aircraft you own. MyGoFlight covers the portable side, with a plug-in dual charger that shows a real-time voltage readout and a standalone power bank that charges your devices with no wiring at all. Together they cover both owner-flown panels and pilots who fly more than one airplane.

How to choose the right aircraft USB charger

Start with installation. If you own your aircraft and want a permanent, certified solution, a hardwired Stratus charger mounts in the panel and is shielded to keep your radios clean. Renters and pilots who fly several airplanes are usually better served by the plug-in MyGoFlight charger or the power bank, since neither needs wiring. Next, match your ports: choose USB-C for newer tablets and phones, or USB-A for older accessories. Watch total wattage and per-port amperage, because a port at or above 2.4 amps keeps a tablet charging while you actually use it, and the 60W Stratus Power Max has headroom to charge two demanding devices at once. For a deeper comparison, read our Ultimate Guide to Aircraft USB Chargers: Stratus Power Max vs Power Pro.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

  • Aviation only: we sell pilot gear and nothing else, so our team knows panels, plug types, and avionics interference.
  • Trusted for 25-plus years: thousands of pilots rely on Pilot Mall for cockpit equipment.
  • Free U.S. shipping over $100: qualifying orders ship free.
  • Expert guidance: talk to people who fly before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aircraft USB chargers safe to use in the cockpit?

Yes, when you choose a charger designed for aviation. Certified hardwired units like the Appareo Stratus Power Pro and Power Max are shielded to prevent interference with your NAV and COM radios, which is the main safety concern. A portable charger or power bank is also safe as long as it is secured and not left loose where it could jam controls.

What is the difference between the Stratus Power Pro and Power Max?

Both are FAA TSO-C71 certified, radio-shielded, hardwired panel chargers. The Power Pro uses dual USB-A ports, which fit most existing cables and accessories. The Power Max uses dual USB-C ports and delivers 60W, giving you faster charging and the headroom to power two demanding devices like a tablet and a phone at the same time.

Can a USB charger keep an iPad charged during a long flight?

Yes, provided the port supplies enough current. A bright iPad running moving maps draws more power than a phone, so look for a charging port rated at or above 2.4 amps to keep the battery topped up while the screen is in use. The 60W Stratus Power Max has ample output for an iPad and a second device together.

Do I need an FAA TSO-certified charger for a hardwired installation?

A hardwired charger that interfaces with aircraft electrical systems should be installed in accordance with FAA guidance, and a TSO-certified unit like the Stratus Power Pro or Power Max simplifies that conversation with your mechanic. Always have permanent panel installations performed and signed off by a certified technician before you fly.

Should I use a hardwired panel charger or a portable power bank?

Choose a hardwired Stratus charger if you own your aircraft and want a permanent, certified, clean install that draws from ship's power. Choose the MyGoFlight plug-in charger or power bank if you rent, fly several airplanes, or want a backup that needs no wiring and travels with you in your flight bag.

How many watts does an aircraft USB charger need to charge a tablet and phone at once?

For a tablet and a phone together, aim for a charger that can deliver roughly 30W or more total and at least 2.4 amps per port so neither device slows down. The 60W dual USB-C Stratus Power Max is built for exactly this, with enough output to fast-charge two devices simultaneously without throttling.