MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Human Factors
Upon touchdown this afternoon my iPad/ram mount decided to become airborne and lodge itself under the MD80 rudder pedals. (Gee; I didn't think my landing was THAT bad). Fortunately there was no adverse effects on the landing rollout or in directional control of the airplane. But now I'll need another iPad. I have two suggestions:1) Add an item to the cruise checklist which reminds you to re-secure the ram mount at a high cabin altitude when the suction is weakest. (I've penciled it on my checklist).2) Issue each pilot a 12 inch lanyard with a carabineer clip which can be secured to a part of the aircraft. Then; when both suction cups fail (and this happens fairly frequently) you can save the cost of an iPad replacement and keep the ram mount assembly from becoming a projectile; possibly ending up under the rudder pedals.
MD-80 First Officer experiences his iPad Ram mount losing its suction during landing and falling under the rudder pedals. No problems with aircraft control were encountered but the iPad was damaged. The reporter suggests reattaching the Ram mount at the top of descent for maximum suction during approach.