Do I need the 4G/5G ('Wi-Fi + Cellular') version of the iPad I want to buy?
Essentially, yes. OzRunways requires a GPS to see your position on the maps. The GPS is integrated with the cellular (4G/5G) chip, so yes: you should get the Cellular version, even if you never put a SIM card in there, because it has GPS.
** The Wi-Fi-only versions of the iPad do not have GPS. **
NOTE: Hotspot from another iOS device will NOT provide your Wi-Fi-only iPad with a GPS position, except intermittently. Please, do not purchase a Wi-Fi-only device expecting a phone to provide GPS position to the iPad, as this does not work.
If you do choose to purchase a Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad, OzRunways will work but you won't get all the awesome GPS functionality unless you buy an external GPS for around $120. You also won't have access to the internet-driven features unless you mess around connecting the iPad to your iPhone's internet. The best bet if you want GPS and the full OzRunways experience is to just spend a little bit extra and get the 'Wi-Fi + Cellular' version.
What other benefits does a cellular iPad give me?
A lot of the features of OzRunways rely on a cellular data connection. NOTAMs, Met, Radar and Traffic all require a data connection. You can get data via hotspot from an iPhone, but setting that up can be fiddly and it won't give you a GPS position. The best combination is a Cellular model iPad and a data plan or pre-paid data sim.
What Memory Size Do I Need?
OzRunways requires between 5-15GB of storage space depending on what you install for Australia (New Zealand is slightly smaller). So while a 16GB model will get you over the line, we don't recommend a 16GB model as memory management will be a pain. We strongly recommend getting the 32GB model as the absolute minimum, however, it is best to get the biggest storage size your budget allows. Realistically, modern iPads with less than 64GB storage are not a great idea.
Testing shows that OzRunways set up for VFR flight in Australia with only the essential files weighs in at 1.1GB. The files downloaded in this configuration are the Hybrid VFR Chart (WAC, VNC, VTC, Inset combined), ERSA, PCA, AIP SUP, AIC, and AIP.
An IFR setup, consisting of all ERC and TAC charts, DAPS, CAR, CAA, and CASRs plus the previously mentioned VFR items come to a total of 1.8GB. Again, adding things like terrain files and Street Address Search will grow the app substantially.
The app will grow in storage size as routes, saved tracks and aircraft profiles are added. If you are a storage-sensitive OzRunways user, it is best to plan to delete and reinstall the app every 6 or 12 months to coincide with the ASA map changeovers. This will delete all the saved information ensure your app stays lean and minimise memory usage. Remember to back up any files you wish to keep before deleting the app!
Note: Files such as street address search, terrain files, open street maps, WACs, ASA Safety Documents etc all take up a lot of space (which is where the 5-15GB size band comes from) The ultimate size of your OzRWY install will depend on what you download, what you save and how you maintain your install.
Do I need a SIM card for my 4G/5G Cellular iPad?
No, the GPS will work without one on a cellular model (Remember: NO GPS in Wi-Fi only iPads!!!).
But - we strongly recommend getting a sim card as you'll have access to data on-demand if you forget to download the maps at home during an amendment. Also, your GPS fix will be quicker as it uses Assisted-GPS to help get a faster fix (it's still a real GPS...just works better!).
Having a Sim-card also enables you to use your iPad for email & weather.
We recommend the Telstra network for flying in Australia due to the awesome coverage (we have no affiliation with Telstra). Participation in the traffic network (which requires a data connection) allows friends and family to track you whilst you fly. Traffic provides a level of safety too in the unlikely event you have a mishap; it might help SAR agencies find you quicker.
Alternatively, if you do not have a sim card, you can "tether" your iPad to your iPhone via Wi-Fi. You need to enable the Personal Hotspot in settings on the iPhone and join the network on your iPad. This chews through the iPhone's battery, so make sure it is connected to the ship's power and again, tethering via a hotspot will not give you a GPS position! Traffic and weather will still work using this method, but it isn't the easiest or most convenient solution.
Which model iPad should I buy?
In a sentence, the most recently released iPad model is the best.
Apple uses a sales technique called 'planned obsolescence'. This involves ceasing operating system support for hardware models after a period of time, which effectively forces users into upgrading their hardware if they wish to take advantage of new software features.
OzRunways is unfortunately susceptible to the Apple methodology of planned obsolescence; to keep the app up to date requires us to update the app whenever a new operating system is released. This creates the problem of OzRunways having to maintain separate versions of the app for different versions of the operating system: due to changes Apple makes to the code system in each new iOS, it is impossible to make the app indefinitely backwards compatible.
The result is that the latest version of OzRunways (v13) supports the latest versions of iOS. Currently, this is iOS/iPadOS 16 and above. Whilst there is no further development for iOS 15 or below, if you have the OzRunways v12 app it will continue to work but you will be unable to receive any further app updates. Users running older versions of iOS may experience problems and it is important to note that older versions of iOS are not supported by OzRunways.
If you are looking for a new device it is best to purchase the latest possible version of iPad you can afford to ensure the longest life. We do not recommend second-hand iPad mini 5 or older iPad Air models. Older devices will also struggle to render the app nicely with all the features enabled, such as weather radar.
New iPad Options
Here are our thoughts on the 7.9" mini iPads, and the 8.3""/11"/13" sized iPads. There may be more later options released than in this list; if so, they are probably slightly better versions than the below (always try to get the latest device):
iPad mini 7 (Cellular) - The new iPad mini 7, released in late 2024, is the latest model in the iPad mini line. Apple's price as of April 2025 is AUD 1049 (cellular 128GB). This is the go-to device for a small iPad solution. These iPads are small, A5-sized devices. Easy to transport, but smaller maps & ERSA due to smaller screen size. Lots of people prefer them due to their portability, but make sure the screen size suits your needs (these are the smallest screens CASA will approve if you are an AOC holder).
iPad Pro (Cellular) The most awesome iPad ever. The 13" is too large for the cockpit, but the new 11" Pro can work for you if you prefer the 'bigger' sized device. About half of our subscribers prefer this model due to the bigger screen size. The Pro is extremely fast and features the most readable screen in bright sunlight. The larger 13" device is great if you need an OzRunways install for the crew room, classroom or Operations Desk.
A 256GB 11" iPad Pro Cellular is $1,699 (as of April 2025)
iPad Air (Cellular) In terms of hardware the iPad Air sits between the iPad Pro and the plain "iPad". 128GB iPad Air Cellular is $1,249 (as of April 2025)
iPad (Cellular) This is a solid device for running OzRunways. This iPad is perfect for most budgets and starts at a decent price for the 128GB model ($849 as of April 2025).
Second-Hand Devices Second-hand tablets can be great value, but you need to know what you are getting first. The 'older' model devices which do not run iOS 16 or above are not worth investing in. It is not recommended to use a second-hand device as a primary EFB, as you might not know its history and that can lead to surprises.
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