I have the same problem with my iPad Air 1. The get around solution I found for this problem was to power off the device, and while powered off I would connect the cable from ipad charger to the ipad.
You have to power the device off when it restarts. That is needed till minimum 50 percent. So it has enough juice to run while connected to your pc.
At that point after checking if it has enough battery, turn the ipad off again and connect it to your pc.
Now the iPad must automatically turn on and this will allow you to sync.
Every time you remove the charging connector. You must repeat these steps.
Maybe it helps you, or other iPad air 1 users. Good luck.