19. Device Requirements

19.1. Software Requirements

The latest version of OzRunways is compatible with devices running iOS/iPadOS 14 (and above). If your device is not running iOS/iPadOS 14 or above you will not be able to get the latest version of OzRunways which includes critical fixes and updates.

To learn how to update your iOS/iPadOS version see this article: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204204

Be aware that if you have a vintage or obsolete iPad, it will say that the software is up to date, even though it is too old to support OzRunways. If you see iOS/iPadOS version 9 or 10 after following the software update instructions, then this is likely to be the case.

If your device does not support iOS/iPadOS 14 or above you will need to obtain one that does. Compared to hardware you install in your aircraft that is expected to last the 20+ year lifetime of the aircraft, iPads are consumer hardware that need to be replaced every so often (e.g. 5 years). The disadvantage is you need to get a new one every now and again, but the advantage is that you can have fast hardware with better battery life, screen brightness, and speed / responsiveness.

19.2. Hardware Requirements

Much of the functionality in OzRunways requires your GPS position and for this reason we recommend choosing a Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad. The GPS is integrated with the cellular chip meaning the Wi-Fi only versions of the iPad do not have GPS.

Note

Hotspotting 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 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 iPhones internet. If you want GPS and the full OzRunways experience it is best to spend the little bit extra and get the Wi-Fi + Cellular version.

While you don’t need to put a SIM card into the iPad for the GPS to work, there are many features in OzRunways that rely on a 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 as mentioned above it won’t give you a GPS position. The best combination is a Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad and a data plan or pre-paid data SIM.