The Best Kneeboards for Helicopter Pilots 

When I began flight training years ago, kneeboards didn’t seem to be all that common. The first time I had heard about them was just before my solo cross-country flight. Today, they’re much more common. As a flight instructor, I recommend kneeboards very early on. They’re great for holding the start-up checklist hands-free, having paper to write frequencies/manifold pressure limits, and eventually holding your iPad during instrument training. That being said, choosing the right kneeboard can be a challenge. After testing multiple options, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout choices:

• Best non iPad kneeboard: FlyBoys Classic Kneeboard

• Best iPad compatible kneeboard: Lift Aviation Navigator T1 Kneeboard

FlyBoys Classic Kneeboard 

This is a no-nonsense kneeboard that gets the job done without unnecessary bulk, making it a great choice for any helicopter pilot. Although you can use an iPad with this kneeboard, the only ways to attach it are with the clipboard and document retention strap – making it less secure. If you don’t use an iPad (such as student pilots), give this one a look.