MyGoFlight, one of aviation’s premier providers of exceptional equipment for both inside and outside our aircraft, has developed a new kneeboard with some unique features. I’ve been flying with their products since they started, and their new offering, the SkyFolio, is a great addition to pilots’ flight bags. I’ve used their kneeboard folios before, including the Cool Case, which has a built-in fan to keep the iPad operating in hot environments. The SkyFolio, which comes in two models to accommodate the full and mini-sized Apple iPads, includes several features that are useful not only in flight, but also outside of the aircraft.
The folio secures closed with a magnetic flap, and for those who want to securely strap the kneeboard to their leg in flight, a Velcro strap is included that threads through the back of the device. The MyGoFlight SkyFolio uses elastic clips, which enable it to adjust to several different iPad sizes. The clips are designed not to block any of the ports, which is useful when you also want to charge the tablet while in the folio.
When you want to use paper to take down notes or an ATC clearance, there is an innovative clipboard integrated into the product, complete with an IFR cheat sheet printed on it. The clipboard uses a very slim magnetic catch to hold the paper, and a very cool feature is itself magnetic and removable. I’ve used this feature to remove it from inside my SkyFolio and attach it to the outside — magnetically, or it can be used totally separate from the folio itself.
If you want to change the orientation of the iPad, the mount can be rotated within the folio. I use the SkyFolio fully open when flying the Citation Mustang and the Cessna T206. In the Citations, with the control column, I fold the folio in flight and use the clipboard separately.
Another feature that I find useful is the ability to tilt your iPad – which is very handy when you want to use the SkyFolio outside of the aircraft, for example, in the FBO for your briefing. If you use an Apple Pencil, there is sufficient room for attaching it alongside the iPad.
The size of the folio precludes automatic sleep mode activation when the cover is closed, so you will need to ensure your tablet is in standby before closing the cover for maximum power conservation. The slim magnetic clip on the clipboard prevents any screen damage when you close the folio. I also use the MyGoFlight screen protector on my iPad, which, one time, came in handy when it was outside of the folio and slid across the ramp.
Both versions, for the mini and full-size Apple iPad, are priced at $199, and as with other MyGoFlight products, are available directly from them or through their numerous dealers.
