Even in this age of cockpit electronica, there’s often a need to jot something down, hold open a chart or approach plate, or stow your checklist. Enter the kneeboard, and the reviewers dilemma. Kneeboard needs and preferences vary not only person-to-person, but even aircraft-to-aircraft. So heres the best in class as we see it from several perspectives.
One Pad, One Pen
The core function of a kneeboard is to write stuff down. With strictly that goal in mind, we liked the Classic VFR and Classic IFR kneeboards from Sportys. The only difference between the IFR and VFR models is the “useful” data printed on the metal board itself. Beyond reminding you what the light-gun signals are if you go lost comm, we don’t think that information matters much. Other than that, the two boards are the same.
The price is right at $14.95, and the fit is comfortable. It edges out ASAs basic kneeboard on price ($16.95) and the pen holder. ASAs is a spandex sleeve, where Sportys uses a clip. We liked the clip better as its quicker to use and holds most any size pen, but if you like the sleeve, go with ASA. Both hold half-letter (5.5- by 8.5-inch) pads.
Sportys board has foam anti-slide material on the back, but its superfluous if you use the strap. Our experience with that foam is that it usually wears out and disintegrates over time anyway. The board can hold a pack of approach plates under the clip, but its awkward and tends to make the paper underneath fall out. Youll want a separate holder for a book of plates (see below) or a kneeboard thats a bit more feature-rich to hold a bound book of approach plates.
That kneeboard might be the Flyboys Kneeboard. This design adds a small side section with three pen holders that accept all