Overheating of mobile electronic devices, such as a phone, iPad/Tablet, etc., is caused by the circuits getting to hot if the device is exposed to high outside temperatures over a long period of time. Overheating can or may cause fire, damage to the aircraft or injury to yourself. In most cases, overheating of the electronics and avionics in General Aviation (GA) aircraft is unavoidable.

 

Scenario:

It is the middle of summer and you just landed at Scottsdale, AZ (KSDL) to visit some friends and have lunch. The outside air temperature (OAT) is 45.5⁰C. The Garmin 430 is installed in the airplane you flying for that day. You are also using an iPad or Tablet with either ForeFlight or any other mobile aviation navigation app. It is late afternoon and you are ready to fly home. You notice your iPad has a message saying, “iPad needs to cool down before you can use it”. A few minutes after departure the aircraft's Garmin 430 screen has lines, and is blacking out, do to overheating.

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Environment:

• Outside air temperature (OAT) is 45.5⁰C.

 

What should you do?

 

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Tip:

If you are using a mobile device, such as an iPad, Tablet, etc. Do Not forget to take it with you inside the FBO or store it in a cool place, preferably not in the airplane.