Use of Electronic Flight Bags
Electronic flight bags provide charts, weather, planning, performance, and reference information for safer and more efficient flight operations.
Introduction to Use of Electronic Flight Bags
- Electronic Flight Bags systems may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots typically carry in the flight deck
- Test your understanding of Use of Electronic Flight Bags by completing the knowledge quiz, applying your knowledge in the interactive scenario, comparing your performance against the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and concluding with the topic summary to reinforce the key concepts before moving on to the next lesson.
Use of Electronic Flight Bags Key Highlights
- Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) provide digital access to charts, flight planning tools, weather information, manuals, and operational resources.
- EFBs improve cockpit efficiency by reducing paper document requirements and integrating aviation data into portable electronic devices.
- Pilots commonly use EFB applications for navigation, performance calculations, weight and balance, and situational awareness.
- Proper EFB setup includes verifying battery status, software functionality, database currency, and backup availability before flight.
- Pilots should understand EFB limitations, failure procedures, and operational dependencies during all phases of flight.
- Cockpit distraction and heads-down time can increase if EFB use is not managed properly during high-workload situations.
- FAA guidance supports EFB use when devices and applications meet operational and regulatory requirements.
- Backup navigation methods and redundant information sources remain important during EFB malfunctions or device failures.
- Pilots should secure portable EFB devices appropriately to prevent interference with aircraft controls or emergency operations.
- Understanding EFB use improves flight planning efficiency, situational awareness, and overall flight safety.
Definitions
- Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). An electronic display system intended primarily for flight deck or cabin use. A portable or installed EFB can display a variety of traditional paper information (e.g., checklists, aeronautical charts, and pilot's operating handbooks (POH)) and/or complete algorithmic functions (e.g., deice holdover times, Weight and Balance (W&B), performance, and fuel calculations). The scope of the EFB system functionality may also include various other hosted databases and applications. Physical EFB displays may be portable, attached to a mounting device, or built into the aircraft
- Portable Electronic Device (PED). These devices are typically consumer commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic devices functionally capable of communications, data processing, and/or utility (refer to the PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Report, September 2013). Compliance with PED regulations is further explained in AC 91.21-1. The use of any PED in an aircraft is subject to compliance with PED regulations (§ 91.21) and must be evaluated by the user or operator prior to use to ensure the PED will not interfere in any way with the operation of aircraft. The definition of a PED includes Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (T-PED)
Use of Electronic Flight Bags
- Electronic Flight Bags, or EFB, systems may be used in conjunction with, or to replace, the paper reference material that pilots typically carry in the flight deck
- EFBs can electronically store and retrieve information required for flight operations, such as the POH and supplements, minimum equipment lists (MEL), W&B calculations, aeronautical charts, and terminal procedures
- EFB systems are being developed to support functions during all phases of flight operations
- EFBs can be used during all phases of flight operations in lieu of paper reference material when the information displayed meets the following criteria:
- The EFB system does not replace any system or equipment (e.g., navigation, communication, or surveillance system) that is required by part 91.
- The EFB system on board the aircraft displays only information which is functionally equivalent to the paper reference material which the information is replacing or is substituted for.
- The interactive or precomposed information being used for navigation or performance planning is current, up to date, and valid, as verified by the pilot.
- The operator complies with requirements of § 91.21 to ensure that the use of the EFB does not interfere with equipment or systems required for flight.
- The in-flight use of EFB systems to depict images in lieu of paper reference material is the decision of the aircraft operator and the pilot in command (PIC).
- Any Type A or Type B EFB application, as defined in AC 120-76, may be substituted for the paper equivalent.
- It requires no formal operational approval as long as the guidelines of this AC are followed.
Electronic Flight Bag Operating Considerations
- The operator ensures the following for carriage and acceptable use of specific EFBs:
- Portable EFBs:
- Not dependent upon a dedicated aircraft power source or input from navigation equipment to provide display functionality, although they may connect to aircraft power through a certificated power source;
- Not attached to an aircraft mounting device; and.
- Not connected with or receiving data from any aircraft system.
- Installed EFBs.
- Receive power from the aircraft that is derived from an electrical bus source protected against short circuits with an appropriately rated circuit breaker or fuse;
- Receive position reference from an onboard navigation system, provided such input is designed and integrated in such a manner as to not adversely affect the output of the navigation source to which they are connected; and.
- Be attached to a mounting device provided that such device is approved for installation into the aircraft (e.g., if intended for installation into a type-certificated aircraft, then such mounting device must meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 21, § 21.303).
- Portable EFBs:
Electronic Flight Bag Implementation
- Assessments. The operator should carry out an assessment of the human-machine interface and aspects governing Crew Resource Management (CRM) when using the EFB. General considerations for the assessment include workload, integration of the EFB into the flight deck, display and lighting issues, system shutdown, and system failures. Attention must be given to the physical EFB. Some items to consider are placement issues such as stowage during takeoff or landing, and the operation of an unsecured EFB. Use of the controls and input devices may become more demanding in flight
- Training. Training should include preflight checks of the system, the use of each operational function on the EFB, the conditions (including phases of flight) under which the EFB should not be used (if applicable), and procedures for cross-checking data entry and computed information
- Security Procedures. Refer to AC 120-76, paragraph 12.5, for information on EFB security
Avionics and Electronic Flight Bag Tools
- Some avionics and electronic flight bags (EFBs) display estimated glide-range rings using current or entered flight conditions
- Glide rings are estimates, not guarantees, because winds, terrain, aircraft configuration, and performance assumptions affect the actual range
- Set the map range to a conservative glide distance to quickly identify airports and other potential landing areas
- Display terrain during climb and in unfamiliar or low-visibility conditions to improve terrain and obstacle awareness
- Terrain displays supplement other information and do not guarantee obstacle clearance.
Use of Electronic Flight Bags Interactive Scenario
Interactive Scenario
Loading scenario details...
Decision 1
0%
Scenario Complete
Use of Electronic Flight Bags Knowledge Check
Choose the knowledge check that matches your current training for Use of Electronic Flight Bags.
Private Pilot
PPL knowledge check
Core Knowledge Review
Review foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations. Topic: Use of Electronic Flight Bags.
- Immediate feedback
- Answer explanations
- Account progress tracking
Commercial Pilot
CPL knowledge check
Advanced Application
Apply knowledge to advanced operations, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making. Topic: Use of Electronic Flight Bags.
- Immediate feedback
- Answer explanations
- Account progress tracking
Why Take a Quiz?
Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions. Quiz material is representative of the information provided here and is not based on or sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration test bank.
Use of Electronic Flight Bags Conclusion
- Advisory Circular 91-78 provides operational guidance to aircraft owners, operators, and pilots operating aircraft under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 who want to replace required paper information and/or utilize hosted database and software applications as part of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functionality
- Electronic flight bags are options, not requierments, AC 91-78 simply provides an acceptable means, but not the only means, to replace required paper information and/or utilize hosted database and software applications as part of EFB functionality.
- However, if you use the means described in the AC, you must follow it in all important respects.
- AC 91-78 does not supercede any prohibitions specified under 14 CFR Chapter I, Suchapter F
- Refer to AC 20-173, Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components, for complete details for installation of EFB components
- For additional information please contact the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 202-267-1100
- AC 91-78 provides a Feedback Form on the last page.
- Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
- Still looking for something? Continue searching:
Use of Electronic Flight Bags References
- Advisory Circular (91-78) Use of Electronic Flight Bags.
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary.
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.21, Portable Electronic Devices
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.103, Preflight Action
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.503, Flying Equipment and Operating Information
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.1033, Operating Information Required