Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 4500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
While I personally approve of Air Carrier X trying to update its IT and giving pilots iPads and the new Jeppesen Pro program; and I understand that the company would like to rid itself of paper charts over time; I do not think the new Ram mount is a good product. I tried several different ways to mount the device and could not find any position it did not interfere with something. First; when it is on the window; not only does it interfere with visibility; but it interferes with the possible need to open the window and the release handle. When the mount is placed on the preferred location on the cabinet door of the storage box; it either interferes with that same handle for the window; the crank for that window; the yoke; or it hits your knee. I feel it is a very unsafe device and should not be used. Under a perfect situation; it may work. But if you have to get the window open in an emergency; or if you have to react suddenly to control inputs such as an engine failure; I feel that Ram mount would be in the way. It may work with some aircraft; but I do not feel it works well with the B-777. It's a hazard.
B777 Captain expressed concern about the design of the iPad mount; stating it interferes with other components.