The 10 Best Pilot Kneeboards for an Organized Cockpit in 2024

Kneeboards have always been an essential part of a pilot’s gear in the cockpit. They not only help organize your charts, notes, nav logs en checklists, they also make it easy to consult them in-flight.

Whether you are looking for a simple kneeboard for a single checklist, want to organize your approach plates or need to mount an iPad on your lap, there are many options out there today. We hope this guide can point you in the right direction!

What to Consider When Buying a Pilot Kneeboard in 2024

Before diving into the best pilot kneeboards, it’s important to look at some important things to consider.

First of all, think about what you need. It might seem like a simple question, but before you can start comparing kneeboards, you first need to know what your needs are.

Are you looking for a simple kneeboard that will hold your checklists, or do you need additional pockets to hold charts?

Are you flying with an iPad (Mini) or another tablet? Then you might want to look at a pilot kneeboard that can easily hold your iPad for more convenient use. Later in this guide, we’ll mention some great options for iPad pilot kneeboards.

Also, some kneeboards include a convenient clipboard with some helpful information, such as emergency codes, flight plan filing tips and key memory aids for different situations.

The Best Pilot Kneeboards in 2024

If you don’t use an iPad/tablet for flying or prefer mounting it on the windshield or yoke, you might only need a standard kneeboard to organize your checklists, charts and notepad.

1. ASA KB-1 VFR Kneeboard

This durable brushed aluminum kneeboard is a great way to organize your flight data, providing a strong surface for inflight note taking as well as quick access to important VFR information in the form of a permanent placard.

2. ASA KB-3 VFR Trifold Kneeboard

For the pilot who needs to carry more, this folding kneeboard provides maximum storage space, encourages cockpit organization, and serves as the pilot’s desk during flight.

The kneeboard is 6-1/2″ wide x 9-1/2″ high.

This is the kneeboard I have personally used throughout all my flight training and will continue to use in the future!

3. Flyboys F-16 Viper IFR/VFR Pilot Kneeboard

A great kneeboard featuring seven eyelets for securing checklists, plastic checklist pages or your in-flight guide.

Combat tested in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom…everywhere US airpower rules the skies. Not to mention thousands of hours of daily high-g training sorties – stacked with low-level maps, lineup cards, attack cards, target photos…you get the picture… These kneeboards are so useful that you will want one for each leg!

4. DESIGN 4 PILOTS Professional Aviation Kneeboard

A quality kneeboard by DESIGN 4 PILOTS, in half-letter size 8.5 x 5.5 in. Large, elastic thigh strap with velcro and double anti-slip pads on the back, clipboard & penholder (elastic) on top.
Inside is a ring binder type clear view pockets chart organizers for six plates or checklist; credit card-sized slots. Opens to the left.

The Best iPad Mini Kneeboards for Pilots in 2024

An iPad Mini or other small tablet offers a powerful tool with a smaller screen that fits easily on your lap without distracting you. These are some of the best pilot kneeboards for use with an iPad Mini.

1. MyClipKneeboard – Simplest Tablet Kneeboard

This updated design works with all tablets and phones from 3 inches (7.5cm) to 12 inches (30cm). A great way to use your Phablet or Tablet in the cockpit without worrying about its security. Our new design allows the plastic clips to be adjusted to accommodate may different size tablets and phablets. Clips can hold a Galaxy Note in portrait mode all the way up to a full-size iPad in the landscape mode. With this kind of versatility upgrading your tablet will not require a change of kneeboard.

2. AppStrap Pilot Kneeboard for iPad mini

The AppStrap Mini is designed around a form-fitting gel case that has a Velcro strip on the back for attachment of the leg strap. It uses the same hand-sewn leg strap as the AppStrap iPad kits and includes 1 Tilt Pad for angled-up viewing.

3. MyGoFlight Folio C Universal iPad Mini Kneeboard Case

The iPad Mini Universal Kneeboard Folio C (including clipboard) is the perfect high-quality leather, rotating aviation kneeboard, lapboard and everyday case for your iPad Mini 1/2/3/4, and all other 7-8″ tablets. Now you can bring any 7-8″ iPad/Tablet with you into the cockpit of any airplane, train, car or truck where it can be held secure on your knee and lap. High quality, rich leather wraps the outside while soft and protective micro-fiber material lines the inside. The iPad/Tablet is held by four adjustable clips that are attached to a rotating cradle. All of the ports and controls remain accessible so the iPad/Tablet can be charged, synced and controlled when it is in its case.

The Best iPad Kneeboards for Pilots in 2024

If you prefer a bigger screen, the larger iPads might be a better option for you. Here are a few options to mount your iPad Air or other larger tablets on your lap.

1. Flight Outfitters iPad Kneeboard

The Flight Outfitters iPad Kneeboards take cockpit organization to a whole new level. Loaded with innovative, pilot-friendly features, these kneeboards provide a sturdy mounting bracket for an iPad. Updated design uses expandable loops to securely hold the corners of the iPad to the bracket. This allows you to keep your iPad in your case instead of removing it for every flight.

2. Tikteck 9.7 inch Tablet and ipad Pilot Kneeboard

A multitasking kneeboard, binder and versatile cover that is functional, durable, and stylish. Tikteck’s iPad Kneeboard is the ideal accessory for your favorite cockpit companion. This professional portfolio protects your iPad in flight and on the ground.

Fits iPad 9.7 inch. Does not fit iPad mini.

3. MYGOFLIGHT iPad Pro 11” Polycarbonate Pilot Kneeboard

The versatility and flexibility of the MYGOFLIGHT iPad Pro 11” Polycarbonate Pilot Kneeboard and mountable cases is unmatched. When used with the included and removable wide Velcro knee strap, the two aluminum rails on the underside of the case hold it securely and comfortably to your leg providing a stable mount and one-handed operation.

Tip: make sure to read our dedicated guide on flying with an Ipad as well:

Conclusion

Pilot kneeboards come in many different sizes, styles and features. They can be a very handy tool in the cockpit to help organize your charts, checklists and other documents. Depending on your specific needs, one type of kneeboard may be a better fit, especially if you have specific needs such as mounting an iPad.

Make sure to compare the different models and always look at reviews from fellow pilots, they are a great indicator of the quality and convenience of the kneeboard.

Good luck!