B737-900
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 165; Flight Crew Total 2493; Flight Crew Type 1039
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
On the 737-900; the 737 [iPad mount] on Captain side of aircraft interferes with use of the nose wheel steering during taxi and interferes with aircraft controls during flight. When properly installed; the 737 [iPad mount] creates a severe safety hazard during taxi and when manually flying the aircraft in flight. The 737 [iPad mount] as installed on the 737-900ER is too long and physically blocks my arm from reaching and turning the nose wheel steering tiller during taxi. I had to remove the [iPad mount] in order to safely taxi the airplane. In addition; the 737 [iPad mount] when installed also blocks my left arm when trying to operate the yoke while manually flying. It completely blocks me from moving the yoke to the right - being able to freely move the yoke to the right is required for me to safely fly the airplane. The [iPad mount] restricts me from inputting any aileron to counter any crosswinds; wind shear; or wake turbulence when hand flying. It is impossible to safely fly the airplane manually when using the [iPad mount] as required by [Company] bulletin. I had to remove the [iPad mount] to manually fly the airplane and land safely. Was a risk assessment and Human Factors assessment completed before certifying the [iPad mount] and installing it on the 737's? Who ensured the 737 [iPad mount] did not interfere with all 737 pilot's use of flight controls? How was the Safety Management System process used to introduce a new piece of equipment on the flight deck that completely restricts me from safely taxiing and flying the airplane? I am broad shoulder with long arms; and the ergonomics of the seat and the limb room in the flight deck does not provide me much free space or room to maneuver. There are many pilots larger and taller than me. The [iPad mount] as currently designed and installed is unsafe and should be removed until a suitable replacement and the proper testing is done to ensure it does not restrict the pilot's use of the flight controls to safely taxi and fly the airplane.
B737-900 Captain stated the side iPad mount in the cockpit was unsafe and interfered with his ability to fly the plane.